Ruger SP101 Bear Round?

[acnewman55]

Just picked up a Ruger SP101 3 1/16" bbl in .357 mag for a sidearm to carry for defense while hunting/backpacking/mushrooming.

I've seen a lot of rounds out there for bear defense, starting around 180 and up to 200 for the .357 mag - though it seems like most folks are recommending them for a 4" barrel on a GP101.  I realize these heavy rounds will be harder to handle in the smaller framed SP101. 

Just wondering if anyone had any experience shooting these heavier rounds from the 3 1/16" barrel, and/or if anyone had a recommendation for a bear defense load in the lighter SP101.   

[superdown]

This is what i carry when bow hunting if i grab the girlfriends j frame. It will sure wake you up at the range  https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=100

[Biggerhammer]

Factory ammo?

Federal "CastCore" or Cor-Bon "Hard Cast" would work fine for you.

[mountainman]

Best defence is staying alert and observant in bear country..

[acnewman55]

Best defence is staying alert and observant in bear country..

good point, i hadn't thought of that.  i WAS planning to romp through the woods blindfolded with earmuffs on.

this time, I'll try very hard to not be attacked by a bear.  then i'll carry the gun as a backup plan in case my efforts fail. 

thank you for the post.

[JackOfAllTrades]

Even a very good hunter can find themselves in an unintentional situation with wild critters once in a while. I've been there.. Done that. I got between a sow and her triple clubs once. An uncomfortable feeling to say the least. Even a bluff charge will scare the label off my fruit of the looms! 44mag was in hand that time. But I too pack a lighter SP101 on occasion. With the shorter barrel you really need to drop in bullet weight as there just isn't enough barrel to finish the powder burnout with the powders used for heavier bullets in longer barrels. A hard cast 147gn - 160gn lead RN or even ball (jacketed round nose), will develop more terminal velocity and have deeper penetration than most SWC or especially HP bullets in 357mag short barrel velocities.  For a bear at close range with what most would term as a slightly under powered handgun/cartridge combination, you're looking for penetration to the boiler room, spine or an ear/eye shot. Under the throat for a neck/spine shot would also be acceptable as a severe deterrent to further aggression. Leave the heavy bullets to longer barrels.
 
Just my 2cents.
 
-Steve

[westsidehntr]

Best defence is staying alert and observant in bear country..

good point, i hadn't thought of that.  i WAS planning to romp through the woods blindfolded with earmuffs on.

this time, I'll try very hard to not be attacked by a bear.  then i'll carry the gun as a backup plan in case my efforts fail. 

thank you for the post.

  Hey watch out your sarcasm is dripping all over everyone!!

[Biggerhammer]

Best defence is staying alert and observant in bear country..

good point, i hadn't thought of that.  i WAS planning to romp through the woods blindfolded with earmuffs on.

this time, I'll try very hard to not be attacked by a bear.  then i'll carry the gun as a backup plan in case my efforts fail. 

thank you for the post.

Ah Hahahahaha!

[actionshooter]

Best defence is staying alert and observant in bear country..

good point, i hadn't thought of that.  i WAS planning to romp through the woods blindfolded with earmuffs on.

this time, I'll try very hard to not be attacked by a bear.  then i'll carry the gun as a backup plan in case my efforts fail. 

thank you for the post.

[carpsniperg2]

A good solid 158+ would be my pick

[mountainman]

Best defence is staying alert and observant in bear country..

good point, i hadn't thought of that.  i WAS planning to romp through the woods blindfolded with earmuffs on.

this time, I'll try very hard to not be attacked by a bear.  then i'll carry the gun as a backup plan in case my efforts fail. 

thank you for the post.

Lol...wasn't meant as a jab to you carrying a handgun..I always do myself.and used it several times in defense. Just pointing out the reality that the odds of needing it are, in reality, very slim. Often, hunters find themselves in less then favorable situations by not being attentive in country that bears inhabit. By your comment, you seem to take it personal, which wasn't my intent. Apology if I offended you.

[Bofire]

  carry your 101 in a pork chop holster. let the bear eat it then start shooting! of course you have to hang on to the pork chop!
Carl

[Biggerhammer]

carry your 101 in a pork chop holster. let the bear eat it then start shooting! of course you have to hang on to the pork chop!
Carl

 

[acnewman55]

Best defence is staying alert and observant in bear country..

good point, i hadn't thought of that.  i WAS planning to romp through the woods blindfolded with earmuffs on.

this time, I'll try very hard to not be attacked by a bear.  then i'll carry the gun as a backup plan in case my efforts fail. 

thank you for the post.

Lol...wasn't meant as a jab to you carrying a handgun..I always do myself.and used it several times in defense. Just pointing out the reality that the odds of needing it are, in reality, very slim. Often, hunters find themselves in less then favorable situations by not being attentive in country that bears inhabit. By your comment, you seem to take it personal, which wasn't my intent. Apology if I offended you.

nah, no offense taken.  it's good advice.  probably not more than a few folks on this entire forum that ever had to use their sidearm in the woods against an aggressive critter. 

at the end of the day, the sidearm helps me sleep better in the woods - doesn't mean you should safely store your food/trash in a tree and take care to prevent attracting bears, just nice to know that you have the "just in case" box checked.

[mountainman]

Agreed..been charged by 2 bears and one cougar. Still here to talk about it..but that is offset by being under 50 yards of litterally hundreds of bears back when I guided for them, so the odds are slim..but yes, sleep better knowing I am prepared as best I can at all times..never go in the woods without a sidearm..