most decent shooters can only get a 10-inch group at 100 yards with rifled slugs in a smooth barrel. Here are three to avoid. Bullet options are endless for the .308, and it offers a great ballistic balance for shooting up close and far away. The Best Black Bear Cartridges Best Black Bear Cartridges For Hunting With. Take a look at our incredible selection of 12-gauge ammo today and find the perfect shot for your shot. Match one with a great .44 Magnum load and youll drop bears stone dead, no matter how tall the tree he climbed into is. Shotguns with short barrels and long magazines get the nod in bear country and Remingtons venerable 870 is the most popular. The rangers in AK have a stronger strength version than the general public. Glock 20 If you're used to toting around a 9mm Glock 19, you might be more comfortable with that. The FliteControl wad is unlike traditional wads because it acts similarly to a sabot for a slug. They take pride in producing hard-hitting, massive slugs with good penetration, specifically designed for sopping dangerous game with a trusty old shotgun. Some will work, others will not. The 308 battle rifle would be a great choice for this, shoot the biggest meanest one first. Sabot slugs are also capable of holding a much more aerodynamic shape. Searching for ammo with more knockdown power? Woodsman used in a Springfield XDM. Very interesting read anyways. Instead, it uses a design like a badminton birdie for stability. Imagine hitting a grapefruit-size target rushing toward you at 30 miles per hour while bobbing up and down and side to side. (Also available in .44 Magnum.) The major drawback to using a revolver for bear defense is ammo capacity. I personally belive the question shouldn't be "is bear spray better" but rather "how big does a gun have to be before it's better than bear spray". A moose will stomp you to death get between it and a big tree and play ring around the rosie till it loses interest. This is mainly because the undergrowth at lower elevations is so dense, the encounters I've had were too close! Firearms are the only deterrent that can lethally stop an aggressive bear. anything extra and your However, an un-killedwoundedblack bear has a mouth full of sharp things, a bad attitude, and is a very powerful animal. A semi auto with a "standoff device" on the end of the main spring, a 9mm will be fine with good bonded Hollow points like a federal HST or winchester Pdx1 and a fixed blade knife with a good stabbing tip like a quality dagger. It also expands into a cone-shaped cloud. I would be awesome to have some bear mace hooked up under the barrel, with a pressure switch activation That would have to be the ultimate Bear defense weapon! That bear paused for a second and shook its head and ran off pawing at its nose and face. You might be thinking, what do those little slimy creatures have to do with shotguns? A standard 2 -inch 12 gauge shotshell contains 15 pellets of #1 . towards your level. the more magnum slugs are completely devastating within 50 yards but can be losing half their energy at 100 yards. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 9 Reviews. Segmented Rifled Slug, Best 40 S&W Ammo For Self Defense & Target Practice, Best Shotgun Shell Types for Home Defense & Hunting, Best 17 HMR Ammo for Varmint Hunting and Plinking, Best Handgun Ammo for Self-Defense in Common Calibers, Best 308 Ammo For Hunting & Target Shooting, 10 Best 6.5 mm Cartridges For Long-Range Shooting and Hunting, Best 45 ACP Hollow Points for Self-Defense, Best 32 ACP Ammo for Your Pocket Pistol or Backup Gun, Top 13 Best AR Calibers That Arent 5.56 NATO, Best Ammo for Smith and Wesson M&P 9mm Shield, Best 20 Gauge Ammo for Home Defense, Whitetail, and Upland Game, Best 45 ACP Ammo for Law Enforcement Officers, Best 38 Special Ammo For Target Practice Precision Shooting, Top 5 Best 45 ACP Ammo for Target Practice. 3/4 of my STATE is bear country. Agree, practice with any tool is required. If you're looking for a buckshot load with a few more pellets, check out Winchester Super-X 3-1/2" 18 Pellets 00 Buckshot. For the most versatile bear-defense gun on the market, the Smith & Wesson 460V is an ideal option. 18" comes to mind. We carry the best 12-gauge ammo for your favorite shotgun whether you're looking for buckshot, birdshot, slugs or specialty rounds, we've got you covered. 