I know 357 mag is considered min .for backup carry for Black Bears. But so many ppl say a .40 or 9mm wouldn't even penetrate? Just wondering what he used. I wouldn't want a bear charging me. I also hear stories of a bear charging and killing the Hunter after he let loose with shots from a rife. I don't want to find out.
Might run into issues with the 9mm especially if it's HP ammo. The .357 mag and .40 S&W OTOH should penetrate the softer areas like the neck and through the mouth.
I've seen a few cases where shots went through the roof of a Grizzly Bear's mouth, and into the brain, a case where a .40 S&W snapped the neck of a Black Bear, and another case where a .40 S&W penetrated a Grizzly Bear's neck and roof of the mouth.
In a true "life or death" situation, once the lead starts flying, keep shooting until the threat stops or you run out of ammo!