Bullet choice for 357max on bear

[dasbear]

What bullets would you use on bear out of a 357max 10"bbl?
I've got a load using a Hdy 180 grFP match bullet w/ exposed lead nose (1800FPS) but the jacket is so heavy not sure how it would work on bear. I also have some 200gr FP lead bullets from LBT. I just realized I also have hornady 180 XTP in my cabinet but still not sure which would do the best job.

[dasbear]

Called hornady today and they said the XTP would be first choice but reduce velocity to 1700FPS or It may expand too quickly with under penetration. The tech also said the hornady 180gr. match bullet I have was designed for speeds of 2000FPS and would be ok if I hit bone but may not expand at all resulting in low terminal shock/knockdown power. as for the 200gr GC lead LBT

PW

[JackOfAllTrades]

Heavy and non-expanding would be fine. Smash and blast bone or enter and exit wounds.

I use similar bullets from a .44mag in Sierra's 300gn SP and the 250gn FPJ that is similar to the Hornady bullet with exposed lead that you list. I'd rather have great penetration than premature expansion any time.

-Steve

[PWN Kurt]

Single shot or a revolver?

If I remember correctly that 180 match bullet was for silhouette shooting and isn't going to expand much.  It will behave like a solid.  If it was a revolver, I'd try some of the 200 leadhead hard cast bullets with a gas check.  In a single shot, you might want to play around with some of the .358 rifle bullets designed for the 35 remington, 358 winchester...180-225gn bullets would be interesting.

I'd also look at what's available in a partitioned bullet for handguns.

The 180 XTP I would save for deer loads.

Kurt

[dasbear]

Kurt it is a sigle shot 10" contender and I'm somewhat torn between the two bullets my gut says solid but tech says xtp.

[JackOfAllTrades]

Oh, I was thinking revolver also.. Like a Dan Wesson. (I have one)

From a Contender, Sierra makes what I'd think would be perfect.  There's a 200gn RN SP meant for the 35 Remington and the 35 Whelan. Looks like it's light load is down around 1650fps, so I would think that it's designed to expand but retain weight at that velocity. If I remember right there are guys using that bullet for pistol silloette out to 200m. Looking for a bullet from any of the manufactures like that one would be a swell choice to test on some wet phone books then on a Bear.

Call Sierra. They'll set you right. (call right after lunch 'mountain time')

Nothing wrong with a hard cast bullet either but leading is still an issue at the velocity indicated. Slugging the barrel, then getting sizing equipment and such, if he doesn't already have it.. I'd stick with a jacketted bullet meant for big game.

-Steve

[jdb]

i have 2 thoughts my first and probably in my opinion my best thought is a hard cast solid. but...... one of the new flex tip from hornady might be interesting