The factory .38 super or 9mm would probably out penetrate .45 Auto FMJ, for sure, on game, through muscle, anyway. With handloads, I do not know if the .38 Super or 9mm factory could be improved upon, but the .45 auto, most certainly, speed wise.

However, would the little ones do enough damage to get you out of trouble? I do ot kow, but I have my reservations about them. I'd rather have the .45 myself. It will go through the head of any bear or cat, if not with the first round, the second would pen as you always double tap at the least.

It worked for me, on my first bear with the .45. I was working night shift on prowl duty at the jail, so it was all above board and legal.

I used the 960fps 260gr. Speer for a rib shot on the second bear a couple nights later.

The .44 mag also works. I won't say better as with the results I had, there could be no improvement. Quickly, almost instantly dead, is quick enough.