Is a 44 magnum enough for bear?

A 44 magnum with heavy hard-cast bullets is a proven backcountry choice — deep penetration to reach vitals, and a revolver fires reliably even pressed against a charging animal. The honest limits are heavy recoil (hard follow-ups) and only 5-6 rounds. For the biggest grizzlies some go even bigger, but 44 is plenty for black bears and a solid all-around woods gun. Bear spray still has the best documented track record, so carry both, and load hard-cast for penetration, not expanding hunting bullets.