The 9mm can kill bears but is considered underpowered by experienced woodsmen. The 9mm has 350 to 450 ft/lbs. of energy, while 1,000 ft/lbs is considered the minimum for a bear hunting gun. Proper 9mm bullets yield sufficient penetration in soft tissue, but it may not stop a bear quickly enough to avoid being mauled.

What caliber can kill a bear?

44 Magnum is the minimum for charging bears, many others have opted for a Glock 20 in 10mm Auto and, interestingly enough, passed right by the . 357 S&W Magnum. Several folks have even successfully killed bears with a 9mm. While a well-placed shot from a 10mm can no doubt do the trick, the .

Will a 10 mm stop a black bear?

Cartridges designed for defense against human predators do not. The 10mm auto with the best 220-grain hard-cast bullet has a pathetic 703 foot-pounds of energy. ... Another guy in New Mexico failed to stop a black bear quickly enough with his 10mm, even with multiple hits.