.44 Magnum Hollowpoints versus Flatnoses

coreware

My friend is heading up into bear country and is looking for the best round for defense against bears should he run into one.

Normally I've been told that hollowpoints are the best for energy transfer, but as I got to searching I noticed a ton of the rounds are flatnoses. Furthermore I found page after page detailing hunting with flatnoses.

So what is the deal with flatnoses? Is it just hollowpoints are better for humans but flatnoses are better for hunting game?

Right now I'm considering this ammo:

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=513011&t=11082005

Any thoughts?

PA Shootist

For heavier game, the hollow point may disappoint. Even though it does indeed transfer all its energy, and quite rapidly, its expansion may be too rapid, and penetration to vitals may not occur. The bullet's energy itself is not sufficient; serious damage needs to be done to vital organs, or bones must be broken as well, to stop an animal such as big bears. Depending on the angle and shot placement, that might not occur with the hollowpoint.

Still better on heavier animals just might be the heavy cast bullet, with large meplat (large diameter flat point), which hits hard, yet still doesn't deform much and penetrates deeply into vitals, smashing bones along the way if necessary.

If you don't reload, rounds such as these are commercially available.

b00mer

310 grain flat nose lead !

HandgunHTR52

I would suggest either hard cast (the heavier the better) or the Nosler Partition or Barnes Solid Copper bullets in the .44 for bear.

The key is deep penetration with good energy transfer. PA Shootist hit the nail on the head with his description of what you need.

savage170

Fedral has a hardcast that is really good