My dad and I like to head west every now and then to bowhunt elk in NM. I work so much I can only get away every other year or so. In an off year, dad got invited on a last-minute over-the-counter bowhunt in Coloradao a couple of years ago. CO and NM have reciprocity with TX (where we live) for concealed handgun, but Dad didn't bother to carry. He got attacked by a bear. He survived by fighting the bear off with an oak branch, but he bought "bear insurance" for next time (a S&W Model 57 .41 Mag - nickel plated w/4" barrel). He bought it from a friend, and I won't tell you what he paid for it because you'd start offering him money for it. Put it this way - he threw in a box of 50 rounds for 10 bucks. If anyone shoots a .41, you know what I mean. Anyhow, I picked up a .41 Mag Ruger RH w/a 5 1/2" barrel this year off of gunbroker because I reload, and I have to reload for the old man, so I figured that I can outfit the both of us for pretty cheap with 210gr Hornady XTPs. So far, so good, but I've been thinking about casting bullets that would be true "bear stoppers." A good, heavy, de-tempered cast bullet seems to me to be the right choice for stopping bears or carjackers. Help me out here. Am I off track? Also, if there's a thread that gets a newby on the right path, please point me there. I don't have any free time, but I can probably make some for a new hobby.

Thanks.

Deck

Depends on how much you are shooting. If only a few hundred a year it's hardly worth setting up especially if your pressed for time. On the other hand if you shoot a lot or just want to be able to say I made it myself go for it.

Even if you decide to get into .41 casting, first try a box or two of the ones offered by this sites owner. Would be a good way to see just how well they work, and what weight range would suit your needs.
http://www.beartoothbullets.com/bulletselect/index.htm

Personally, the 280gr. is a real nice "deer-thumper".

I cast for 41 with much success for what I use it for here in Iowa.
I have no idea how to build a "bear stopper". Best I can offer is to start with a good bullet. Beartooth would be my choice for such a load. Marshall Stanton makes "Premium lead alloy hunting bullets".

What I make as a hobby caster uses "scrap lead" from a gas station. Is not intended for bear.

Good choice of oak by your dad! Very strong/dense wood. Birtch may have failed?
Oak=Beartooth Birtch=gas station

Cheezywan

Thanks, guys. I'm going to try some of Beartooth's finest and load 'em up. Dad went back the next day and every other scrap of wood on the trail was rotten. The Man upstairs was looking out for him for sure.