9mm vs 10mm - Best for Bear Defense?

Boone & Crocket bear skulls, ballistics gel, pistols, ammo designed to defend your life in a grizzly situation (pun intended), along with Mark Boardman’s and Ryan Muckenhirn’s pistol-shooting prowess are put to the test. There’s no question the 10mm has considerably more punch - but does that matter if you don’t hit what you’re shooting at? They have a bear of a task in front of them trying to suss out which is better. Ultimately, choosing a pistol to pack into bear country is a personal decision only you can make. Are you packing a pistol for bear defense? What is it?
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[@DanielPhillips86VA]

I’m just here for the “22LR placed in the right spot will work too.” comments..

[@seanomeirs8362]

Bella Twin killed a world record Grizzly with a .22 long, single shot.

[@LifeisGood-ye8rl]

Found it

[@seanomeirs8362]

@@DoubleAlphaKiller Google search, or KZbin.

[@chadperry4021]

@@DoubleAlphaKillerwho has time to operate a camera while operating the all-mighty 22 lr? Why do you think there’s no pictures of Bigfoot? It’s because real men were carrying 22 lr instead of a camera.

[@Kelly-oq9nh]

@@seanomeirs8362In Canada

[@paisleyprince5280]

Proves that you don't have to outrun the bear, you just have to outrun your buddy.

[@seanomeirs8362]

Do you want to go camping? I had a Black Bear come within 6 feet of my tent in Yosemite, a few years ago. It ate my toothpaste and left. Always bring salmon and honey when you go into bear country.

[@breckfreeride]

38 special... One in the buddies knee... Brisk walk to safety lol

[@breckfreeride]

​@@seanomeirs8362don't forget the sugar water

[@Darthdoodoo]

Thats why i only go hunting in bear country with my least favorite co worker 😂😂

[@TheWeirdedBeardo]

I haven't heard that one around the campfire a THOUSAND TIMES... real original bob😅

[@FMDad-dm5qo]

9mm vs 10mm vs 9mm held sideways while yelling “What’s up fool”

[@TonerLow]

Vs a duece-duece in my bubblegoose.

[@30rdmaga]

You also double The lethality if you push the gun forward with one hand while pulling the trigger.

[@jamesalles139]

@@30rdmaga throw those bullets

[@ticket2space]

Use your off hand to grab your crotch for greater accuracy. Doubly so if you have removable gold teeth

[@BrokenBarBox]

I’m sorry sir, but you obviously don’t speak ‘hood’. Your semantic structure is incorrect. To begin with, there is no apostrophe S at the end of the word ‘what’. This is deleted, as well as the letter L in the word, Fool. The correct pronunciation of this common urban challenge is as follows, “ What up foo!” Notice there is an exclamation point at the end of the sentence, emphasizing a louder volume which is in line with the aggressive challenge. If you need any more assistance, please do not hesitate to ask. I also speak Hood Rat, a subsection of Hood, as well as Jive.

[@reekgoesoutside]

You wouldn't have to shoot the paper bear if you'd stop calling him over to you.

[@tonytaylor5461]

I see what you did there. Nice

[@Vikingocazar]

😹😹😹

[@chibineo24]

10mm FTW at all times

[@3.eyes.open.]

Failure to work?

[@ICarry2Guns]

Wait till you get older and develop arthritis.

[@Rizzie01]

​​@@ICarry2GunsMy 81-year-old grandpa EDC's a Smith & Wesson 4-in M&P 2.0 10 mm. He can shoot better groups at speed with it than most people with their 9mm. Granted, he's not the average senior citizen. He used to shoot for the rifle team and was an alternate for the pistol team when he was in the Navy. But it can absolutely be done. Arthritis and all.

[@matthewblumenthal804]

@@ICarry2GunsI'm 71. I rather like shooting 10mm. I'm not a big guy either. It's just fun.

[@10Millsand10Gauges]

No replacement for displacement brother. Whether it's lead or air 😂

[@r.Prime3134]

Ammunition selection is key. There are many 10mm loads that absolutely do not perform like they should and the Buffalo Bore does what a 10mm should. The Buffalo Bore 9mm is absolutely exceptional for a 9mm round and out performs the large majority of other 9mm cartridges.

[@utcnc7mm]

Underwood is another brand that loads the 10mm to spec, where many other companies are basically loading a 10mm to .40S&W

[@TheWeirdedBeardo]

You're talking hard cast lead right? Because people will think buffalo bore makes only one 10mm load😂

[@Vikingocazar]

Is that the bullet Phil Shoemaker used??

