Any bear stopping ammo suggestions for my Springfield XD .45?

[oldleclercrd]

I carry a Springfield XD .45 while bowhunting for protection. I have a few different rounds that I shoot but wondered if Hornady makes a pointed round or something that would penetrate a bears skin (if needed) better. I know people say a .44 mag is the only way to go or maybe pepper mace, but I like my .45. What do YOU use and do you have any ammo suggestions?

[sebek556]

i carry a xd 45 with a 4" barrel my normal carry mag( for around the house and out and about) has hydroshocks in it, and some maxed out home loaded hornady's for the woods.

[Elk whack master]

.50 bmg ... just kidding!  I carry a springfield 1911 high capacity with para 45 mags so i have 15 rounds to send its way. Then if that doesn't deture it.  I have one more magazine full for it! If is still comming at me, I guess i will have to use my k-bar knife; if i haven't hightailed it out of there by then.  Well thats my bear/predator attack plan. Always good to have a plan! A fmj should do fine at any kind of self defence ranges for penatration. Load up on some hot rounds and do some testing,if you have the means to do so. I'm still wondering myself what the best round would be too.

[sebek556]

the hydro's are designed not to go through walls, so bear skull oh hell no... thats why i have the really hot loaded hornady plus a high cap mag. dont know how many rounds of the 15 it will take to kill a bear but i know if its attacking how many i'm putting in it!

[Swannytheswan]

Maybe call double tap ammuntion and ask them about it they will do custom loads for a reasonable price and they load pretty hot but still within the SAAMI saftey regs.


Maybe something like this...(I don't have a .45 so its just a guess)
http://www.doubletapammo.com/php/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_34&products_id=147

[carpsniperg2]

Look at the pdx line from winchester. I have tested a lot of bullets and they are top of the line. I carry a 40 a lot and 180g pdx is all I run for carry ammo. They would for sure mess up any animal or other critter. I know they make ammo for the 45 as well.

[JimmyHoffa]

I would recommend FMJ as heavy as possible.  Let them penetrate and shatter bones.  I'm not sure the round will push a heavy mushrooming bullet deep enough in a bear...unless it is in the head.

[coyotewallace]

http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=214

[demontang]

PDX1 Ive shot a lot hollow points out of my 45's and Im very impressed with the penetration and expansion of these. As long as your not hunting grizz, I have no doubt the winchester pdx1 will put the hurt to a bear or anything else for that matter. Its what I carry in my XD

[h20hunter]

This is right in my wheelhouse. I have been carrying my XD Tactical in .45 while out and about. Remember the old Winchester Talon...black nosed law enforcement hollow points..well, 13 +1 with those feels pretty good on the hip. I have shot them into bowling pins and think they would put a might sting in a bear.

Also, you may want to look around and see if you can find some 150gr round nose. I used to shoot those on pins as well. I think you would get excellent penetration on a skull/shoulder.

[Bofire]

I cut two 44 mag bullets out of a 250 lb. black bear. 240 grain Winchester soft points fired from about 15 feet. neither penetrated more than 3 inches into the neck muscles. I have extreme doubts about effectiveness of hand gun rounds. 460 rem and 454 are both better than a 44 but are they enough?
I read a penetration test with 45 acp and FMJ bullets that out penetrated a lot of ammo. 48 inches in geletin, is that enough? Bullets have improved dramatically in the last few years, if i was going to shoot a bear with a handgun I'd want a 460 or 454 and solid hardcast bullets, I have no faith in hollow points on animals bigger and tougher than humans, after all humans are total sissies.
Keep in mind the much maligned 30-30 is twice a 44 mag in impact(over rated) and penetration.
I carry a 45 also, in that gun, if I HAD to, I'd use FMJ. a deep 45 hole is better than a shallow 50 cal hole!!
I have also shot deer with a 44 mag carbine and soft points, not impressive at all.
my 2
Carl

[MikeWalking]

http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=214

X5!

[thinkingman]

I have a box of Buffalo Bore 255gr Hardcast +p sitting in my garage...I can't use it in the gun I bought it for.
I'll sell it for what I paid.
PM me if interested.
Hollowpoints on bear?....you must be kidding.

[pianoman9701]

I always carry a life-size poster of Nancy Pelosi and whip it out at the first sign of bear, bigfoot, or cougar attack. They immediately vomit and leave the area expeditiously.

[MikeWalking]

I always carry a life-size poster of Nancy Pelosi and whip it out at the first sign of bear, bigfoot, or cougar attack. The immediately vomit and leave the area expeditiously.

Better not let P.E.T.A. find out...