I have a Sig P-220 in .45 and some 10-round magazines. I don’t know what commercial ammo would make the best of it against a large animal. My Sig is I am sure minimal against a black bear but I can’t carry a rifle or shotgun everywhere. Black bears are a bit overpopulated here so they are something one can realistically worry about.
“one can realistically worry about.”
Yeah, here too. Me and my neighbors do track things to keep each other informed. I carry the 357mag when I’m hiking, and I normally have my 40 on me. It should be fine.
But killing a wild animal in defense is a sticky, sticky situation. Try to get away first and remember that you can’t hear a bear at all. Their fluffy little feet make no sound whatsoever. Keep your head on a swivel.
But firing at the ground is also effective for everything in the forest. For a bear to come after the prey that can make thunder happen that bear must be awfully hungry. This is why the first week of the thaw I tend to just stay out of the woods.
look into 45 super, you can modify many semi autos without a huge investment and get the ballistics of a 100mm and still be able to shoot 45 acp.