[@fivespeed3026]

In the city, yelling out “hey bear” will get you entirely different results. 😂

[@tonytaylor5461]

I see what you did there. Nice

[@davidtennyson4908]

Hunted griz country past two years for the first time. Carried my CZ P10c due to being all I had other than a 38 S&W. Hard cast +p load was the best I could find. Thank God I didn't need it. Also, never hung rifle over my shoulder, ever. Kept 338 in hand almost constantly.

[@hersheyroseman4508]

Fort Scott TUI 9mm solid Brass 115 grain.

[@Ohyouknowbro]

P10c is such a good choice of a striker fired 9mm. Most underrated in the game

[@ccovemaker]

People think bears are bulletproof because people miss. It is pretty clear if you hit the bear they are going to have a bad time. The bear getting a jump on you and scrambling to draw and hit a target moving 35mph is a different story.

[@D_Boone]

But you need to make sure the bear has a bad time before it can kill you. That means nerve or bone damage. I don't trust 9mm to do that.

[@hartsickdisciple]

​@@D_BooneEven after watching this video?

[@JD-tn5lz]

​@@hartsickdisciplenever been in bear country, have you?

[@hartsickdisciple]

@@JD-tn5lz Many times.

[@tristantimothy1004]

​@@hartsickdisciple, Zoos dont count.

[@ninjaskitches]

The Mk19 belt fed grenade launcher is the best for bear defense

[@BradenKoi]

I’ve been saying this for years

[@ldavis1725]

I dunno the ones we were issued wouldn’t feed consistently, and were prone to jam, also there’s a arming distance the projectile has to fly before it can detonate so if the bear is within 15 meters or so they won’t explode (though you probably wouldn’t survive if they did, I suppose it’s better than getting mauled by a bear) Long short M2 Browning > MK19 (IMO)

[@coltanium]

That thing sucks balls ALGL 4MM all day long over mk19

[@danielc.4989]

The minimum arming distance might screw you actually

[@BradenKoi]

@@danielc.4989 I’ll be on my toes and ready from afar

[@not_sure...]

Here in AZ we only have black bears so this gives me peace of mind that the 9mm I carry is adequate protection. Plus carrying 17 rounds is comforting to know I can spray and pray while i shit myself

[@berniesutton6451]

I'm in AZ also and made the same decision with +P Underwood extreme penetrators or Buffalo Bore

[@not_sure...]

@@berniesutton6451 yeah and also most bears I've ran into are pretty harmless. The "hey bear 🙋" usually works pretty well; they'll just raise their arms, throw some gang signs, and walk away. I'm more scared of the jaguars and mountain Lions.

[@issajetwithacee93]

@@not_sure...gang signs required 😂

[@mrdark9916]

That's cool and all, but the most important aspect of this is PROPER AMMUNITION SELECTION.....

[@Pledgeman]

Speed is fine, but accuracy is final. A well placed round usually does the trick.

[@johnharris8191]

A charging bear is not a paper target at the range. So work on that shot placement, lol

[@WayStedYou]

You'd hope to have a 10mm if its a grizzly

[@IDontEvenOwnA9mm]

9mm hard cast is fine for black bears but a brownie...I'll pass on 9mm ....

[@jeffberhow6969]

Why? As proven in a side-by-side comparison, they were near the exact same. More energy doesn't matter as all pistols are way too low to matter. You can put a .375HH right where it needs to be, and a bear will go for another 100 yards.

[@yousuck5314]

9mm is fine....smh

[@johnharris8191]

You 'd hope to have more.

[@yousuck5314]

@IDontEvenOwnA9mm nah, they're pretty effective.....

[@brandiwynter]

Great video, would love to have seen the .40S&W and .45acp/super represented but that would have been too much information for a single video. Hopefully you guys will continue the series, anything bear related is going to be extremely popular 🎉.

[@jmanswat2457]

Agreed. But also because Buffalo bore only makes their bear/dangerous game loads for certain calibers. Not sure they do for 45acp actually. And 9 and 10mm are just the most used in auto loaders (one offers max capacity and the other is max power)

[@pcolice]

There are loads of this same type for .40 & .45 ACP by BB and Underwood.

[@johnnylws6]

Y’all literally have the best job

[@CntBckt]

I REALLY dig the tests in this one. I understand these types of drills may not be applicable to every VS match, but I feel this one is the best thus far because of them. Well done.

[@mnman8511]

Awesome episode gentlemen! I carry a 10 in bear country but I was pleasantly surprised how well the 9 performed in this testing. I think the bottom line is shot placement and having the right ammo in the gun. I shoot my 10 just as well as my 9s so I'm sticking with the 10 in bear country. Hopefully never have to use it for real🤞

[@j.r.6271]

Proper bullet selection and shot placement. You are exactly right.