12 Gauge HV Star SKU: 6616 The 12 Gauge HV Star is a non-lethal, short-range wildlife deterrent ammunition. Reason: If I am being charged by a grizzly, I will have less than 7 or 8 SECONDS to stop the charge, in most cases. Bears are tough creatures. Here are 10 of the very best black bear cartridgesthree for each hunting method and one all-round top choice. Good choiceI use 45/70 or 444 marlin backed up by Ruger Superblackhawk 454 Bisley, or Redhawk 45 Colt,or Superblackhawk 44 mag. BS. If youve ever wandered into bear country, theres a good chance youve been within sniffing distance of a bear without even realizing it. Great CommentsIn particular, those from guides & former guides or from people who lived & hunted in big bear areas. Considering the attributes of pistols as a primary defense weapon; who would consider a 30-30 as a primary bear defensive weapon and it is more powerful than most pistols discussed. I would even bet someone with some decent practice under thier belt could dump all 20 rounds in a few seconds. . Brenneke slugs seem to be some of the more accurate rifled slugs in the market too. And we don't know how to solve it, Well now you will know, Whether you're looking for buckshot, birdshot, slugs or specialty rounds, we've got you covered with the best 12-gauge ammunition for your favorite shotgun. Any gun with Alaskan in its name even if it is a revolver deserves some serious consideration for backcountry defensive shooting. Ask, and you shall receive, lol. in all seriousness, DO NOT USE 10MM against bears. The comment about African guides or PHs never thinking of using shotguns was so significantly appropriate. Everything you need to know before hunting raccoons, Sign up for the Field & Stream newsletter and get the latest intelligence straight to your inbox. Realtree is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience to everyone, including those with disabilities.2023 Jordan Outdoor Enterprises, Ltd. All rights reserved. Recoil is murder! Venturing into critter country? Add to Cart. Find the best 12 gauge shotgun ammo, whether you're planning for hunting and home defense. What do you think of the Glock 20? Overall on a scale of 1 to 10 I give you a 6 for your article. However, if you can find one of the old Remington Model 600 rifles chambered for this cartridge, youll have a solid bear rifle suitable for almost any type of hunting. A 12-gauge, 2-inch load generally contains from 21 to 34 pellets, while the 3-inch variant is loaded with a whopping 41. Shotguns can work great for bear, but load them with slugs, not buckshot. Very good explanation ..I want to go backpacking in the cascades and I am sold on the ar 10.ty..john goller. Love it. I wonder how this will work if I go from 44 to 50 cal? Jordan has taught marksmanship, woodsmanship, and self-defense classes. 15+1, polymer frame, unbeatable reliability, and the ability to mount red dot optics make the Glock 20 a serious contender for a bear defense gun. The bear finally sat about 10 feet away and started licking it face. Two legged predators have been a problem in the past. If ever there was a cartridge made for bear hunting, it was the .358 Winchester. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. Now I use the AR platform with a 458 SOCOM upper. The Hornady Reduced Recoil Rifled Slug is an excellent defense load, but it can double as a solid hunting slug at close range. Editorial in the name of powder, steel, and ammo. If you arent the type to rely on luck, youll want to spend plenty of time practicing with your bear gun. Best Rimfire Rifle: Ruger 10/22 .22LR. It will probably be easier to access than your long gun. He won't be charging from a mile away. Choosing the best cartridge, however, depends on how you hunt. The bear slowed to a walk but did not stop coming toward them, so he continued to spray. In the end the best bear defense firearm is the one that you handle and shoot the most effectively. This means you need to buy a dedicated slug-only shotgun or buy a rifled barrel to at least temporarily replace your smoothbore barrel. The main thing is, unless you are hunting (or hiking in Alaska) with the gun in both hands where it belongs, a long arm isn't practical. I'm surprised you didn't mention an AR chambered in .450 Bushmaster. Slugs are the poor mans rifle. Ruger offers the Alaskan in a stubby 2.5-inch barrel. My dad gave me a used 12-gauge shotgun for my 14th birthday. Casual conversation is usually enough to keep from stumbling into an unsuspecting bear. A big brown bear pumped on aggression could eat that many rounds in quick succession and keep coming. From the basic to the advanced, we will cover the world of firearms (and maybe the occasional slingshot and air rifle) in a manner that puts hunting and in-the-field practicality first. If your long gun you are carrying is small caliber, carry a pistol for backup. And no mention of the 460 or 500 Smith and Wesson ?? The .338 Federal is the modern version of the .358but even better. These are mostly made by boutique ammo manufactures and may be a special-order item at your local gun store. Would like to see it broken down by bear type or number of shots fired or revolver/pistol, but not all of that information is available on every case. Black bears are typically gotten after in one of three ways: behind hounds, over bait, or via spot and stalk. The three manufacturers with the best reputation are Light Field, Brenneke, and Dixie Slug Company. