https://youtu.be/WrMmQHSA6Cs

Jump to the 1:35 mark and watch this bear move.  1st time I saw this earlier in the year I thought, "That's a lot of agitated muscle to take on with a handgun".

I can only speak for myself, but I want my sidearm ready and easily available.  That said, you would have to be gunfighter quick in a lot of the incidents I've read about.   This also brings up an important point regarding bear spray.  I carry it and it rides in a floppy holster like most everyone else you see hiking in Glacier Park.  If you are in heavy brush or thick timber and it's not in you hand, it's hopefully in a place where you can draw it while the bear stands on your back because it's not quick or easy to get it out of the holster and safety off.  I can draw my handgun faster but I'm no gunslinger.  Truth is, I need to practice my draw and sight acquisition alot more.

Every bear encounter is different and many don't get as messy as the article, but those are the type that give me the most concern.  Most of my encounters were interesting but not hair raising.  These guys got the full load of hay so to speak with regard to a grizzly bear experience.

https://www.ammoland.com/2019/09/pistols-bear-spray-stop-two-bear-attacks-on-archery-hunters-in-montana/

A pretty good write-up about some events here in Montana this fall.  Bottom line, if an aggressive bear charges in the timber it's going to be very fast and chaotic.  I like to hunt by myself a lot of the time but it's not without some risk.  Glock 29 loaded with 220 grain underwood hardcast gives me some comfort but I'd rather not get into fray with an 800 lb grizzly.  From the article it would seem a sub-conscience familiarity and proficiency with you handgun of choice would be an important area of preparation.

My Glock 29 is so much easier to carry than my Redhawk that I leave the 44 behind.  I'd like the benefit of the 305 grain hardcast from my 44 but doesn't do any good when I leave it at camp.

A timely discussion for my situation.  Loaded up some 180 XTP with 11.4 of AA #7 in new Starline brass as per the Hornady book to use for hunting with my Kimber Stainless II.  After looking through Accurate's load recommendation, I promptly ordered a bullet puller to start over.  That said, I did load some of these same bullets with 9.4 of 800X which is in the Hornady book but is above the max for the powder manufacturer and fired them through my G29 with aftermarket barrel.  They are hot but no bulges or leaky primers.

thanks bean,

I set my first handful at 1.260 but need to go closer to 1.255 to make sure they plunk into battery.  I'll work up to the 11.8 you are using as I think this could be a great all-around hunting woods carry load.  I suspect I'm seeing soot from the lube as you said, the barres both cleaned up shiny with a couple swipes with a patch.

Mike

hammeredbean,

I loaded up some of the same bullets as you list but I started at 11.5 of AA#9.  I'm still working out my oal for the Glock 29 and 1911.  Velocities were about 1150 for both and brass looked fine. What has me troubled is after 10 rounds through each weapon, action and barrel had a layer of soot and looked to be some unburned powder in both.  Did you find the load you listed to be dirty?  I didn't use magnum primers but am considering it with this powder.

I should note that I was using a 4.2" Wolf barrel in the 29.