[@Chudchanning]

When I was buying my last hand gun I brought up the idea of45 cal and the dude at the counter made it a point to say that 9 mil velocity is greater than the larger bullet because it would be more desirable for penetration over a subsonic round. I've always heard you needed 45 cal or a Clint Eastwood round for a bear, but if skull thickness is the challenge then velocity has to be the most important factor. Still wold rather carry an AK though

[@ecobasetech4558]

I don't think I've ever been in or ever will be in Bear country but if I did, I'd go with the 9mm for the extra capacity and extra chances to make up for missed or bad shot placement. Because the reality is you will not shoot as well when you have a blur of fur charging at you compared to when you have a paper target coming towards you at a comfortable stroll.

[@Chudchanning]

@@ecobasetech4558 always stay strapped . aside from the bears, I hope you do get to visit 'Bear country" one day, those regions are some of the most beautiful that the country has to offer. I grew up in the Sierras of Yosemite (only black bears and they're pretty skiddish) and currently life in wastern Washington. the landscape around Rainier is awesome. Montana is cool too but they actually have grizzly bears. sightings/attacks are generally pretty rare though. Late fall is the worst time for bears since they're more desperate for calories. In my 26 years of mountain living though I've only seen about 3 black bears total and one family of Mountain lions fleeing a forest fire during the Cali Rim Fire. Never dealt with an aggressive animal, but I also make it a point to avoid Alaska

[@shyowl3453]

At the end of the day, it’s what you have, if you have a 9mm or 10mm or anything else, doesn’t matter it’s gonna be better than having nothing

[@1vjbknife]

The Danish Long Range Patrol members carry 10mm pistols for protection against Polar Bears. I will take the 10mm any day over a 9mm for large animals. 9mm is ok for people but 10mm is far superior and I find it controllable in my full size SA XDME and it has 16 rounds.

[@Jeremy-Two]

Yes. 50A.E. too.

[@fasst27]

"Why couldn't you just shoot it in the foot?!?" 😅

[@BlueRidgeCritter]

There's one thing here to think about though, that this testing couldn't show - unless that bear is 20 yards away from you, a bear charging at you is shockingly fast. Those targets were walking speed. You won't get off more than one, maybe two, shots at even the fastest cadence show here in real life. Might want to try a charging bear at full speed.

[@kenpachi2607]

Yes, a bear can run that fast but it takes time for it get up to that speed. Its not like the second it begins running it magically hits 30mph. Bears are heavy, so you also have to account for that when it comes to their full running speed. Even if they use a charging beer, you still have to account for their wind up speed. Most people will already be drawn the moment they see the bear. You'll have time get a few rounds off as long as you don't have the situational awareness of an infant. Anyone that spends any amount of time in the outdoors has good situational awareness. It's those that have no outdoor experience that are at risk the most.

[@thealaskanknifeguy3883]

​@kenpachi2607 they also just appear out of dense bush without you knowing how close they are. Was walking down a trail with my ex a few years ago and one popped out less than 10ft away. Point is he was there before I could even register him or reach for my firearm.

[@kenpachi2607]

@thealaskanknifeguy3883 Idk what your hearing ability is, but the moment that bear moves you'd hear it. Especially if it was 10 ft away from you. We make so much knows just by walking the trails. It's hard to imagine a bear not making any noise coming out a rustling bush.

[@user-sr1jb8bf9m]

Every hunt we're on is in grizzly country. For being so big, they are extremely fast and quiet.

[@mrdark9916]

​@@kenpachi2607you obviously have no idea what you're talking about. Bears are shockingly quiet.. and that is a large part of why they're so terrifying. I've been hunting bears for over 20 years, I have killed 19 bear in my life In multiple different ways, the one thing I can tell you for sure is that they have a habit of just appearing.

[@JVR-gd7zw]

Love the tests. I like doing push-ups during rifle practice too. Long range gets way closer . when you see your heart beat in the scope.

[@CA_Outdoor_Reviews]

Please do 6.5 grendel vs 6 arc….

[@chadperry4021]

I’m still voting for 6.5 Grendel vs 30-30. But I wouldn’t be mad both any comparison.

[@stephenwilloby8278]

@@chadperry4021 why bother comparing a straight wall ancient cartridge against a modern fast burner? Out past 150 yards there is no comparison.

