I am thinking about using an side arm for bear hunting this fall. Have been shooting the 45 and the 357, like them both. Thinking about using the 357, just wondering what everone uses?

For Bear? Neither.......I would look at 44 mag, or bigger. That being said, after 8 years of carrying my 357 in the woods during deer season, I am looking forward to carrying my 1911 in 45, not a great deer round I know, but my slug gun is the main choice.......

Do you mean you are planning on using it as a backup? Like you are bow hunting? I would have the confidence to put a bear down with either if it came to it.

Personally, I wouldn't use either of those rounds as a primary weapon for bear. Stick with Picks suggestion of a 44 mag minimum.

I have a .40, .357, and .44 mag. so I understand what each can do for damage. There is a huge difference between the .44 mag and the others. The .357 is better used as finishing round for bear IMO and the .45 should stay in camp.

Good luck on your hunt!