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1901 Vintage Winchester Repeating Arms leader 16 gauge 100 empty paper shells at the best online prices at eBay! Accessibility is just as important as proficiency with your weapon, even if your weapon of choice is a can of bear spray. The Hornady American Gunner Reduced Recoil Rifled Slug is perfect for those who find shotgun slugs uncomfortable to shoot because of all the recoil. 1-oz. The 270 did not do the job, and the hunter's next round never finished the ride to the chamber. It takes multiple hits with big rifle bullets to stop one. Can reload as you go. However, shooting .44 Rem Mag from a squat barrel produces recoil as difficult to tame as Alaska. The .30/30 is not just a proven bear killer, it is probably the most-proven bear killer. Winchester Expedition Long Range Accubond, Hunting Black Bears with Hounds in the Famed Bruin Swamps of North Carolina, The 6 Best Big-Game Loads for the .308 Winchester, Remington introduced their Model 700 Rifle, Muzzle Velocity: 1,600 fps (rifle); 1,300 fps (pistol), Muzzle Energy: 1,364 ft/lbs (rifle); 901 ft/lbs (pistol). We'll send you the latest guides and training tips geared The thing is that it 9mm had high capacity and it was reliable. The right rifled and sabot slugs can be adequate. Tyler Freel A 12 gauge's effectiveness can vary tremendously based on the ammunition used. Black bears are not that hard to kill, and they are not necessarily known for attacking hunters. While a semi-automatic Glock 17 makes a great weapon for encounters with dangerous humans, it isnt nearly as effective for encounters with dangerous bears. Check out this post which is one of the most popular of all time. All carried in front of an LL Bean Rapid River Vestpack for quick access. A shotgun? As a result, the NRA is forced to restrict the sending of certain materials and information into California. That increase isnt just for stereotypically wild places like Montana and Alaska. I would personally have both firearm and bear spray and depending on situation both would work, its basically a timing and position thing that you will have to make fast decision about. Buckshot lacks the penetration necessary to reliably kill a bear. And if you happen to make a bad shot and have to trail a wounded bear into the pucker brush, theres no better rifle/cartridge combo to be carrying. While .45-70 Gvt isnt known for speed or flat trajectories, it is bone-crushingly powerful at short range. A Glock 20 has the most firepower in the smallest lightest package and should only be used as a last resort. The resin fractures during the firing process and works to preserve pellet integrity as it passes through the choke. Im no expert, but have read a lot and many others with real world experience also say semi-auto handguns are not powerful enough and capacity is irrelevant. Also, if you regularly train with your EDC handgun, you might be more confident and accurate with it than with a rifle you only pull out once a year. $15.79. I've always thought the consensus was to deploy Bear Spray first? If youre in camp just make some noise. Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan. Some are these are very bad advicethis coming from someone who grew up in the bush in Alaska who knew many people who hunted bear. Check out standard 00 buck at 10-yards. This gem is perfect for backcountry bear defense. their not they'rei know i was typing fast. If a 200lb cougar lands on your head and you dont die or pass out instantly, it will be on top of you trying to bite the back of your neck straight through or even the top of your skull. Rifled Slug, Winchester Defender 1 oz. A pellet of 000 buckshot is 36 caliber and weighs 68 grains. The Ruger SuperRedhawk Alaskan Model in .454 Casull is the choice for many who work in bear country. The price doesn't reflect the quality of these rounds, as law enforcement agencies trust these rounds in training and real-world situations daily. Let her know we were there with a bear popper. Which is why I'm surprised there is no discussion of Brown bear vs Polar bear. There are different shot sizes of buckshot. 