[@chadperry4021]

@@stephenwilloby8278 because I want to see how a hunting AR-15 cartridge fares against the antique that has: “Killed more deer than any other cartridge.” The reason the Grendel is my choice is a combination of its years on the market, popularity combined with a great balance of both external and terminal ballistics. I agree past 150 yards it eats the 30-30 alive. I want to know, is my bias against the 30-30 legitimate? Or am I right because I look at the numbers on the Grendel and hit like. For the 30-30 I swipe right. The comparison to me is a terminal comparison not an external one.

[@jaredconrad7075]

I second and third this request

[@briankonreiharvey8105]

Yes - 6.5 vs something

[@jamesleach5438]

Thank you for such an informative video. I enjoy watching and learning from your videos.

[@user-ow1sw4mw5x]

I say 40s&w is a choice too. With tweener recoil between the 9mm and the 10mm. Shot Placement .........Shot Placement!!!! It's all teeth and claws if you miss!

[@Zhorzhsandwash]

9mm/40 - .357 sig

[@brandiwynter]

I agree, in testing I've seen, the Buffalo Bore heavy .40S&W performed beautifully. The penetration was amazing and extremely effective on target. It's a Goldilocks caliber.

[@hearstdaman2269]

Cool video with interesting results. Thanks!

[@EVLfreak666]

I prefer a 30mm GAU

[@greybeard277]

400 vs 700 ftlbs. No question which one I would choose.

[@looseballs1966]

Foot pounds of energy really doesn't meen jack S**T , big bears such as large Alaskan grizzly's have been know to take multiple shots from huge caliber rifles like 458 win mag 375 H&H and so on and still keep coming, and they have MANY times over the energy of a 10mm or even a 44magnum and hell even handguns as large as the 500 S&W do not even generate as much energy as one of the more popular large bear guns the 338 win mag, so even the 700 foot pounds of the 10mm isn't even a consideration, bullet placement is first and foremost along with enough penetration to reach the vitals.

[@pcolice]

Check out the muzzle energy numbers for a .220 Swift 55gr @ 4,000fps vs a .45-70 405gr @ 1,350fps.

[@hambone950]

@@pcoliceok but look at the grains and look at the energy.. 55 gr would disintegrate while the 405 is just going to push thru

[@MTMILITIAMAN7.62]

​@@hambone950Of course. But that is the point; there is more at work here than energy. The 10mm's superior momentum and sectional density, as well as a 20% larger meplat with similar bullet design, all play a much bigger role than energy.

[@brandondavis4306]

@@pcolice but the buffalo bore 10mm has more energy and power then the 9mm the 700 ftlbs is from the 10mm

[@johnochicago8457]

Excellent video and testing!!!!

[@loboloco866]

Excellent review, excellent the best so far from any other channel. congrats and thanks a lot.

[@nikos6220]

Best video in the series - hands down. Great job

[@Ope-Outdoors]

This should be interesting, can't wait!

[@VortexNation]

It'll be a good one!

[@timb8970]

If you’re in grizzly country, don’t risk your life with either. Absolutely use a .44mag or up. Go look at a Grizzly in real life (Scheels or Bass Pro will do) and then rethink the 9mm or 10mm. Need to practice a bit with the 44 before you take it out in the woods.

[@XPrincess30]

What if you’re in black bear country

[@thealaskanknifeguy3883]

​@@XPrincess30black bears are like like children. You yell loud enough and they will run. I've literally chased one through the woods. If one is really hungry it might mess with you but they generally stay away.

[@conormcnagger4703]

@@thealaskanknifeguy3883my moms friend was killed by a black bear, a cub would fuck you up

[@cgsimons1187]

This is good testing and practice. It looks like the 10mm has a slight edge for those who can handle it. The only things that I can think of to make the practice even more realistic is to have the bear closer to the ground, moving even faster, and with some bounce during the approach. There was a man who I listened to that advised to kneel(might take nerves of steel to do under the circumstances) so that you're on the same level as the rapidly charging bear to increase your chance of hitting. Otherwise, if you stand while shooting, you'd have to aim at a downward angle anticipating where the fast-moving grizzly will be at the moment you pull the trigger.

[@Andrew-jm4tp]

This is a good tip.

[@mayhem4ever]

A few people still carry .44 magnums. The majority have switched to 10mm while mostly the only people who carry 9mms become they have issues of some sort. The majority of new 1911s are chambered in 10mm, not 45 in Montana. The major glaring issue with this test is that the bear could just as easily charge someone you're with, and you likely would have only a body shot, and with pistols, the largest wound wins.

[@MecheDagda]

That 9mm loading has impressed me. Personally, I still prefer 10mm. Bigger bullet makes a bigger hole, bigger hole means less bad guy, or bear in this case.

[@matthewbeaver5026]

9 makes more holes. 6 of one half dozen of the other. I'd say shot placement is key with either.

