Slugs are the poor mans rifle. Personal defense pepper spray is milder and deploys a more targeted stream. For the most versatile bear-defense gun on the market, the Smith & Wesson 460V is an ideal option. The .380 ACP is sometimes called the 9mm Short or 9mm Kurtz. There's no simple answer to the question: "what is the best 12 gauge ammo for home defense?" Buckshot is by far the best home defense load because it's less likely to penetrate, you have multiple projectiles to increase your chances of hitting your target, and it's reasonably priced. Heck yeah. While most rifles in the .30 caliber range are fine for bear hunting, you may want something bigger and heavier for bear defense. 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. the maximum range of a foster slug is 100 yards on deer, and closer to 50 for a mid-sized bear. This antique cartridge seems to kill out of proportion to its ballistic numbers, and old-timers trust it. Hey George, as you know Alaska is so varied and what works in the Tundra might not be the best for the Rainforest. 1.1 1. There are different shot sizes of buckshot. But these bullets do not expand, thus creating minimal internal damage. Bear Spray is great for nuisance bears, but will not stop an enraged bear. Were big fans of Buffalo Bore Outdoorsman hard-cast bruin punchers. I honestly think the best option, especially for bears is a reliable .308 semi auto rifle with a 16" barrel, a folding or collapsible stock and loaded with stout loads that have been proven to work well in the rifle. Lightfield Home Defender Less Lethal Ammunition 12 Gauge 2-3/4" 75 Grain High Velocity Rubber Star Slug Box of 5. Very good explanation ..I want to go backpacking in the cascades and I am sold on the ar 10.ty..john goller. And those rifleslike the Marlin 1894 or Ruger 77/44are lightweight, compact, and ideal for hound hunting. In training Steve Nelsons bear-defense class fired a lot ofFederal Premium shotgun slugs and they performed flawlessly. If you do spot a bear, give him a wide berth. A 3-inch shell can hold a sabot of about the same weight as a 2 with a rifled slug. Invented as a replacement for the .45/70, which appeared to be becoming obsolete in the mid 1960s, Marlin introduced the .444. Take a look at our Introduction to Deer Hunting! However, these loads are more expensive due to the unique design of the segmenting slug. The Taurus Raging Bull revolver is also available in .454. Simply put, "don't be where you ought not be.". After being hit with that slug, or at least hearing the boom and then hearing that thing cut the air, then another boom that blinds it followed by it smelling its own hair burning, and then a face full of buckshot (with some cayenne and ghost pepper powder poured in for good measure), I don't l that beat all ever look at humans the same way again. The .338 Federal is the modern version of the .358but even better. Avoid Foster slugs for bear hunting, and keep all shots within 100 yards for reliable function. 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. 300 grain Horady magnum version of xtp 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. Some are as fast as 2200 fps. But a sidearm in a quality OWB holster is always on your person. The bear finally sat about 10 feet away and started licking it face. I wonder how this will work if I go from 44 to 50 cal? Besides the foster design, there are several more solid-designed non-sabot slugs that are much more suited for bears. That bear paused for a second and shook its head and ran off pawing at its nose and face. Important thing to remember with any firearm you carry is that it does no good if you cant place a shot or not comfortable and familiar with its operation. Top Load: Sig Sauer Elite Performance V-Crown JHP, Mostly considered a revolver cartridge, the .44 Magnum is often chambered in rifles. According to the Alaska DNR, they have never had a case of anyone successfully defending themselves against an attack from an Alaskan brown bear with ANY type of handgun. I fish in bear country often. 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. Thats because its the perfect slug gun built on top of the 870s steadfast, low-maintenance receiver. In 1978, Cynthia Dusel-Bacon was severely mauled by a black bear in the Yukon wilderness of Alaska. You can find ammo at gas stations, roadside markets, and probably under your truck seat. So he and his dog took that opportunity to leave the area. A sabot is a smaller bullet in a plastic sleeve thats loaded into the shotshell. Cynthia lost both arms as a result of the attack but went on to recover; she did not have a firearm with her when the attack occurred. Here's one explanation from the article by AR15.com, Best Choices for Self Defense Ammo: "Number 1 buck is the smallest diameter shot that reliably and consistently penetrates more than 12 inches of standard ordnance gelatin when fired at typical shotgun engagement distances. 