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5 yds with a .357 mag 679 pounder. This guy has a pair for sure! https://www.foxnews.com/great-outdoors/man-kills-679-pound-male-black-bear-at-5-yards-with-357-handgun They may have smaller deer down in PA, but they sure do have some massive friggin bears!

I'm looking for feedback on which pistol cartridges are ideal for dispatching black bear and deer. I need a good sidearm to carry along for tracking and dispatching wounded game. I will always rely on a rifle or shotgun if I believe the animal's wounds are marginal. But for those situations where the animal's wounds are fatal but it life still lingers, I would like a reliable, widely available and effective pistol cartridge for dispatching it. The cartridges I am considering for this application: .357 magnum 10mm auto .44 magnum .41 magnum .454 casull I would prefer a revolver for its simplicity and reliability for shooting big cartridges. As well, I really don't see the need for anything more than 6-8 shot capacity for this use. That said, I would consider a semi-auto if the case for 10mm's usefulness can be made. With regards to the magnum cartridges and bears: I've seen a lot of people preach that "bigger is better." And while I acknowledge that something like a .44 magnum or .454 casull are well-regarded for killing big game, I would prefer a cartridge that is adequate for handling black bear rather than one that is overkill, if that makes sense. I have given .357 magnum much consideration for this reason. I would like to hear feedback from those that have experience with these cartridges, or perhaps others that I haven't considered.

Ruger Super Redhawk 454 Casull/ 45 Long Colt 7.5” Barrel Length and is ported Action DA/SA Frame Stainless Steel Gray Matte Not the Glossy Frame Adjustable Rear Sight Front red Ramp 6 rds capacity Weight 52oz $700.00 The holster I have is handmade black right handed $80.00 Hornard #9150 454 Casull 300gr XTP Mag 1 box 20 cartridges $35.00 Federal Premium 454 Casull 250 grain barnes expander Vital-shok P454XB1 1 box 20 $51.00 Magtech BN0719 L42 260 grain 454 Casull 1 box 20 + 2 total 22 cartridges $40.00 Winchester Platinum Tip S454PTHP 454 Casull 16 cartridges @ $2.30 ea = $37.00 Winchester in magtech box 16 cartridges 454 Casull $1.60 each = $19.20 Winchester 45 Long Colt CowBoy cast lead 250 grain 2 box of 50 @ $30.00 x 2 = $60.00 Remington R45LC 225 grain Semi-Wadcutter 8 cartridges $7.00 W-W 45 LC HP 17 cartridges $2.00 each = $34.00 341 Cartridges 45 Colt Long 250 grain cast lead @ .60 cent each = $204.60 or $60.00 per 100 CCI 45 Long Colt Shotshells $1.60 ea = $30.00 for 19 so I have $182.20 in 454 Cartridges and $335.60 in 45Lc Cartridges for a total of $487.80 $700.00 pistol $80.00 Holster $487.80 Cartridges all total is $1,267.80 OBO I'm in Delaware Co NY so lets make a Deal