bear country firearm loads

Unless you're a great shot with very hot rounds, you and whomever else is with you will probably be bear attack statistics with a 9mm. You probably should really think about that. I'm not sure even "woefully inadequate" is a good enough description. "Stupid" comes more to mind. No offense. I would either borrow at least a .44 Magnum from a friend, or not go until I could afford one. A .357 Magnum would also work with the right load. There are some nasty shmasty rounds for a 357.