bear country firearm loads

If I were you, 147 Gold Dot or 147 grain RNL from Buffalo bullet. Just say no to Hydra Shok. Penetration or expansion, hmmm... A hot 9 is well under 500 lbs at the muzzle, but it sure beats the whole "yell or roll in a ball, I don't remember which!" You need a bullet that will penetrate the hide, break bones and still blast through the heart/lungs. A 9MM Jacketed Hollow Point may just expand and stop before it reaches any vital organs depending on the bears age, and where you tag him. Don't ever assume you will penetrate his skull. There isn't any sure bet since you don't have a .44, so lets just hope the bears are not where you are!