compact lightweight revolver in .357- or .44mag

[taroman]

Barrel is steel (or should be).
Shotshells are plastic and lead.
No damage, but if you shot a huge number there may be plastic fouling

 

[Mcoop]

Take a look at the Ruger LCR 357 mag

 

[pdxjazz]

Here is a video of a brave soul shooting Buffalo Bore 180 gr. hard casts out of a 11.4 oz. S&W 340PD.

 

[ikemay]

Ruger GP or SP 3"- 4" barrel in .357 Magnum for less than bear protection. For bear problems (or most any problem) maybe a Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan in .44 Magnum or .454 Casull - definitely not a lightweight though.