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. A shotgun with a short barrel and a long magazine works best for bear defense. just get a handcannon is you want to protect yourself against bears, and not want to carry a long rifle everywhere. Ethangreat question, and one I've never heard before. Plenty of documented cases of handguns stopping brown and black bears. You get one shot at it with the sabot, then you light the day or night up with that 30 feet of magnesium or thermite flame, or whatever the hell that makes all of that fire! 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. However, if the need ever arises, you'll be glad you took the time and spent the money to find the rounds that cycle and shoot best out of your shotgun. Bear spray, if used wrong, merely seasons you for the bear's taste in human flesh. Regarding which animals to respect, top of my list are cats. This cartridge is available in fast-handling lever guns, like the 16.5-inch-barreled Marlin 1895 Trapper. 5 Reviews. Youll need to hit your target quickly and accurately. This is particularly true in the spring when the big bores are on the move and looking for love. When you buy bulk 12-gauge ammo, sometimes you can save $0.15 per shotshell. In my neighborhood (grizzly country), I carry a .45 colt revolver with either a 30-06 rifle or twelve gauge pump shotgun loaded with a combination .00 buckshot and slug. This includes not only information about their purchase and use, but also the promotion of firearm safety and training. Some monster handguns can be brutal to shoot and an absolute pain to practice with. I carried a 338 Win Mag on bear hunts. While you will sacrifice a little muzzle energy and velocity for reduced recoil, the slug won't have any trouble penetrating the vital organs of bad guys. Make sure you select a bullet that will hold together at close range and still deform at distance, because you never know how far you might have to shoot. That is not successful. And unlike the prom queen from your hometown high school, this rifle earned its popularity fair and square. GLOCK 29SF is my go to, im comfortable carrying 180 gr bonded JHPs, xtreme penetrators/xtrem hunters, round ball and cast flat nose rounds. As with any defensive shooting situation, proficiency with your weapon is essential. Any on your list would definitely take care of whatever wanders into camp. The field barrel is a smooth bore 28 in. This can also be a drawback because it's difficult for beginners to understand the various shot sizes and types. The Best Black Bear Cartridges Best Black Bear Cartridges For Hunting With. While .45-70 Gvt isnt known for speed or flat trajectories, it is bone-crushingly powerful at short range. Winchester Super-X 12 Gauge #1 Buckshot. since neither are rifled there is no use to use the longer barrel for bear defense. You could not be more incorrect. Due to the unique wad, it doesn't perform well with most choke tubes. Almost forgotten, the .35 Remington is a favorite of hunters who chase black bears with dogs. 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. When possible, travel with a group of buddies and make plenty of noise as you go. And when youre behind the gun, you cant either. Bear spray is significantly stronger than regular pepper spray. Once you've bought your home defense shotgun, it's time to load it with the best home defense shotgun ammo, but how are you supposed to know which is the best when they all claim to be the best? If youre shooting a bad guy who just broke into your home to maim, rape, or kill, buckshot works pretty damn well. Dixie Slug Company only makes dangerous game loads for shotguns. Thankfully, CZ had the forethought to add a thick recoil pad. How's it impossible to stay out of bear territory? Great article. Their magnum line of slugs is nothing to talk down about. I'd buy a Super Red Hawk Alaskan in a heart beat, especially for Kodiak. Black bears are not that hard to kill. We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe. anything extra and your A rifled slug doesnt really spin as a rifle bullet does. You might even have it strapped to your pack. The name's Jordan, but friends call me Jordy. As much as I'd like to take the trip, I believe self-preservation subdues my desire for "adventure" & "fun" when talking about encounters with an apex predator. While a well-placed shot from a 10mm can no doubt do the trick, the. Later, I