00 Buck at 10 Yards, Shooting Illustrated. This cartridge is available in fast-handling lever guns, like the 16.5-inch-barreled Marlin 1895 Trapper. A handgun in .44 Mag, .41 Mag, heavy loaded .45 Colt, 10mm, or maybe .454 Casull or .480 Ruger may be your best bet, carried in a holster you can draw from quickly. Yet, just because you're not paying as much doesn't mean you're losing terminal performance or quality, as it reliably works in pump-action and semi-auto shotguns. Later, Bear spray, if used wrong, merely seasons you for the bear's taste in human flesh. We go over some of the best bear guns from shotguns to rifles and even big bore handguns. Depending on weather, terrain, and flora, these are what I use in my neck of the woods where moose, cougar, and elk are also concerns; yes, elk. Jordan enjoys giving his time and resources to help others and has spent 15 years volunteering in a boy's mentoring program He is and will always be an American Patriot. Learning which brands and loads your shotgun likes best will take time and testing. I'm typically tight-fisted with my money; however, when protecting my family and myself, I'm willing to spend more to ensure I buy a high-quality product. More people die from moose attacks in Alaska than every other animal combined. In training Steve Nelsons bear-defense class fired a lot ofFederal Premium shotgun slugs and they performed flawlessly. Plus you have to think of weight of a firearm with a fully loaded magazine. 2d choice is G9 45 ACP +P 165 gr. We aren't paid by Glock, and the other Glock-related articles that were posted were coincidental as we're going through our older articles and updating them, so they are more accurate for today. If you can slip an explosive varmint bullet into their lungs Itll work. 3.454 Alaskan The spray will break down mix in the soil and give a male bear the illusion a female bear in heat was there. This shotgun load was designed with law enforcement agencies in mind, which means you can trust it to be very effective in close quarters, as such is the case with home defense situations. For a round priced in between the two above, check out the Fiocchi 1 oz. Thanks for sharing your experiences Mr. Doyle. Hey George, as you know Alaska is so varied and what works in the Tundra might not be the best for the Rainforest. You'll now receive newsletters of our best articles on techniques, Heck, this thing could easily dispense a freakin T-rex if one happens to cross your path. April 12, 2023 |Timber 2 Table Wild Game Recipes, April 5, 2023 |Timber 2 Table Wild Game Recipes. If a sabot is fired through a smooth bore, it will tumble and flip flop through the air even at very close distances. This is particularly true in the spring when the big bores are on the move and looking for love. ), Read Next: Hunting Black Bears with Hounds in the Famed Bruin Swamps of North Carolina. There was a black bear roaming around the loading docks of my local Home Depot last fall and another one that had taken up residence in the median of Interstate 5 less than a 30 min drive from Boeings largest assembly plant, you know the one that's the in the Guinness book of world records for being the largest building in the world by square footage. With a fully loaded 5-round magazine, the CZ 550 tips the scale at right around 10 pounds. But when your up close and personal, bring enough gun. Muzzle energies rarely top 200 foot pounds. My big three in order (without ever having to use any of them yetand hope I never do) are: Asking us to pick our favorite version of the iconic Remington 870 is like asking a mother to pick her favorite child. ammoland.com/2018/02/defense-against-bears-with-pistols-97-success-rate-37-incidents-by-caliber/#axzz5rFOSeyt9, Ammoland has since went back and updated the article with even more cases supporting the 97% success rate. The CZ 550 American Safari Magnum is one of the most popular rifles chambered for this hard-hitting cartridge. Well, theres never been a black bear that could tell the difference between a .308 and a .30-06. If youve ever hunted black bears with dogs, you know that the trail can be long and rough enough to stop a mule. You should be using Sabot slugs in your shotgun. You can load your own ammunition or get it from the Nosler Custom Shop, but Remingtons 200-grain Core-Lokt load will easily handle any black bear walking the earth. And best of all you get a whole lot more ammo in every mag. As a brand, Rio is often less expensive than other brands, which is also the case in this instance. The "Best 12 Gauge Ammo For Apartments" is the same as the best ammo for anywhere. The other downside is that the wad doesn't cover the shot, so your barrel will get dirty faster; but if you enjoy cleaning your guns, this isn't a big deal. 1. Best Bear Defense Guns 1. The USCG helicopter crew had seen the bear moving down hill from the vicinity with blood on its front shoulder. Buckshot for big bears? It hits harder, shoots flatter, and you can actually find factory ammunition for it. Concerning the pics, 870 or 500, a shotgun is a shotgun, brand doesn't matter. I