[@jamesvatter5729]

I'd recommend you research what the AK Dept of F&G tested in the early 80s. Big bears aren't made of paper or gelatin.

[@xjww8623]

Lots of 10mm loads are horrible and have the ballistics of a .40 cal. Do your research on what ammo you decide to carry.

[@gregray4690]

Excellent test, very much appreciated. I would never had thought about using my 9mm for bear.

[@ksburner01]

In these drills you have the luxury of knowing the bear is coming. In a real world situation you'll be lucky to get your gun out of your holster.

[@sergemarlon]

I don't think the bear will full on charge you without a sound. They don't hunt like large cats.

[@ksburner01]

@@sergemarlon I've never heard of a bear hunting humans. I have heard of them stalking humans although I've never been stalked myself that I know of. I've had a couple encounters with bears in the wild and both times they ran. I think 9 times out of 10 if you encounter a bear you won't need a weapon especially if you both see each other at a distance. Where there can be a problem is if you or the bear gets surprised at close distance especially if there's food or cubs around. I've never had a situation like that with a bear but I did with deer. I came around a corner on a trail one time in thick brush and I looked up and there were two young bucks in the brush right next to the trail close enough I could touch them. They didn't move or make a sound, they just stared at me. If it would of been a bear there's a good chance I would of been dead or fucked up before I even realized what happened. So yeah if a bear is moving you might hear them especially if there close and it's quiet but if there not moving they could be pretty close by and you might not even see or hear them.

[@midwestbd7144]

I’ve hunting in black bear and brown bear country. Never had a bear come close without hearing or seeing it. Yes it’s possible but 99% of the time if they are close they will hear you first and run away

[@alj.granda8252]

Great video! Thx

[@williamharvey3658]

What a cool job and test!

[@Jaycv-dq3rg]

10 mm underwood 140 gr extreme pentrator 700 ft lb of energy

[@D_Boone]

Not enough mass. 200 or 220 hard cast

[@TriggaTrey361]

@@D_Booneyou don't need mass if the velocity is fast enough it’s going to go through the intended target.

[@mattdean7109]

​@TriggaTrey361 Not true, you need sectional density for max penetration. Speed is good for fragmentation or expansion. Large diameter lightweight bullets will lose/shed velocity faster than slower heavy bullets. Not to mention if the lightweight bullet hits bone it might not penenatrate.

[@TriggaTrey361]

@@mattdean7109 The modern rounds that are copper and going fast are devastating, like Underwood Extreme Defense Rounds or G9. Believe what you want. I've done my research.

[@matthewbeaver5026]

​@@mattdean7109I agree in general terms. Though xtreme penatrators are solid coppers. I don't think peneration is going to be an issue.

[@Keithjmcc]

I saw one of those ballistic bears the other day and I was hoping for more videos to come out with it.

[@bokiNYC]

Same, was it Kentucky Balistics, I believe?

[@paulgourley7117]

Very interesting, I enjoyed your views. I would like to know though what shooting table you were using?

[@user-tv3yp2jm1i]

Good info. Thanks.

[@tonyzhu403]

See Ryan's Classic USPSA - Hammer Down & Holster. Smooth.

[@propertypreparedness6846]

Love these guys!

[@joeld008]

Use the same priority the FBI uses: 1. Reliability (gun must go bang every time) 2. Accuracy (do you have a different level of skill with one set up vs another) 3. Penetration (for people: 12-18 inch, for black bear 20-30, for brown bear 30+) 4. Expansion (for brown or black bear, you cannot get expansion without losing penetration ammo selection is key) My personal conclusion: a hard cast bullet (or a slight flat nose bullet loaded to normal pressures in a 9mm or 10mm will meet the penetration requirement, and will be much easier to shoot. Pick the gun set up that you can personally shoot the best (shoot the most rounds in an 8 inch circle at 10 yards in 3 seconds)

[@JD-tn5lz]

First off, the FBI knows virtually nothing about shooting people and less than nothing about shooting bears. Over twenty years Alaska LE here. Most of it rural. I've yet to have to shoot any 2 or 4 legged blocks of ballistic gel in self-defense. Rare creatures them, natural habitat is FBI Qauntico. Here's the deal. Humans and bears both are made up of bones, organs, and different density tissues. Having dressed out enough meat and having been to enough autopsies (prior use-of-force investigator) I promise you that 9mm rarely smashes bone (never seen it even smash femur or pelvis) and depending on other factors, it often has trouble with harder tissue organs. So if you're determined to carry a 9mm into bear country, better hope God has more love for you than you have sense. Otherwise, do what we do most of the time. Learn how to use a 12ga and carry it, and go with a friend who actually knows bear country.

