Which of these two .357 Magnum rounds would be best for defense against a black bear?

[GhostHorse]

My preferred bear load in .357 is the HSM. https://hsmammunition.com/bear-load/

[57K]

My preferred bear load in .357 is the HSM. https://hsmammunition.com/bear-load/

I'm sure it's good ammo, but their .41 Mag load looks more like a "medium" load. With a 265 gr. WFN hard-cast, the competition is loading them to 1350 FPS. I would definitely make some comparisons with Buffalo Bore.

[gbusmech]

The Best .357 load for anything is the Max.

[GhostHorse]

I'm sure it's good ammo, but their .41 Mag load looks more like a "medium" load. With a 265 gr. WFN hard-cast, the competition is loading them to 1350 FPS. I would definitely make some comparisons with Buffalo Bore.

If I had a .41 Mag...

I also like HSM because I don't believe they push the pressure limits.

[NativeTexan]

Well, there's always the 600 nitro express....

[jwc007]

[jwc007]

Getting back to the original question, #2 will probably work very well and 180 grains should provide adequate penetration.

That said, while handguns are more convenient, one is better off carrying either a good Rifle or 12 gauge Shotgun loaded with Slugs.

Also, that said, I converted one of my .45 ACP Witnesses to .45 Super and found that energy level to be quite adequate for carry in Bear Country, should it ever have been needed, and it wasn't.
To be more specific, that .45 Super loading runs a Remington 185 grain JHP exiting the Witness barrel at 1250 fps.
With 10 rounds in the Magazine, plus two spare magazines on my belt, I feared no predator, two or four legged.

Also note, be sure where you are hiking, that carry of a firearm is legal. Park Rangers and Game Wardens can be grabby when it comes to Guns.

[Sawfish]

Well, there's always the 600 nitro express....

Wonder is someone makes appendix holster for this?

[gbusmech]

Wonder is someone makes appendix holster for this?

No holster they use a trailer.....