I'll be elk hunting in western MT this fall. Am I undergunned with my G100 in a chest holster? Reading up a bit it sounds like the available factory bear defense loads are pretty good. Anyone use .357 in griz country? Which ammo do you prefer?

IF you would have to shoot a charging griz a .357 would not be a good choice. It has worked with lucky shots. If that's all you have a good lead 180 gr. SWC might do.
Everytime I go in dangerous game country I carry my .475 Linebaugh, but a .44 Mag with heavy bullets would be an alternative.
A lot of guys are using 10mm autos, but want to go heavier. Whatever you choose make sure you can shoot it well, rapidly, and accurately. Bears won't give you a time out!

Thanks Larry....I'll be with at least 2 other guys and they'll be carrying .44s....I just don't see me practicing enough with a .44 to make it accurate in my hands.

Any bullet that gives you more then 16 inches of penetration in 10% ballistic gel well work just fine.

It is far more important to have a handgun you can shoot well then caliber.

It is also very important to have the mental mind set to shoot the bear and place your rounds well.

https://www.ammoland.com/2021/...-cases-97-effective/

The data base is now close to 200 cases and it is still 97 percent that handguns are effective in bear defense.

The major factors are having a gun, the willingness to use it and being able to hit your target.

Good advice pdog.....really interesting article too.

Great article. I can's seem to calculate how 1 failure is 37 cases equals 97% success rate though(?)

The article mentions 104 cases.

What 37 cases are you referring to

The initial sentence or so. Then goes on to the 104 which does add up. Sorry, just an old man being picky.

Mike