The recent "44 Special for Grizzly" thread reminded me of a US Forest Service article I came across some years ago: Safety in bear country: protective measures and bullet performance at short range.
Their study included rifles, handguns, and the 12ga shotgun. Although it was published in 1983, some of you may find it interesting.
A link to the PDF is located on this webpage: http://www.treesearch.fs.fed.us/pubs/5573
Their study included rifles, handguns, and the 12ga shotgun. Although it was published in 1983, some of you may find it interesting.
A link to the PDF is located on this webpage: http://www.treesearch.fs.fed.us/pubs/5573
Description: Bears are frequently encountered by people working in or enjoying the outdoors. Some
government agencies have regulations concerning the firearms their personnel carry for
protection against bears.
Guidelines to prevent hazardous encounters with bears are presented, and the performance
of commonly used weapons and ammunition is discussed. The ballistic performance
of bullets at short range is often considerably different from performance of the same bullet
at the longer ranges generally encountered while hunting.
Recommendations are made for weapons and ammunition used as protection from bears.