Quick Answer
A .45 Colt or .454 Casull bullet is the best choice for bear hunting with revolvers, offering a balance of expansion and penetration. These large-caliber bullets can deliver a devastating impact to a bear, even at close range.
Choosing the Right Bullet for Bear Hunting
When selecting a bullet for bear hunting with a revolver, look for heavy-for-caliber projectiles that expand consistently and penetrate deep into the target. A good example is the Barnes 300-grain XP3 bullet, designed for the .45 Colt and .454 Casull. These bullets expand to 0.75 inches in diameter, providing a large wound channel and increased stopping power.
Penetration and Expansion Requirements
Bullets for bear hunting must penetrate a minimum of 18 inches to ensure that they reach vital organs and cause significant damage. The Barnes XP3 bullets meet this requirement, with a penetration depth of 22 inches in ballistic gelatin. This level of penetration ensures that the bear will be incapacitated quickly, reducing the risk of a prolonged and potentially deadly fight.
Revolver and Ammunition Selection
When pairing a revolver with a heavy-caliber bullet, consider the revolver’s chamber pressure and recoil management. The Smith & Wesson 460 S&W Magnum, for example, can handle the heavy recoil of a .460 S&W cartridge loaded with a 300-grain bullet. This combination provides a reliable and effective platform for hunting large game like bears.
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