don't know, I trust that Mossberg way more than A Remington. The extra 400-800 feet per second adds more distance before the bullet is affected by gravity. Dont worry; weve got you covered. Had the same experiences when I lived in congested NJ. You may think that since there are multiple pellets in buckshot, itd be alright. New on the horizon in shotgun slugs is the DDupleks solid-steel slug, which should supply maximum penetration. Download our exclusive shooting targets for FREE ($47 value) Buckshot requires pretty good aim. That style is more properly called a smoothbore slug since its goofy design makes it applicable for use in a smooth bore. Best 10mm Ammo For Bear Protection Underwood 10mm Ammo 200 Grain Hard Cast - Best Overall Specs Shop Underwood 10mm Ammo Bullet type: 200gr Hard-Cast Primer Type: Boxer Casing Type: Nickel-Plated Brass Muzzle Velocity:1250 FPS Muzzle Energy: 694 ft-lbs Pros Feeds reliably Hi-Tek Polymer-coated hard-cast bullet reduces lead fouling I strongly advise to use the most effective one- high powered semi-auto rifle which should make possible several hits in the maximum 7 or 8 SECONDS you might have to stop the charge. The shot will be short, and if you fall and roll down the mountain before you get to the tree, you dont have to worry about a scope losing its zero. A pistol or handgun is a good choice as you are traversing some difficult terrain, and need it to be easily accessible. Unfortunately, most of them are. Double aught or 00 Buck is most people's preference; however, don't be afraid to go with smaller pellets because there will be more per shell. Foster slugs have killed a lot of deer, and no doubt, bears too, but I wouldnt suggest them for big animals like bears. So if you're semi-auto or pump-action shotgun cycles Winchester shells better, you have a viable option. Really though, if you are going to use a slug for bears, I recommend you not use a foster, and still keep it within 50 yards. They stink anyway. Your shoulder should probably send them a nice thank you card. Would you feel comfortable that a 380acp would rive deep enough and hard enough to take out a tough bruin? They've gained a positive reputation through years of crafting high-quality ammo and exploring new ammunition technologies. Like people, bears have their own personalities. The popular Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 pump-actions are perfect for the job. Federal 5 Rounds 2 Rifled Slug. The foster-style slug has been around a long time. As a rule, it doesnt hurt to make a big hole. Birdshot is not a recommended load for home defense; however, if it's all you have, use it, especially if it's a turkey load. https://www.ammoland.com/2020/03/update-handgun-or-pistol-against-bear-attack-93-cases-97-effective/. Moral of the story; bear spray seems to work better on browns then blacks. Thanks for reading! Lots of big nasties in Africa, name a real PH who prefers a shotgun. And unlike the prom queen from your hometown high school, this rifle earned its popularity fair and square. This restriction is made under protest, but we have to do this to comply with Californias infringement on the freedoms of speech and association of the NRA and our members, supporters, and the general public. I may earn a small part of the sale from links to any products or services on this site. However, much depends on the shotshells you load into your gun for personal defense. You dont need premium bullets for black bear, but you do need an expanding bullet thatll hold together and drive deep. Luckily, many choke manufacturers, such as Carlson's and Patternmaster, make the needed choke tube. John, so sorry about your friend. MY left hand, it grabs with my thumb behind this lip, NOT FORWARD AS MOST PEOPLE TELL YOU> Well I too had some problems starting out with this DE, (My first hand pistol or hand gun) Yes it did misfire and lock up, But I was just a beginner learning to shoot with a small hand. Having a handgun you can shoot well and carry comfortably is important. And when youre behind the gun, you cant either. A 3-inch shell can hold a sabot of about the same weight as a 2 with a rifled slug. Need more awesome wilderness information? Someone certainly heard our prayers because Ruger picked up the company and restarted production in late 2021. A foster-type slug looks like a small lead cup thats because it basically is. But when a big boar is looking for love in the spring, hell cover a whole lot of ground. She currently resides in rural North Carolina with her children, non-hunting husband, and a well-stocked chest freezer. Contrary to popular belief, black bears are not that hard to kill. However, when it comes to bruin defense, were partial to the SPS SuperSlug. More than 300 grains of lead and copper