[@24kachina]

For bear defense, caliber at least 9 mm is fine. What matters is putting some shots on target. I have a friend who was going on a fly fishing trip in Wyoming bear country. I offered him my Glock 34 9 mm with Leupold DPP red dot. He had a yen to buy a "bear pistol" and bought a 454 Casull stainless Ruger revolver. It's a gorgeous gun, but wrist snapping recoil, short barrel, short sight plane. Very hard to shoot accurately beyond a first single action hammer cocked shot. If a bear is charging me, I'll take my Glock 34 any day because I can reliably dump far more bullet energy into a target than with a super caliber revolver. The difference between 9 and 10 mm is not material. A 9 can defend against a bear or anything else so long as you have good bullets. Stick with a 9 mm you can shoot accurately - one does not need a special "bear gun." 33:44

[@ChrisEdling]

I agree 👍🏼

[@johngregware9073]

At 10yds you just point and shoot, I would take a Glock with hi cap mags over a revolver all day long. 17 rounds of 9 mill, 15 rnds of 40 s&w or 10 mill would make me feel.way more comfortable than a revolver with 6. Great video keep em coming.

[@balancedfordaylight1]

be binteresting to see the gel tests with regular target ammo vs the hotter buffalo bore ammo, also wonder how the 45 auto stacks up vs 9 and 10mm

[@nickbrantner387]

Great stuff guys!! I have both weapons and love them both. Matched with a Defender Red dot!!!!

[@blackhawk7r221]

Ever accidentally jumped a momma sow while walking a trail? They react instantly, no posturing. And to think you’ll be able to even clear leather. Your adrenaline panic alone lasts 1.5 seconds.

[@jameswagstaff3612]

Not Only the adrenalin rush happening so fast before you even think. You sh t yourself

[@exodusz19]

Love it! Keep it up

[@discopotato6870]

9MM Hard cast will do it but you will need nerves of steel. My pick is a S&W 627 PC V-Comp firing Underwood ammo 180gr. flat nose gas check black cherry coated hard cast ammo.

[@hartsickdisciple]

This just goes to prove that ammo choice and shot placement matter more than caliber. I'd say that 9mm is the minimum though. I usually carry Buffalo Bore 9mm hard cast 147 grain +P when I hike in bear country. Sometimes I carry Buffalo Bore .40 S&W hard cast 200 grain.

[@jwbures]

Shot placement is important, placement also means actually hitting the target and I'll throw in actually getting rounds off as well. Most people will never know just how crazy their mental and physical state will be when death is closing in on them. Be it a bear or human. We could talk all day about caliber variabilities, but nothing is more important than the lethality of one's mindset, experience, training, and preparation.

[@Yetified_Mayhem]

Great choice with the BB ammo

[@martyc1533]

" I'd say that 9mm is the minimum though." YEA, OK you go with that!!!

[@macjanik7783]

Nobody ever wishes they had a smaller caliber when it game time

[@midwestbd7144]

True but My .44 got left at camp more than my 10mm because it was just so awkward and heavy. A couple pounds makes a big difference when you hike 5+ miles in the mountains

[@susanmcpeterson1136]

0:24 your wasted 😭😭 and then the bear stumbles off and die

[@awanderingman]

Loved this one.

[@smchambs]

Glock 40 10mm

[@Dr_Pump]

I can bearly understand which was better 🤔

[@frisk151]

Such a silly question... But, if it helps those not in the know survive... 10mm All day - Period! With either Buffalo Bore or Underwood Xtreame penetrator, strapped across your chest Alaska rig style.. Fastest draw possible... Mine specifically is the Glock 20 g5 with Trijicon RTR optic and a sub light up front and under... Gunfighters kydex holster.. That and superior situational awareness and plenty of regular practice.. Huge plus if you've been in the military and know what high pressure shooting is like..

[@peterzimbran]

I second all that. Get some high stress training. Get involved in a defensive pistol league where you draw and shoot in all kinds of situations, move and shoot, reloads, use of cover, rapid fire etc… you’ll get really good. And have a blast. Cheers

[@jmanswat2457]

Great video, especially with the demo of the simulated skull. The Buffalo bore website offers lots of hard data and real world use examples of these loadings. Their hardcast and copper loadings just work. Also, it has been confirmed that an Alaskan guide defended himself and his clients from a brown bear attack and the bear was killed with 7 shots of 9mm hardcast (fired til empty). (was using 9mm because he didn't feel like lugging his big revolver that day). The ammo is biggest factor. Choose the pistol you feel most confident weilding loaded hardcast. If you use non-hardcast/copper loadings, then the 10mm may be the wiser choice.

