Better bear defense. 40 S&W or 357mag?

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qqq1

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I have 2 handguns to carry, a 40 S&W (Sigma) and a 357 (S&W 66-7 4inch). Considering that is what I have to work with which might work out better if I was to run into a bad situation with a bear? Cougars/coyotes/wolves/feral pigs are also possible but I'm more worried about being able to stop a bear. I read that a 180 grain in a 357 might do the trick but also that a few 180's in at least one persons S&W 66 instantly gave it bad end shake. Sure I'd rather mess up the gun and live but it would be nice to keep it good at least when practicing with them. I saw some suggestions for heavy non hollow points because you need a lot of penetration. Another thought is 14 shots vs 6. What's your idea on which gun and what ammo?
 
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I have a Model 66 and am a big fan of the gun, but there is a history of the gun having some problems with higher powered loads. However, if you only fire a limited number not sure how much of an issue that might be. In your OP you failed to mention how long the barrel is on the .357 which would be a significant factor to consider when making a decision.
 
If you're worried about four legged creatures I'd actually say neither. I just sold my 357 mag to get a 44 mag to carry in the woods...

If you're really stuck on those two I'd go with the heaviest .357 mag you can get. Penetration into four legged creatures is even more critical than it is for shooting people.
 
357 MAGNUM for the bears without a doubt instead of a 40S&W. I really dont think a 40 would be a good round but I dont know if you are referring to blackies or grizzlys. If its the latter I would go bigger than 357. Get a 10MM or 44MAG. Personally Id probably get a Delta Elite 10MM on my hip with hard cast loads at HIGH velocity. I would also have an Auto shotgun loaded with 4 Brenneke Slugs and 2 000 Buck Loads, 2 3/4"'s would do the trick. Honestly I would love an AA12 for a bear with some 20 round drums, imagine how awesome that would be for bear defense.
 
Stick with the .357 Magnum.

Federal P357J 180gr Castcore @ 1130 fps delivers 510 ft-lbs.
Winchester's 180gr S357P JHP @ 1180 fps gives out 557 ft-lbs.

Federal's American Eagle pushes the 158gr JSP bullet up to 1240 fps and 539 ft-lbs. It's also easier to find (catalog AE357A or Federal Classic C357E).

The heavier the bullet, the better the odds it'll break or punch through the heavier bones and organs of a bruin. You need penetration to reach his vitals. Never use JHP's designed for self-defense on big critters. They won't penetrate far enough and then you have a wounded animal to deal with. Stick with JSP or solids or ammo designed for hunting.

All this assuming you're talking black bears (Ursus Americanus).
If you're in Brown Bear (Ursus Arctos) territory, step up to the .41 Magnum, .44 Magnum or .454 for "adequate" bear protection.

In country populated with or know to be frequented by Grizzly Bears (Ursus Arctos Horriblis) a good 12-gauge pump with slugs is highly recommended. Myself, I'd prefer a bazooka. :p
 
For bear, I use a 4" .357...

loaded with Federal 180gr Hot cast lead loads. Other that those regular carry is 140gr Hornady XTP.

Any semi-auto cartridge should be FMJ at max velocity YOU can comfortably handle.
 
Use the hottest 180Gr. 357 Magnum load you can get your hands on. Don't shoot these at the range. Only use these rounds for real, if you were to have to defend yourself against a bear or other dangerous game are you really going to worry about causing end-shake in your M-66?
 
.357 w/ hardcast SWC 180 or 200gr. I would hate to have to depend on it though, a .44 is underpowered for a mad brown.
 
The doubletap load is good, but I carry Buffalo Bore .357 Magnum, 180 gr. hard-cast rounds. I think 1375 fps out of a 4" barrel...roughly 750 ft./lbs. Probably close to as good as it gets...but then I fire mine out a Ruger Blackhawk.
 
Thanks everyone. I would like to have a 44mag but between the price of the gun and ammo it's pretty hard to swing. It's not like I'm in the middle of bear hq but I go out alone a lot into unknown woods looking for geocaches and neat places. I live in lower Michigan now but I'm from the UP and I've walked up on few bears. Luckily they all ran away.
 
The Federal Cast Core is a serious pill from your 357 magnum. It can be purchased off the shelf. Check for an article on bear hunting from Foggy Mountain Guide service. The author used 357 mag for years and then had a failure with it and went to 41 mag. It's a good read. If you use a Cast Core or BB heavy slug I don't think you'd have any problem with penetration.
 
A 357 is adequate for bear defense and much more up to the task than the 40. +1 on those Buffalo Bore 180 grain hardcast loads.
 
Between those two, the .357.

But I would add a can of Bear Spray, UDAP or other established brand.....

I used to carry a .44 mag, but carry the Spray now. It's documented effective. Saves weight too. Also have a pistol, but it's not the lug it used to be.
 
Lots of good responses here. I agree with all the previous posts. I would just add - it depends on how big the bear is.

I can't comment on whether the S&W 66 can handle heavy loads. I have a GP-100 357 and I handload it with Beartoothbullets 185 gr. WFN bullets. I'd carry that in most of the lower 48 except for the Rocky Mountains. In griz country, I'd carry at least 44 Mag.

Leave the 40S&W at home.
 
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