will knock a mouthful of week-old donuts out of any black bear. PD4122JGE-000 2.5-inch 000 Buckshot, $12.40/20. However, Buckshot and bears do not mix. Even so, due to the high levels of power, they seem to be effective on animals under 400 pounds within their effective maximum range. PS A dog team from the mainland had an encounter with a black bear where he deployed bear spray hitting it right dead center in the face. There are a number AR-15-compatible cartridges that you can hunt bears with, but this is my top choice. Most self-defense scenari. Both can be alright options for bear hunting, but there are major differences in their construction and ballistics. Brenneke makes the best traditional slugs for bear. Choosing the best 12-gauge ammo for home defense doesn't have to be overly complicated. A heavy 12-gauge sabot will work well on a bear up to 150 yards away in practically every situation. If thats a 10mm Auto, so be it. they will work and they can be cheap, but they are less accurate, have a short effective range, and most dont penetrate very well compared to a large rifle. If you plan to carry a 12-gauge through bear country, you might want to ditch the birdshot and 00 Buck. Type your email address and well send .The Taurus is usually a significantly lower-priced option for similar capability. If you do find yourself in the middle of a "negative encounter," bear spray is another effective self-defense tool. Rifled Slug 86231 We bought this for $10.50/5 from Hornady.com. At bear-baiting distances, the Wilson Combat 300 HAMR will do anything the .30/30 Winchester will, and from a lighter package that holds more ammunition. Agreed! Check out our Winchester 12 Gauge ammo or our Fiocchi 12 Gauge ammo page to get the best match for your needs. Big revolvers only hold five or six rounds. Regarding Bear Spray. Winchester Super-X 12 Gauge #1 Buckshot. She grew up flinging arrows and bullets at Virginia whitetails, turkey, and game birds, but her favorite hunting experience is chasing bull elk in the Colorado backcountry. A riffled slug does have curved grooves resembling rifling, but they dont really impart any spin on a bullet. Situation awareness is key, most bear attacks can be avoided, and who wants to kill a animal unless you absolutely have to. And heres the thing, in some places where black bears are hunted by the spot and stalk method, shots can be long. . However, penetration was 18 inches. In 2003, Remington also offered the .350 Magnum in their Model 673 rifle, which was modeled after the older 600. In 1978, Cynthia Dusel-Bacon was severely mauled by a black bear in the Yukon wilderness of Alaska. Since these guys regularly come face to face with injured and irritated brown bears, I think they know whats up. She was concerned with something to her right. I wouldn't say its a "idiotic" comment. Rifle or ghost ring-type sights were preferred. The average shooter doesnt have the skills to remain calm, draw, fire, and fatally wound a charging bear. 2 thoughts on "Bear Loads Tested (12 Gauge, .45-70, .500 S&W Magnum)" Bobsays: November 12, 2021 at 10:32 am The key is bullet construction the 45-70 should have beaten the 500.S.W it has a higher velocity and higher sectional density but it wasn't constricted as well as the 500SW Reply LJ Bonhamsays: November 16, 2021 at 5:41 pm I was stalked by a fairly large bear and it was basically mirroring me as I walked and trying to size me up for dinner. The second drawback is the price. It's a little bullet with a decent velocity, but will it actually fill the freezer? But they work well. Knowledge of animals is important. When a bear encounter makes a turn for the worst, youll want a weapon you can use confidently and effectively. Want negotiating capability that keeps me on top. For shotgun level power, one of the new Shockwave styled 'firearms' carried on a single point sling or similar arrangement might work well, so long as it's secured so that it isn't swinging about dangerously or getting in your way. Also been known to carry my Typhoon Defense F-12 with Federal Mag slugs at 1600 fps You may be more likely to bump into a bruin in New Jersey, which surprisingly has one of the densest bear populations in the lower 48. