Suitable caliber for Grizz

[Bob33]

Bear spray is a more effective solution.

Definately a matter of opinion.  Horsepower for me.

Perhaps although numerous studies have consistently concluded that bear spray is more effective.

[MtnMuley]

Bear spray is a more effective solution.

Definately a matter of opinion.  Horsepower for me.

Perhaps although numerous studies have consistently concluded that bear spray is more effective.

Surely they have.  I totally believe that.  I'd really like to know how many "real-life" situations were involved in these studies.  Were the "test" bears in their natural wild completely unaware...?  Anyhow, I'll quit, but these studies I keep hearing about from this to certain salmon/steelhead studies, are very biased studies that make one to think that everything in print is fact. 

[snowpack]

Bear spray is a more effective solution.

Definately a matter of opinion.  Horsepower for me.

Perhaps although numerous studies have consistently concluded that bear spray is more effective.

Surely they have.  I totally believe that.  I'd really like to know how many "real-life" situations were involved in these studies.  Were the "test" bears in their natural wild completely unaware...?  Anyhow, I'll quit, but these studies I keep hearing about from this to certain salmon/steelhead studies, are very biased studies that make one to think that everything in print is fact. 

The comparison I belive used bear spray (only designated BEAR spray, not pepper or mace) and compared to ALL firearms (not just suitable grizzly calibers).  So, they were comparing the spray effectiveness to that of combined results from .22, .223, .243, 9mm,.30-06, .458, etc.  It also included bears that were wounded and then attacked the hunters walking up to the brush, not just attacks.  It was all incidents involving firearms.  I'd like to see a comparison of adequate guns vs spray.

[Bob33]

http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/are-guns-more-effective-pepper-spray-alaska-bear-attack

http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/research-bear-spray-stops-angry-grizzlies-better-than-guns/article_b0d338b6-7638-11e1-b809-0019bb2963f4.html

Google for more.

[fillthefreezer]

The lightweight is a compromise. Your getting a light gun for sure. But they are limited on how heavy, and powerful of ammo you can run safely. I almost bought the 329PD, but after reading up, I went the Alaskan route shooting +P+ ammo.

is this for real?
i really doubt youre gonna damage the gun running a few hundred hot 300gr loads through it over its life span. its not like its a range pistol shooting 10k rounds...
i have put about 150 305gr buffalo bore through my wifes without a hiccup.

[longrange7mm]

Lightweight 44 mag with 305 gr on one side spray on the other  Most my encounters bears see you smell you our hear you and high tail but theres been a couple that have made me pull the pistol "instinct go for pistol" Most the time the wind is blowing hard enough the spray is useless

[CementFinisher]

yea the 329 would be the pistol id recomend. I like how it shoots. i know guys running full loads and have counts around 3500. I will acknowledge that there are reports on the internet of the cyleder becoming loose, or the lockup failling, however ive never seen it or have known someone that has ran into any problems with one. plenty of people carry 44s up north and the 329pd being so lite makes a great combo

[JLS]

All of the grizzlies I've seen in MT were in the 250-400 pound range.

I've had a close quarters stare down with a big female and yearling.  Spray is my first choice.  A mist of that is not going to kill anyone.  In fact, I'd just plan on getting a dose of it if you have to use it.  However, it has been proven effective.

[Mudman]

SPRAY!  It works all the time.  No attacks when spray is deployed, unless you get ran over.  How can you argue with results?  Guns work but not all the time.  Hitting a target bounding towards you at 35mph in the vitals is no easy task.  If bear is close you have half second to aim and shoot!  If you miss or wound you are really in trouble.  If its a false bluff charge and you shoot he is coming for sure.  Park rangers and many scientist hikers and guides use it for a reason, it works better then guns.

[sakoshooter]

Many of the largest handguns carried as back-up are still nothing compared to the rifle calibers recommended for grizzly. Keep that in mind. Any handgun you own is better than nothing but is still probably smaller than the rilfe you're carrying.
I'd say that bullet composition and weight would make more of a difference than caliber, all things being equal.

[MikeWalking]

Bear spray is a more effective solution.

Definately a matter of opinion.  Horsepower for me.

Perhaps although numerous studies have consistently concluded that bear spray is more effective.

That's true.  Then again how many of the people that relied on guns had the nerve or skill to put rounds where they needed to be. 

[Cap.Silver]

Skip the gun altogether......not gonna save your butt. Just make sure you always hunt with somebody slower and fatter....YOU will be fine.

I wouldn't advertise it like that  D-Rock is taking you hunt, right ? just think for second - is it your personality ,looks or you guys are going to grizzly country ?

[RB]

Cary what ever makes you feel supported. However don't overlook some data about attacks. IMHO I would carry both:

http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/research-bear-spray-stops-angry-grizzlies-better-than-guns/article_b0d338b6-7638-11e1-b809-0019bb2963f4.html

I have hunted in Grizzly country many times and have only seen five all from the boat. All the residents of Alaska I have hunted with carry rifles (.300 win mag or bigger and 12ga with buckshot and slugs) Bear spray in research appears to be better, but then you really have an upset bear. Best part of bear spray (12ga buckshot too) is a bear cannot kill what a bear cannot see.

Take out the eyes and disable it and it can buy you some time. I have fired one warning shot at a Brown Bear and I can honestly say I have never seen anything run away so fast! That thing all but left a road through the brush getting away from us. The others did the same just with our voices. Make a little noise and never surprise a Grizzly! 

[wildmanoutdoors]

The lightweight is a compromise. Your getting a light gun for sure. But they are limited on how heavy, and powerful of ammo you can run safely. I almost bought the 329PD, but after reading up, I went the Alaskan route shooting +P+ ammo.

is this for real?
i really doubt youre gonna damage the gun running a few hundred hot 300gr loads through it over its life span. its not like its a range pistol shooting 10k rounds...
i have put about 150 305gr buffalo bore through my wifes without a hiccup.
[/quote

Read buffalo bullets warnings on the +p+ ammo. Not a smith made rated to withstand its pressure.

[wildweeds]

My buddy who lives in alaska hunts grizz with a .375 H&H,he went Goat hunting on Kodiak and because of the numbers of bears used the 375 on the goat,for just in case there was bear trouble.