[@tyronejackson6593]

Just got my Glock 20 Gen 5, perfect timing!

[@redline870]

Make sure you test it out with the ammo you intend on carrying. I just bought a G20 Gen 5 MOS and it was splitting cases with Hornady Critical Defense. The gun is back at Glock as we speak.

[@richardthorpe8889]

I am I’m sure a lot of other viewers. I’m sure think that there might’ve been some better choices than hard cast bullets. I totally understand the need for penetration, but there are rounds that can give both pretty well. Underwood options and more. There’s another KZbin channel called The Turkeys Opinion that’s been doing some fantastic bullet comparisons and giving honest thoughts on what is discovered

[@erick6371]

Mass is constant until it hits the target and velocity is immediately decreasing as it left the barrel however I am very impressed by the performance of 147 grn 9 mm

[@user-dt2yp9ne8b]

I second the motion to see the 45super comparison. Also the .44 mag under chin at pt blank range.

[@21psd]

I think Mark nailed it in reasoning why he shot the 10 better than the 9. The anticipation of more recoil with the 10 caused him to grip the pistol more firmly (correctly) than he did the 9.

[@martyc1533]

WTF? I bet he would be even more accurate with a .22 or BB gun!! Such a STUPID ARGUMENT!!

[@user-gn4yw7gh2y]

I have a Ruger Blackhawk in 45 colt and I hand load so I have rounds similar to a 44 Mag. After watching a number of you tube videos from people in Alaska and they all like the 10 mm. Looking at the muzzle energy the 10 mm all day if I am in bear country. My son took a brown bear a few years ago and he did a full body mount it was a 10+ bear. After seeing it in person I think the 10 mm with 17 rounds ready would be the smallest I would consider. The Alaska guys are all going to the 10 mm. I would use the 10 mm in the woods and for concealed carry I will use a 9 mm.

[@meyeah7705]

Nice job guys; very entertaining and informative. I found myself thinking "dang, I guess I don't need a 10mm in bear country". BUT then I remembered: muscle. Bears are nothing but dense muscle and bone coupled with kamikazee rage. So I'll take the 10mm, loaded hot and pray the bears have other business elsewhere.

[@peterzimbran]

Agree.. and animal muscle is unbelievably tough. My dog does stuff that would literally kill me… and doesn’t even flinch lol

[@crawlinwithkeagan5678]

If you have a device you plan on using as a life saving tool you should invest a lot of time into it until it feels almost natural in my opinion then continue on to make sure your still consistent with it

[@liverpool6380]

Love my G5G20 509T green Dot

[@thedirtygot9570]

Well done video!! Bullet choice and shot placement for the win! I would feel better with my Glock 20 than my Glock 19, but the one you have is better than the one you don’t!

[@robertwilson22]

Great vid!! Gotta ask...why did you make those ammo choices as opposed to a defense type ammo? Are you just looking for max penetration as opposed to energy transfer? Thanks and keep them coming. Cheers

[@puma51921]

The bullets are generally hard cast or solid metals to penatrate the heavy bones of a bear

[@D-A-1776]

Both are OK for black bear 10mm would work on grizzly with the right load but id take a 44 mag or my 454 casull as well in grizzly country

[@Perry2186]

Mark : you cant outrun a bear Ryan: your right i only have to out run you

[@jaredmcsweeney4557]

How have you attached your holsters to the pack straps?

[@travisramsey653]

It was mentioned to add a safari land QLS… does that go right on the Razco holster?

[@patrickgjorven7832]

PHs I've been with in South Africa had 9mm, along with their buffalo killer rifle.

[@noneyabiz8225]

I carry a picnic basket with me when in bear country. It stops them from attacking every single time.

[@isaakpenunuri3242]

If you use food, you’re just teaching the bear that it’ll get food if it fucks with people. Not smart or considerate in the slightest. Hope you’re joking.

[@erikbarber3924]

Mark is my spirit animal.

[@russdennis7026]

I think both would be fine depending on the bullet your going to carry. I'd feel much better with either of these calibers over Bear spray imo. Thanks for sharing guys and happy hunting and fishing.

[@richardwohlwend1617]

One thing you guys forgot about is the hide. If you really want to know the results, Wrap a piece of hide around the bear head.

[@Jeremy-Two]

Yes .

[@adambernard1672]

Great work! Thanks for sharing the testing results. 🤜🏻 My opinion- best to own a 9mm & 10mm 😁

[@Tuckerfromco]

I carry Bear spray & Lead spray. 10 mm xdm with underwood 150 gr extreme hunter(screw driver tips). I will pick up a bear tag when hunting archery or muzzleloader elk. I just feel more confident with 10mm with a red dot and a light. The pistol always stays on my belt.