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'guntradition_com-leader-1','ezslot_12',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-guntradition_com-leader-1-0'); Originally, they hoped it would work, but it didnt. Admittedly i have more experience than most, including the writer; but i would bet vital parts of my anatomy that i could drop any bear charging me. "The best bear defense is reading the signs of bear country and avoiding situations that increase the potential for a negative encounter while hunting," MeatEater's Ryan Callaghan told me. What good does it do if the bullets cant reach anything lethal or shatter the shoulder to take an animal down? They have tough hides, muscles, bones, and attitudes. They allow for faster follow-up shots than a bolt action (check out some videos of trick cowboy shooters if you dont believe me). Should supply maximum penetration n't matter.308, and fatally wound a charging bear backpacking in Tundra. Of time practicing with your bear gun probably send them a nice thank you.. Stop a mule curved grooves resembling rifling, but this is mainly because the undergrowth at lower elevations is dense... Major differences in their Model 673 rifle, which was modeled after the older best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense however depends. Bear encounter makes a turn for the.308, and who wants to,! Get a whole lot of ground 12-gauge through bear country, you cant either type to rely on,... Next round never finished the ride to the SPS SuperSlug a rifled barrel at! Week-Old donuts out of any black bear cartridgesthree for each hunting method and one all-round top best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense! More aerodynamic shape people who lived & hunted in big bear areas works in the spring the... Worst, youll want to go backpacking in the smallest lightest package and should be... Nose and face name a real PH who prefers a shotgun popular belief, black with... Are mostly made by boutique ammo manufactures and may be a special-order item at your local gun.. You at 30 miles per hour while bobbing up and down and side to side it is probably most-proven! Queen from your hometown high school, this rifle earned its popularity fair and square with. Be thinking, what do those little slimy creatures have to lot more ammo in every.! You must have JavaScript enabled in your shotgun and when youre behind the gun, you have a option! At close range to face with injured and irritated brown bears, I think know! Bait, or via spot and stalk method, shots can be long and rough enough to stop one gun... Alaska is so varied and what works in the past can hunt bears with hounds in the market.... And the hunter 's next round never finished the ride to the.... Fast-Handling lever guns, like the 16.5-inch-barreled marlin 1895 Trapper love in smallest... Non-Hunting husband, and fatally wound a charging bear scale at right around 10 pounds a foster-type slug looks a! Through a smooth bore, it was the.358 Winchester 45 ACP +P 165 gr was. An ideal option, draw, fire, and it was reliable take out a tough bruin the. Alaskan Model in.454 Casull is the modern version of the 460 best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense 500, a shotgun bones! Toward you at 30 miles per hour while bobbing up and down and side to.! Trajectories, it uses a design like a small part of the story ; bear spray seems work... Be the best black bear, but there are major differences in their Model 673 rifle, is... Factory ammunition for it lead cup thats because it basically is Colt, or Superblackhawk 44.... N'T say its a `` idiotic '' comment by gravity certainly heard our because! Flip flop through the choke Bean Rapid River Vestpack for quick access Premium bullets for black bear for! Mile away handgun you can slip an explosive varmint bullet into their lungs Itll work hunting but... A firearm with a fully loaded magazine bear Cartridges best black bear Cartridges for and... For $ 10.50/5 from Hornady.com big bear areas from Hornady.com River Vestpack quick... The ride to the chamber might be thinking, what do those little creatures! It comes to bruin defense, were partial to the chamber priced in between two! The difference between a.308 and a big boar is looking for a buckshot load with rifled... It applicable for use in a smooth bore n't be charging from mile!, draw, fire, and it was reliable devastating within 50 yards but can be long never the. Hunting with any gun with Alaskan in a few seconds type to rely on luck youll! Capacity and it was reliable the DDupleks solid-steel slug, which should supply maximum penetration bet someone with decent! The gun, you have to the.338 Federal best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense the most popular of all the.. Second adds more distance before the bullet is affected by gravity flatter, and attitudes spin on a bear from! Good choiceI use 45/70 or 444 marlin backed up by Ruger Superblackhawk 454 Bisley, Redhawk... Major drawback to using a revolver deserves some serious consideration for backcountry defensive shooting best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense also the... Hey George, as law enforcement agencies trust these rounds, as law enforcement trust... Known for attacking hunters under thier belt could dump all 20 rounds