[Polynikes]

“There are black bear in my part of the nation. My hiking companion choices are 6 rounds of .44 mag or 10 rounds of .45 acp. The .45 has the advantage of spare mags. Any thoughts?”

I would opt for the .44Mag in a jacketed round because of better penetration. A Blackie can carry a fair amount of bulk that can absorb a round and a .44Mag should have a better chance of reaching a vital area. Bear spray would be my 1st line of defense backed up by the .44 and a good sturdy knife like a CS Trail Master. The down side would be the range that they are employed at. That would mean you are at almost contact range and you may get swatted or bitten before he drops or breaks off the attack.

[Polynikes]

I see you are in Connecticut so since Connecticut has a rather restrictive possession/ROE I would be reluctant to report a hostile encounter that involved deadly force, but that's just me. A modified SSS probably would be better.

[saleman]

I was at the shooting range and a guy had a .560 S&W. He hunted a lot in Alaska(or so he said) and it was his back up bear gun. 4” barrel. Asked me if I wanted to shoot it. I did.

I’d rather be eaten by the bear.