[@beevang600]

How I would decide among the two is. Is there gonna be available ammunition.? 9mm is available night and day. 10mm is rarely available at my sporting goods stores.

[@alejandroflores-samaniego9320]

my side arm when hunting is a ria 6” barrel high cap 10mm. its a beast of a gun. had a custom kidex chest holster build. it’s to heavy to pack on waist ban. but if 9mm is what people can afford. can’t go wrong with it. it’s better than nothing.

[@glocktown21]

I have trained with my Glock 20... HOT ROUNDS. JAMS DO HAPPEN FROM LIMP WRISTING! no joke! I can shoot 9 mm... any round all day long, relaxed NO JAMS! The 10 mm with HOT ROUNDS if you don't HANG ON TIGHT to that grip.. you can get jams!!!!!! I have shot glocks my entire life, and carried a 45 acp on duty. Never had jams in training with hot ammo. Until I shot the 10 mm with HOT LOADS! I don't get jams with the typical watered down 180 grain target ammo but as soon as you go HOT LOADS watch out!!!!!!!!!!

[@SuperD00D]

Ya’ll better be in the youtube partner program, because I’ve gotten multiple ads on this video

[@Gav-Norm]

11:35 10mm Vs Bear 12:38 9mm Vs Bear 13:35 rapid fire 9mm vs Bear 14:31 rapid fire 10mm Vs Bear

[@peterzimbran]

My Son went backpacking in grizzly country. Couldn’t afford a new gun at the time so I loaned him my old Colt.357 loaded with buffalo bore hard cast+p’s . Another kid had a 44 mag. Better than nothing I suppose . They saw bear but only far off. Great video guys.

[@C0R365]

.44 mag is a beast but having more rounds in 10mm is pretty appealing with these hard hitting cartridges.

[@scottearnst8152]

Very creative into fellas! You’re all top notch! Keep up the great work, and thank you for the education and entertainment!

[@VortexNation]

Thank YOU for being a part of Vortex Nation! Appreciate you tuning in - this was a fun one!

[@craveman85]

Should have did the charging tests with full mags on each. See how many good hits you get with each with that 2 round difference.

[@Jameskenomis3]

You don’t actually have to talk to the paper bear … you know that right? I’m sure if it actually happens you will be able to remember “ hey bear!”

[@abettermind]

You want to make noise when around bears. Practicing doing so is a good idea.

[@saltsea9499]

Would liked to have seen some hollow point testing for comparison. I'm not sure a hardcast or extreme penetrator is necessary based on a lot of the testing done by Paul Harrel and the stories that Chuke's outdoors is reporting.

[@CplSkiUSMC]

That first shot is the one that counts the most. 10mm rules but 9mm was surprisingly effective. The three things missing from your testing are 1: Bears are moving fast and bouncing left/right up/down and an erratically moving target is difficult to hit. 2: The adrenaline dump. Adrenaline greatly reduces your fine motor control. 3: Fear. Many people just freeze when faced with a lethal threat or try to run away. Either way, you're liable to end up dead or wishing you were dead.

[@portersorensen8814]

From the perspective of the variables that go into play from bear encounter to bear encounter. You are making a valid point. But from a standpoint of cartridge vs cartridge this was as well as anybody could do short of testing that would prove extremely redundant. But you do make an excellent point for what a given person should expect and should plan for should the worst happen.

[@CplSkiUSMC]

@@portersorensen8814Very true. And the bottom line is that any gun is better than a sharp stick. Most people will never have to worry about being attacked by a grizzly so for them this is just interesting speculation. I live in NW Wyoming so the possibility that I could run into a grizzly is very much a reality. Whether you carry a 9mm or a .500 S&W Magnum, the best defense is being aware of your surroundings and ready for the "just in case" because it can and does happen. Before my sons went off to war in Iraq I gave them a piece of advice that helped them come home. When you least expect it... expect it.

[@Braxtonfontes14]

10mm by a country mile

[@danielclover6992]

A bear can run at 40 mph! You better get faster on the draw. From what I've seen, you guys are in trouble.

[@heatheruntz5315]

Ammo selection and shot placement will have alot to do with bear defense and there have been brown bear killed by 9mm but I would feel better with a 10mm against a brown bear

[@johnharris8191]

I am a descendant of Edward Teach. My grandfather told me that it was passed down from generations that Edward killed a bear on Ocracoke Island off the North Carolina coast with a switch from a Liveoak Tree. I never knew him to tell any tall tales either. What do you folks think? LOL