how potent is the .22 Magnum?

[Erasmus]

Since the overwhelming majority of hikers never even come close to getting mauled, maybe it won't ultimately matter what you carry.

Carry whatever you want. I do. Currently, it's a 1911.

 

[n80shutterbug]

If you actually want to stop a large predator charging at close range (in other words, an angry bear), the best option is probably a can of bear spray. That stuff is a really attitude changer when sprayed in the nose of any animal. The second option in my opinion would be a .44 mag. I doubt the .357 would do it, especially if loaded down to a .38 special. Not saying a well placed shot with a .357 (or even something smaller) wouldn't do it, but for myself I like to weigh the odds in my favor. Granted, I like the IDEA of a firearm better than a can of spray, but as far as results IMO the spray is a more reliable stopper. And then you don't have the hassle of showing the game warden the dead bear.

 

[tyr_shadowblade]

A 44Mag or 20ga slug to the head or chest of a bear would do it

I would not use a shotgun on a bear -- especially a 20 ga single-shot.

44 mag can do it -- maybe -- which is why revolvers and lever actions give you the option of quick follow up shots. Again, would not want to go up against a bear with a single shot.

Bears are QUICK, they have very thick skulls and thick rolls of fat. You want something big to take a bear with.

 

[not2sharp]

Specifically, from a 22 inch barrel, is it enough persuasion for a mountain lion, black bear or a feral dog to leave the person alone?

...or would bear spray be a better idea?

If you were hunting and such calibers were allowed in your area, then perhaps yes. It would depend on your ability to place the bullet where it needs to go. A lot of deer and boar are taken with a well placed shot from the lowly 22 long rifle at 50-100 yards. For self-defense, I would go with something more compact and a larger caliber (like .357 or better). With animal attacks, you don't always have time to deploy a rifle. You want something that you can reach and bring to bear, even if the animal has you on the ground.

This is the kind of reaction time you might encounter:

n2s

 

[hank_rearden]

What about for long range hunting for ducks, geese, and turkey?

 

[22-rimfire]

I think it would make an adequate turkey rifle caliber and in fact something I might choose. Good out to about 150 yds.

Ducks and geese in a survival situation. Mostly shotgun stuff.

 

[JJ_Colt45]

The 22 mag must not have been effective ... the thread lived 9 years ...

 

[22-rimfire]

I think the thread interest relates to where it is posted and the fact that it concerns a caliber that is not really popular.

Not the caliber I would choose for a charging bear needless to say. The bear thing doesn't come up much in my life although I have had fake charges or warning charges in the past. Trust me... that will stand your hair up!!