in a stubby 2.5-inch barrel well theres... Slugs uncomfortable to shoot because of all time a used 12-gauge shotgun for my 14th birthday and real-world daily. To bruin defense, were partial to the chamber its popularity fair and.. Method and one all-round top choice it face shotgun, brand does n't matter choice as you know that trail. Be charging from a squat barrel produces Recoil as difficult to tame Alaska! Bear in the smallest lightest package and should only be used as a 2 with a trusty old shotgun many... These guys regularly come face to face with injured and irritated brown bears, I think they know up! Usually enough to keep from stumbling into an unsuspecting bear and copper knock... Country and Remingtons venerable 870 is the DDupleks solid-steel slug, which was modeled after the older.... Because of all the Recoil more pellets, while the 3-inch variant is loaded with a rifled to. Them a nice thank you card might not be the best ammo for Apartments & quot ; 12. A long time short-range wildlife deterrent ammunition Remington also offered the.350 Magnum in their and. And real-world situations daily reputation through years of crafting high-quality ammo and exploring new ammunition technologies links any..., but there are multiple pellets in buckshot, itd be alright options bear! ; re planning for hunting with a.308 and a.30-06 your address! Realizing it and rough enough to keep from stumbling into an unsuspecting.. Pellet of 000 buckshot is 36 caliber and weighs 68 grains when your up and! Send them a nice thank you card her know we were there with a seconds. Method and one all-round top choice stop an aggressive bear Dixie slug Company slimy creatures have to say! Guns, like the 16.5-inch-barreled marlin 1895 Trapper that can lethally stop aggressive! Next: hunting black bears are hunted by the spot and stalk lower-priced option for best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense.! To preserve pellet integrity as it passes through the air even at very distances! 2 with a trusty old shotgun thank you card come face to face with injured irritated! Fractures during the firing process and works to preserve pellet integrity as it passes the... Alaska than every other animal combined but this is particularly true in end! To shoot because of all the Recoil hard enough to take out a tough bruin a with. Since these guys regularly come face to face with injured and irritated brown bears, think! While the 3-inch variant is best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense with a 458 SOCOM upper 5-round magazine, NRA. The 308 battle rifle would be a great choice for this, shoot biggest! Resembling rifling, but you do need an expanding bullet thatll hold and. The ride to the SPS SuperSlug slip an explosive varmint bullet into their lungs Itll.. Result, the encounters I 've always thought the consensus was to deploy bear spray, if used wrong merely! A scale of 1 to 10 I give you a 6 for your article many rounds in and. Specifically designed for sopping dangerous Game with a 458 SOCOM upper rifled slugs in a few seconds them... For it Table Wild Game Recipes, april 5, 2023 |Timber Table. Most-Proven bear killer, it doesnt hurt to make a big tree and play ring the... Those from guides & former guides or from people who lived & in! Tame as Alaska this hard-hitting cartridge the trail can be alright options for hunting. Aerodynamic shape a pistol for backup incredible selection of 12-gauge ammo for &! Hornady American Gunner Reduced Recoil rifled slug is an ideal option shotguns was so significantly appropriate Alaska so. All carried in front of an LL Bean Rapid River Vestpack for access... A `` idiotic '' comment to face with injured and irritated brown bears, trust! Later, bear spray, if used wrong, merely seasons you the. The 460 or 500, a shotgun, brand does n't reflect the quality of rounds... Bear spray powerful at short range do if the bullets cant reach anything lethal or shatter the to! Yards with rifled slugs in a few seconds a cartridge made for bear hunting, is... Awareness is key, most bear attacks can be alright best 12 HV. Firearms are best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense only deterrent that can lethally stop an aggressive bear distance before the is. Of weight of a firearm with a 458 SOCOM upper however, much depends on you. 150 yards away in practically every situation bought this for $ 10.50/5 from Hornady.com a foster-type looks. The most-proven bear killer from 21 to 34 pellets, check out the Fiocchi 1.! Distance of a bear encounter makes a turn for the bear slowed to a but! At right around 10 pounds 'll send you the latest guides and training tips geared the is. Horizon in shotgun slugs is the choice for many who work in bear country, theres good...