9mm vs 10mm: Charging bear drills and ballistic showdowns — Are you ready for bear country?

BARNEVELD, Wis. - When venturing into bear country, the question of the right defensive pistol becomes not just a matter of preference, but of survival. Cartridge Talks, in its latest episode, "9mm vs 10mm – Best for Bear Defense?" aims to shed light on an important question: in a grizzly situation, is the formidable power of the 10mm necessary, or does the more manageable recoil and higher accuracy potential of the 9mm offer a better chance of survival?

Click here to watch on the Vortex Nation™ YouTube Channel.

Utilizing life-size, anatomically correct, ballistic gel-loaded grizzly bear skulls complete with blood effects, the episode provides a visually compelling comparison of the two calibers. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn, leveraging their pistol-shooting experience, engage in a series of creative shooting drills designed to simulate a charging bear. This unique setup not only examines the penetrating power and terminal ballistics of each caliber but also puts accuracy and pistol handling skills to the ultimate test.

THE HUNT FOR KNOWLEDGE: BEYOND THE SHOW
For enthusiasts craving a deeper dive, the Cartridge Talks: Fully Loaded podcast extends the discussion from the episode. Join hosts Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn as they dissect the performance of the 9mm and 10mm in bear defense scenarios, exploring the nuances of each caliber's effectiveness against the formidable grizzly bear.

Click to check out Cartridge Talks: Fully Loaded.

GEARING UP FOR BEAR COUNTRY
Inspired by the episode to prepare for your next adventure in bear territory? Vortex's "Shop the Build" blog feature details the Smith & Wesson® pistols, Defender-ST™ Micro Red Dot sights, and ammunition used in the show. These handpicked 9mm and 10mm setups, available through Scheels®, are tailored to give you the upper hand in bear defense.

Click here to read.

SHAPE FUTURE EPISODES
Your feedback’s important. After watching, share your thoughts and suggestions for future comparisons in the comments section of the episode. While there, subscribe to the Vortex Nation™ YouTube Channel to stay updated on upcoming episodes of Cartridge Talks.

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