Generally for backup when hunting big game and also for big game handgun hunting.

Which one and why? Is there a difference? Only reloads of course. Thanx.

there isnt enough difference to make a good argument

But it is a better concept than which handgun for Grizz! .41, .44 Magnum, or the .45 LC loaded with 30,000 CUP data in Rugers. Dan Wessons .460 Rowland is not a bad choice either and you can shoot loads from .45 ACP, .45 Super, .460 Rowland to .45 Win. Mag. and the moon clips make pretty good speedloaders to boot for those hypothetical bear situations.

POP

It depends on which gun you prefer to carry. Are you thinking about a S&W or a Ruger? If a S&W, try to get an older stainless Mountain Gun-better quality w/o the stupid lock. If a Ruger, get the Accu-Sport 5.5" barrel stainless Bisley model in either caliber since the Bisley gripframe will definitely help in recoil management. I'd rather take a 45 Colt with 320-350 gr WFN's w/296 or H-110. I've got either one and it seems the 45 Colt has the edge.

Either caliber will serve you well for your stated purpose. The .45 Colt has a slight edge in the opinion of many people. I prefer a single action for hunting purposes, but that is just my preference. My Model 29 has done very well on all manner of game, from squirrel to whitetail deer.

POP
I have spent a lot of time in bear country, mostly griz country in Montana hunting black bears, in Alaska, hunting caribou and brown bear, and in Idaho hunting black bear. My favorite protection hand gun is a S&W 4" 44 Mag. I carry either Garrets Hammerheads, or Federal Cast Core.
I like the S&W 44 Mag because the recoil is not too bad, and it is double action. I carry 2 speed loaders on my belt, so it is much quicker to reload than a single action. Also shot shells are avialable from Speer, and they work great on Grouse and other small game.
I have a 6" Freedom Arms 475 Linebaugh, I shot it today. I think these "super powerful" revolvers are just the ticket for handgun hunting. I love my FA. However I think these "super powerful" revolvers are too much of a good thing for protection. They kick too hard to shoot one handed from an akward position with FULL power loads.
I plan on developing some loads with the 420 grain bullets at about 1100fps or so for protection, loads that I can shoot with one hand from an akward wrist position.
If I was to do a handgun ONLY hunt for a dangerous animal with the FA 475, I would still carry my 4" 44 for use if the animal got on top of me.
Botton line: I think the Freedom Arms in 454, or 475 is the best hunting revolver on the Planet. I think the S&W 4" 44 Mag with 300 grain cast bullets is the best "PROTECTION" revolver on the Planet.

Choose whichever tickles your fancy. I sold my 44 and got a 480 and haven't looked back. 400 gr @ 1200 fps is definately more than either the 44 or 45, yet recoil doesn't jump to the level of the mega magnum revolvers.

If you want a good back-up gun to carry I suggest the S&W 329. At 24oz it makes the parfect carry weapon. The recoil is stiff but not unbearable with the rubber grips. The sights are perfect for a hunting gun or a backup gun. Mine has great accuracy with most loads. I wouldn't keep it on a steady diet of 300 gr + bullets but for back-up I will do fine. I would get the Cast Performance 275gr. WFNPB and load it by their specs. If six of those do not turn an attacking animal I do not think anything bigger would.

I just worked up a load for my NEI 320 grain SWCGC bullet using 296. I chronographed my load at just shy of 1250 fps. The bullet alloy is simple wheel weight, quenched.

I believe this load would shoot through an old Dodge Power Wagon. Not a 480 or a 454, but in a 6 1/2" model 29 it's a nice packing/shooting iron with lots of horsepower.

I've killed a lot of whitetail deer and hogs with my .44 Model 29 and have worn out three triggers and hammers doing it. I've never killed a deer with the .45LC, but I've shot a lot of hogs with that pistol in a SAA.

I'll stick with the .44.

Good Luck!

TH

I think I'd choose based on my carry style. If my only gun, I'd go with a 5 1/2" to 6 1/2" in a shoulder holster. If in conjunction with a rifle, use a short barreled revolver in a crossdraw. I've carried a Redhawk, a Blackhawk Bisley and a S&W and can't see much difference. The double action revolver is the "gunfight" preference since late in the last century, with good reason. I really don't see anything heavier than 240 grain in .44 Magnum or 255 grain in .45 Colt for protection, effective against humans and useable with one hand. The truely heavy loads reduce recovery time in either revolver to the point you're likely to get only one shot in a short range encounter. I think speed, penetration and precision are the keys, so pick the one you'll likely have with you, in shooting position, instead of "conveniently" in your backpack or tent because it is in the way. Any handgun lacks power to "stop" anything large, in my opinion, without a brain or spine shot, soon enough to save you or yours.

Thanx guys. I got a LNIB Anaconda 44 mag.

My 6" half-shroud 629 stays on my hip in bear country and/or as backup. Reasonably light (45 oz), excellent power, and quite accurate. With a 300 or 320 CP and some W296 and I'm set. A similar 41 with a 255 CP or 45 colt with a 335 CP would also be ideal I expect...

I think the whole "back up" gun thing is a little silly when hunting.. What is a 44 mag, 45 long colt or 500S&W magnum going to be able to do that your 30-06 up to 375 isn't up for?

I think the only area where a hand gun for bear defence makes sence is when you are fishing or bowhunting in bear country and you don't want to lug a rifle along...Also another plus is you will have the hand gun strapped to you and not leaning up against a tree when you need it.

Nitro 450# 2: I'm with you. I love my FA 454, but my S&W Mountain gun is my go to revolver. If I had to give up any or all my handguns, the 44 mag Mountain gun would be the very last one to go.

Pop,
Will you give us a range report. I've been eyeballing the Anacanda for a while now. Thanks, Keith

Will do

I don't carry a backup when hunting with a rifle but for dedicated pistol hunting I expect the Ruger Bisley Blackhawk Hunter in 45 Colt http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=866 is as good a choice as you could make. Nice sight radius for iron sights, scope ring cuts for when optics become necessary, and the Bisley grip shape for comfort with serious loads. I suppose the 44 magnum version is about as useful. Good hunting!