Bullet Choice for Sidearm

Due to my current options, I'll be carrying a .40 Glock with me on hunts this fall. Main purpose for this gun is self defense against a black bear should I need it. While I know there may be strong choices than a .40 for bears, it's what I have at the moment. It's either a .40 or 9mm so figured this would be better.

With that said, looking for suggestion on best bullet choice. Brand, weight, type, etc. From what I gather, FMJ would be preferred over JHP. What is everyone's go to bullet for bear safety?

I wouldn't use a FMJ. I would look at the Hornady XTP or Speer gold dot.
We have plenty of black bears here and I usually just carry my self defense loads.

sroc112 said:

Due to my current options, I'll be carrying a .40 Glock with me on hunts this fall. Main purpose for this gun is self defense against a black bear should I need it. While I know there may be strong choices than a .40 for bears, it's what I have at the moment. It's either a .40 or 9mm so figured this would be better.

With that said, looking for suggestion on best bullet choice. Brand, weight, type, etc. From what I gather, FMJ would be preferred over JHP. What is everyone's go to bullet for bear safety?

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Check out Buffalo Bores offerings, https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=146

Underwood with solid copper bullets are what I carry in my 10MM

Buffalo Bore and Underwood, probably in that order, but they're both fantastic.

I agree with FEENIX….. Buffalo Bore! memtb

Buffalo bore or underwood as stated above . I hand load the xtp for my 44 mag and wouldn't think twice to use it on black bear . The Buffalo bore and underwood are for the 10mm.i carry one or the other when in the woods.

Black bears are neither tough nor heavily built, 180 grain Gold Dots are plenty. Unless you get between a sow and cubs you'll never have an issue with a black bear either. The stock sights on your Glock will shoot the 180 duty type ammo to point of aim as well, get spicy loads and that won't be the case.

You want flat point solids as heavy and fast as your gun will allow. Buffalo Bore, Underwood or Federal now has a line. I carry the Federal 9mm 147gr in my P365 in the field. I have the Underwood as well. Locally black bear is a possiblity but a big cat is more likely the last while. In Grizzly country I'd rethink a bit. The P365 is my daily carry and I'm most comfortable with it. I have seriously considered getting a 10mm.


A buddy of mine had a Black Bear sow (no cub) try to climb his tree stand during the archery hunt in Idaho. Pretty much emptied his 10mm in her and it still took a bit to shut things down. They are not "easy" to kill. To actually stop one right now it takes a cns hit with a handgun. Flat point solids penetrate deep while crushing and breaking things on the way through.

As other have said, Black Bears are not particularly tough. If its suitable for humans, it will dissuade a black bear

So consensus seems to be flat tip solids vs hollow point. And probably 180gr.

Thoughts in general on a 40cal for this? I know it's not 100% the first choice, and I was interested in buying a 10mm but just not in the budget at the moment. My 40 glock 27 is my edc, I'm confident with it.

While blackies may not be as "stought" as a grizz there's a reason hardcast's a loaded.

They're designed to penetrate and brake down a bear when you're "spraying and praying." IMO hollow points ain't gonna get it done, especially in a .40

But I guess something is better than nothing

You want a flat point bullet that penetrates. You don't want civilian self defense ammo and a charging black bear is not easy to kill with a pistol. If you dont get lucky your going to have a fight on your hands.

Any of the "woods" loads from Buffalo Bore, Doubletapp, Underwood.

but G9 has an excellent options Ive been looking at trying.