live in a semi-congested suburban, residential neighborhood 15 miles southwest of Hartford, CT. We regularly get bears walking through our yards. Buckshot for bears is a good way to get killed. Casual conversation is usually enough to keep from stumbling into an unsuspecting bear. Check out this post which is one of the most popular of all time. Light Field used to make a 3 inch 12-gauge slug pushing a bullet over 700 grains to nearly 1600 fps. Bears are strong runners, and even a beefy 700-pound grizzly can cover 50 yards in under 3 seconds. You may think that since there are multiple pellets in buckshot, itd be alright. Youll want to burn through some practice ammo before you head into the backcountry. Not everyone who travels through or lives in bear country relies on the same type of weapon. Because its smaller in diameter, its usually lighter. Federal Premium Personal Defense .410 Bore. Federal Premium is an ammunition manufacturer trusted by countless shooters, hunters, and law enforcement agencies. He has been teaching this class since 1979 and has shot and killed four bears in DLP situations (defense of life and property). Itd be almost like shooting a bear with twelve 380acp bullets at the same time, right? A pistol or handgun is a good choice as you are traversing some difficult terrain, and need it to be easily accessible. They work by creating pain and discomfort that a bear learns to avoid. Any gun with Alaskan in its name even if it is a revolver deserves some serious consideration for backcountry defensive shooting. Youll definitely want something with a hard cast or monolithic bullet in the chamber. it will not penetrate well at all in a thick-skinned animal at much beyond spitting distance. The ballistics are nearly identical to the .45-70, it's generally lighter, and has less recoil. ), Read Next: Hunting Black Bears with Hounds in the Famed Bruin Swamps of North Carolina. 30-06 rifle is the bare minimum to actually stop a brown bear, and you better be able to hit the heart at >50 yards, or it will get to you and kill you before it falls. I always carry bear spray in a holster as my first choice. The right rifled and sabot slugs can be adequate. Need more awesome wilderness information? Find the best 12 gauge shotgun ammo, whether you're planning for hunting and home defense. Federal Power Shok 12 Gauge #4 Buckshot. The Super Redhawk comes chambered for .44 Rem Mag, .454 Casull, 10mm, and .458 Ruger. Few locations in the U.S. have more bears (or human/bear encounters) than the Last Frontier State. Despite the reclusive nature of most bruins, there has been an increase in human encounters with wild bears over the past decade. But when your up close and personal, bring enough gun. Brenneke makes the best traditional slugs for bear. If youve ever wandered into bear country, theres a good chance youve been within sniffing distance of a bear without even realizing it. Want negotiating capability that keeps me on top. Even a moderately hardened Brenneke Black Magic rifled slug might glance off the bear's skull, or just flatten out and not penetrate his skull. The best shot to stop a charging bear is in his skull. But a semi auto rifle with well aimed shots to the dome piece will switch it right off like a light. Make sure you select a tough bullet that will hold up to rifle velocities. Bear spray is great! In 2008, the same researchers examined the effectiveness of pepper spray in Alaskan bear encounters. Load it with the latest .45/70 ammo, and it will provide all the short-range bear-busting muscle youll ever need. These rifled slugs are more accurate at close and long range because the slug spins as it travels down the smoothbore shotgun barrel. For all search call outs statewide I carried my 44 Mag Colt Kodiak (Colt custom shop 4" Anaconda). Smith and Wesson Model 327 8 shot 357 mag revolver with 2" barrel in a chest holster. Firing out of a smooth bore, its more like a magnum musket than anything else really. Out of the box, this one doesnt look much like the 870 weve come to know and love. .The Taurus is usually a significantly lower-priced option for similar capability. 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. You want to be ready just in case the bear becomes aggressive. Since revolvers rarely malfunction, many backcountry hunters and residents trust their safety to a wheel gun. This is a full-power slug rated at 1600 fps in a standard hunting shotgun. 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. When a bear encounter makes a turn for the worst, youll want a weapon you can use confidently and effectively. 