Factory Bullet for .357 Magnum Backcountry Load??

[Southern Shooter]

In a Ruger Security-Six .357 Magnum with a 4" barrel, for protection from animals, which FACTORY ammunition would you use while hiking around in the northern Utah and Wyoming mountains?

And, BEFORE all of the "get a bigger caliber" comments start, the Ruger is a gun my daughter traded her S&W 629 .44 Magnum to me for. She handled the recoil just fine. But, she was having a difficult time with the grip size. She is rather petite. And, when she would practice drawing quickly her hands just did not seem to have as secure a grip as she felt comfortable with. The Ruger seems to fit her hand much better.

Thanks

 

[ChaperallCat]

buffalo bore bore 180 grain load 19A, they say it makes 780 footpounds at the muzzle of a 4 inch tube.

otherwise you need tostart looking at the 180 grain hunting loads from federal, corbon, and remington. muzzle energies are a tad lower then buffalo bore, but these should be easier to handle.

 

[jmr40]

Buffalo Bore would be a strong 2nd choice, in fact the only other choice for me. Double Tap makes a 200 Gr bullet that should get about 1200 fps from a 4" barrrel. The BB load shows slightly more energy, but I'd prefer the heavier hardcast bullet if I had to shoot a grizz. I think both would work.

http://www.doubletapammo.com/php/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_27&products_id=337

 

[L_Killkenny]

In reality just about any SD or hunting load from 158gr on up is gonna be OK. BB 180gr load better? Probably. Required? Nope.

 

[reloader28]

Find some cast bullets in 180-200gr range and the biggest meplat you can find.

 

[Buzzcook]

Grizzly haven't been sighted in the Utah/Wyoming border country.
http://wgfd.wyo.gov/web2011/wildlife-1000674.aspx

Get whatever ammo makes you happy and get some bear spray just in case.

 

[Water-Man]

I use Buffalo Bore 180gr. LFN-GC in my GP100.

 

[Jack O'Conner]

Plain but effective 158 grain jacketed hollow tip ammo is quite effective within 40 yards or so.

Jack