Considering the presence of moose, bears, and some unusual individuals, what would be the best defense caliber?
You might need at least 800mm, but that would limit your camping spots to near railroad tracks.
10mm is highly recommended by most backcountry guides.
10mm
Auden said:
10mm
That’s the right choice.
The best choice depends on your specific situation and threats. For human threats, a 9mm is widely used globally by civilians and military alike. I’ve effectively used a 9mm against coyotes and feral pigs. Remember, standard carrying laws apply even when camping, so ensure you have the necessary permits. For large predators like bears, a 10mm with specific ammunition might be necessary. If you’re in an area with dangerous wildlife and aren’t confident in your safety, you might consider heavier options like a 45-70 firearm. In regions with large predators, bear spray and proper food storage are crucial for safety. If you’re camping rather than backpacking, you likely won’t need a firearm. Basic wilderness safety practices are usually sufficient.
The concerns for moose and bears differ significantly from those for unusual individuals. Most people can be deterred with any firearm, but a large caliber like a .44 magnum revolver or a 10mm semi-automatic is preferable for large animals. However, even with perfect shot placement, there’s a risk of merely aggravating the animal further.
The best caliber is the one you have with you.
Arin said:
The best caliber is the one you have with you.
Smaller calibers mean larger magazines and higher grain ammo, while larger calibers offer fewer rounds but better accuracy. Are you carrying a heavy-duty firearm or something more lightweight?
During my time in Yellowstone where grizzly encounters are possible, I carried a 10mm. A 9mm might suffice, but I felt safer with the 10mm. Always carry bear spray as your first line of defense, with the firearm as a backup if the spray fails.
@Bailey
I have bear spray already. The gun would only be used as a last resort.
Bear spray is generally more effective against bears than guns and can also be used on people if necessary.
Rio said:
Bear spray is generally more effective against bears than guns and can also be used on people if necessary.
Having worked in Yellowstone and often hiked solo, I always carried both bear spray and a gun. The spray should be used first, but the gun is a good backup. Fortunately, I’ve only needed the spray.
@Bailey
Prioritizing safety is crucial, even if it means carrying extra weight.
Rio said:
Bear spray is generally more effective against bears than guns and can also be used on people if necessary.
Guns can also be used on people if necessary, but they’re too heavy for my liking.
@Zeke
That’s a fair point.
I usually carry a 9mm for personal defense against humans or smaller predators. In bear country, I switch to a 10mm with a high-capacity magazine. If possible, I would prefer to carry a large-caliber revolver for bear encounters as the sound alone might deter an attack.
@Ciel
Realistically, coyotes and mountain lions pose minimal threat to humans. Encounters with aggressive cougars are rare and typically ambush attacks.
Larkin said:
@Ciel
Realistically, coyotes and mountain lions pose minimal threat to humans. Encounters with aggressive cougars are rare and typically ambush attacks.
Everyone has their own approach to safety.
Your choice of defense depends on local regulations, how much weight you’re willing to carry, and the type of threats you expect to encounter. In areas with a high risk of predatory bear encounters, heavy firearms like a 12 gauge shotgun or a 45-70 lever-action rifle might be necessary. However, bear spray and smart camping practices are usually sufficient for wildlife encounters.