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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.

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!

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