Last Updated on December 8, 2022 by Robinellis
There are a lot of myths and urban legends out there about what kind of weapons can take down different animals. One of the most common questions is whether or not a 9mm handgun can kill a bear. The answer, unfortunately, is not as simple as yes or no.
It really depends on a lot of factors.
The first factor is the type of 9mm ammunition you are using. There are three main types of 9mm ammo: full metal jacket (FMJ), hollow point (HP), and subsonic (SS).
FMJ rounds are designed to penetration targets, but they tend to do very little damage once they’re inside the target. HP rounds expand when they hit the target, causing more damage. SS rounds travel at a lower velocity, so they don’t have as much penetrating power as FMJ or HP rounds, but they’re still capable of causing serious injury.
A 9mm handgun is not likely to kill a bear with one shot. Even if it did, the bear would still be able to attack and possibly kill you before it died. It’s best to avoid a confrontation with a bear if at all possible.
If you must defend yourself, use the largest caliber gun you have available.
Will a 9Mm Hollow Point Kill a Bear
A 9mm hollow point will not kill a bear. The bear will be severely wounded and may die eventually, but the 9mm is not powerful enough to guarantee a kill.
Credit: www.americanhunter.org
Will a 9Mm Penetrate a Bear Skull?
No, a 9mm will not penetrate a bear skull. The skull is one of the hardest bones in the body and is designed to protect the brain. Even a bullet from a high-powered rifle will not necessarily penetrate a bear skull.
What Caliber Pistol Will Stop a Bear?
In order to answer this question, we must first understand what “stopping a bear” means. When most people say they want a gun that will stop a bear, they mean that they want a gun that will kill the bear instantly and with one shot. However, this is not always possible or realistic.
Sometimes, all you can hope for is to wound the bear enough that it will retreat or at least be distracted long enough for you to escape. With this in mind, let’s take a look at what caliber pistol is most likely to achieve these goals.
The truth is, there is no single answer to this question because it depends on many factors, including the type of bear you’re up against (grizzly vs black bear), the size of the bear, how close you are to the bear when you shoot it, and where you hit the bear.
That said, some experts recommend using a large caliber handgun like a 44 magnum or even a 454 casull when facing off against a grizzlybear. Black bears are generally smaller than grizzlies, so a smaller caliber gun may be sufficient. But as with anything else when it comes to firearms and self-defense, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and go for something with more stopping power.
What Handgun Would Kill a Bear?
There are many different types of handguns that could potentially kill a bear. The most important factor in choosing a handgun to kill a bear is the caliber, or size, of the gun. A large caliber handgun is more likely to kill a bear than a small caliber handgun.
Some examples of large caliber handguns that could be used to kill a bear include the .44 Magnum, the .50 Action Express, and the .460 Rowland. These are all very powerful handguns that would have no problem killing a bear.
Of course, simply having a large caliber handgun is not enough.
The gun must also be properly placed in order to be effective. A shot to the head or heart is usually fatal for any animal, including bears. So, if you were faced with a charging bear, aim for one of these two areas and fire away.
With proper placement and a large enough caliber, even a small handgun can kill a bear. However, it should be noted that bears are large and tough animals so it is always better to err on the side of caution and choose a larger gun if possible.
Face a head-on charge! How To Survive a Bear Attack (Grizzly or Black Bear)
Conclusion
It is possible for a 9mm handgun to kill a bear, but it is not guaranteed. The best way to ensure that the bear is killed is to shoot it in the head. It is also important to have a large enough caliber bullet and high-quality ammunition.