Bears and Mt Lions?

Question

I’m concerned about protection from bears and mountain lions in the backcountry while fishing. How would a .45 "Long" Colt measure up to a .44 magnum against a brown or grizzly bear?

Answer 1

The .45 Colt (often mistakenly called the Long Colt) is just as much or more gun than the .44 magnum, but only if handloaded in a modern revolver like a Ruger Blackhawk. The factory loads are pretty wimpy, because many ancient .45s are still kicking around. I carry a Ruger in .45 Colt with handloads in mountain lion and black bear country, but I wouldn’t count on one to stop a grizzly or brown bear with anything except a brain shot. You’re much better off carrying a big can of pepper-based spray repellent than trying to shoot a charging grizzly between the eyes.

Answer 2

River is almost right.

My personal preference is for the .44 RemMag, but that is just because I'm a .44 Fanatic.

In general, to be a good bear stopper, the .45 LC needs either a heavy handload, or a premium factory load from a company like Buffalo Bore, or CorBon.

With experience, the .45 Long Colt can be loaded to equal or surpass .44 RemMag performance with lower pressures. Just don't try to do it in grandpa's old Colt Peacemaker. These heavy .45 LC loads are intended for use only in Ruger Blackhawks, and Freedom Arms revolvers.

Doc

Answer 3

.45 Colt is not truly sufficient for defense against dangerous animals. Chances are you would rely on factory loads and they are a joke consdiering all the potential the .45 Colt as a reload. However, hot loading a .45 Colt can be dangerous because the brass is not reinforced (thicker) like magnum brass tends to be. .44 magnum is far more powerful as a factroy load and can be hot loaded to far greater power safely than any .45 Colt loading.

Answer 4

If you are fishing in areas where there are bears preventive measures may be better than worrying what to do in case of an attack. Most bear attacks are because the person got too close to the bear without the bear hearing them approach. They are surprised by the person and attack. You should wear little bells on your clothes so they hear you approaching and carry a can of pepper spray just in case of an encounter. Learn to look for fresh bear sign too. If you see sign you know there are bears in the area. Black bear droppings usually have a lot of berries and sometimes rabbit or other fur in it. Grizzly and brown bear droppings usually have little bells in it and smell like pepper. Seriously, the best thing to do is avoid encounters with bears but if you do find yourself in a situation, the .44mag. will work but it's a little on the light side. I'd rather have the S&W 500.

Answer 5

.44 magnum is fine.