I was "hanging out" at the gunstore yesterday when another customer I know came in. He has a 475 FA exactly like I like. We have talked about handgun hunting several times and he has left his gun at the store for me to shoot, but I have been to busy to take it to the range. When He learned I was leaving in June for a bear hunt he told me to take it with me and see how I liked it. I told him I would rather not take someone elsed gun on a hunt. Then he sais then just buy it from me.
He made me such a good deal I ould not turn it down. It even came with 3 1/2 boxes [50 rounds each] Of Buffalo Bore and 40 rounds of 400 gr Hornady XTP.
It is a Freedom Arms Model 83 Premier Grade with a 6" barrel.
I then bought a DeSantis crossdraw holster, the same model i use with my 44's, and VOILA! I am hunting Idaho bear with a 475.
My question to ya'll is; which do you think is the better round for black bear over bait, the Buffalo bore 350gr HP at 1500fps, or the 400gr hornady XTP HP at 1300fps?[published velocities]
I have not shot the pistol yet, but at "over bait" distances I do not think accuracy of either load would be a problem.
I have already ordered a set of "express sights" from FA as I think I will prefer those for hunting.

Congratulations on your new toy, it must've been an offer you couldn't refuse! In my case, I use a 350 or 420 hardcast for all my shooting and for critters. Since you're over bait, either one would suffice. I imagine the 350 gr JHP would probably anchor the bear with the classic behind the shoulder shot since you wouldn't encounter very many bones. Light off a couple each at some media to satisfy yourself as to penetration and expansion for your needs.

Talk about being in the right place at the right time. Congratulations on the acquisition!

Either bullet/load should perform well. I shot an elk cow at 70 yards with mine and got full-length penetration from a Speer 400 grain Gold-Dot soft point. That was breaking the left femur and finding the bullet under the hide on the right shoulder. My hunting buddy shot one with the 400 grain XTP and got similar performance. I have been hunting groundhogs the past two days with mine. Headshot one at 67 yards offhand yesterday afternoon. Enjoy your revolver.

Thanks guys. I have always wanted a FA revolver and I think the 475 is the best choice for the really big stuff.
MS Hitman, NICE shot.

I witnessed MS Hitman get full penetration on a emu at about 2 feet with his. It was way COOL.

I just wished I'd had one of the .45 Man-stoppers in, but that would have been nasty as well as messy.