Not 100% sure this is the right forum or not...

I recently picked up a light weight 44 mag handgun to carry on backpacking rifle hunts in areas known for bears. While I'm not really afraid of bears, more afraid of other people who might be in the area, I thought a dual purpose defense weapon might be nice to have (bears and people).

What kind of round would you carry with you for such a weapon? Something that penetrates, or something that rapidly expands?

My guess would be that for protection against 2 legged foe, expansion would be important but for the 4 legged variety, penetration.

Any thoughts?

Rob, I carry a 3-inch M29 Lew Horton, and my defensive loads are 210 grain Silver Tip hollow points. I wouldn't want to face an angry and large animal with this load. I would rather load for bear and be confident that it will be more than adequate for any animals of the two-legged variety. That said, I would go with a hardcast flat-nosed bullet in the 320 grain range for maximum penetration. Rob, you should post this in the handgun hunting forum that is a little ways above this one. The revolver guys hang out there.

Great, thanks!

I will re-post this there.

thanks!