Firewood535
Member
OK guys, call me crazy but... I'm planning a motorcycle camping trip to Wyoming/Montana next summer. Early May... grizzly territory. Plan on carrying my 6" Ruger GP-100 .357 Magnum with HSM 180grain hard cast, flat-nose. This ammo is advertised at 1200 fps. My math says that's somewhere around 575 ft-lb. This is not as hot as the Buffalo Bore loadings at 1400 fps, but...I handle the gun well and can make very accurate hits at all ranges out to about 50 yards. Not the ideal power factor, I agree, particularily for a hungry and possibly grumpy bruin that just woke up. But, I feel that shot placement is key and trumps "energy". A well placed shot to the Central Nervous System (brain or spine) is the goal. Broadside shots to heart/lung may kill a bear, but only after it rips you to shreds!
However, this sucker is heavy! But, since I will be mostly on the bike (V-Strom 650 decked out for offroad), I don't feel weight is an issue. If I was going to be humping a pack for miles and miles, I would choose something lighter, like a Glock 20 in 10mm. Hard cast, or flat point FMJ, as heavy as possible. I have a lot of common sense, and I am bear aware. With my wits, my crazy bright flashlight, a big can of bear spray for primary deterrent, and my good ole Ruger in my tent I feel like I will be okay. If not, that's cool too. I'd rather be snubbed out by a bear than some sleaze bag in the city.
However, this sucker is heavy! But, since I will be mostly on the bike (V-Strom 650 decked out for offroad), I don't feel weight is an issue. If I was going to be humping a pack for miles and miles, I would choose something lighter, like a Glock 20 in 10mm. Hard cast, or flat point FMJ, as heavy as possible. I have a lot of common sense, and I am bear aware. With my wits, my crazy bright flashlight, a big can of bear spray for primary deterrent, and my good ole Ruger in my tent I feel like I will be okay. If not, that's cool too. I'd rather be snubbed out by a bear than some sleaze bag in the city.
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