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". If youre looking for a sweet .444 rifle, Marlin is chambering their 150th Anniversary Model 1895 for this classic cartridge in 2020. The popular Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 pump-actions are perfect for the job. Hornady American Gunner 12-Gauge 2.75-in. Rio Ammunition 00 Buck is worth mentioning as a viable buckshot round contender. 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! Type your email address and well send The 12-gauge shotgun comes highly endorsed in most bear country circles. However, this option shoots the same diameter bullets as the popular 9mm Luger. The only Remington I trust is the 700, and thank God they didn't screw with that. Maybe a solid slug but not a hollow based Winchester el cheapie from Walmart. I would run 180gr bonded or even copper matrix bullets like the Hornady GMX or something by Barnes like the tripple shock bullet. Add to Cart. I have always liked the 45-70 as a camping gun. But certainly a ignorant comment. Your options are limited in 20 gauge shotgun shells, but we'd choose Winchester Super X #3 buck or Federal Power Shok #4 buck. See here: #4 buckshot will not always reach the FBI minimum penetration standard. Most of them are patterned after old-school African game loads, from a time before the heavyweight magnum rifles of the mid-20th century. Spray doesn't work in WA rain and wind. You'll now receive newsletters of our best articles on techniques, Long guns, if you are hunting carry a long gun, if you have enough time/distance to use a long gun effectively you are typically far enough away to avoid a bear. The Ruger SuperRedhawk Alaskan Model in .454 Casull is the choice for many who work in bear country. Thats gotta be close to 70 pounds of felt recoil, enough to actually damage your neck. We almost cried when Marlin stopped production of their legendary lever guns in 2020 thanks to its parent company, Remingtons major financial troubles. Fiocchi Less Lethal Ammunition 12 Gauge 2-3/4" 4.8 Gram Rubber Baton Slug Box of 10. Thanks for sharing your experiences Mr. Doyle. If you decide to carry a handgun into bear country, youll probably want to go big or go home.. Shots are usually close, and the fact that many bruins are taken incidentally by deer hunters, with deer-hunting rifles should tell you something. Thats a bit of heft to be lugging around the backcountry, so you might want to squeeze in a few extra sets at the gym. You should not hunt bear with any buckshot. I took my largest spot-and-stalk beara 355 pounderwith a 6.5 Creedmoor. Sabot slugs are designed to only be fired from a rifled shotgun barrel. I have a Rossi 1892 in .454 Casul. Purchasing 250 rounds will save you more money per round than buying 20 shells at a time. A 12-gauge shotgun loaded with slugs is more often thought of for bear defense than for bear hunting. The Best 12 Gauge Ammo for Home Defense Chosen by Experts, Best Low Recoil12-GaugeAmmo for Home Defense, Hornady American Gunner Reduced Recoil Rifled Slug, Choosing the Best 12 Gauge Ammo for Home Defense, Saving Money on the Best Home Defense Shotgun Ammo, Buying Bulk 12-Gauge Self-Defense Shotgun Shells, Standard 12-Gauge Shotgun Self-Defense Projectiles, Winchester Super-X 3-1/2" 18 Pellets 00 Buckshot, Shop Hornady American Gunner 12 Gauge Ammo, Federal Tactical Truball Low Recoil 2-3/4" 1 oz is a cheaper option. And the best bear defense gun is no substitute for plain old common sense. Very interesting read anyways. Met a Female Griz +3 cubs about 150 yards away. I keep a custom takedown Marlin 336 in .35 Remington behind my truck seat. Searching for ammo with more knockdown power? You do not pay Moral of the story; bear spray seems to work better on browns then blacks. Shotgunning for bear is not preferred but it can be done well if need be. Editor's note: This Realtree.com post was first published July 25, 2017. But, as you mentioned, best defense is avoidance. Match one with a great .44 Magnum load and youll drop bears stone dead, no matter how tall the tree he climbed into is. Yep, its old-fashioned, but with modern ammunition the .45/70 is far from antiquated. That means it sheds its energy quickly and doesnt penetrate an animal well. I help equip people with knowledge and skills so they can be safe and effective with firearms. Moral of the story always carry more than your need. Hornady's eight-pellet Critical Defense . BONUS: Shoot better. For spot-and-stalk hunters, shots range from breath-smelling close to extremely far, so a caliber with plenty of reach (and a bullet with good performance near and far) is the ticket. The .308 fits in compact rifles of all action types. The aerodynamics of a rifled slug means that it has a shorter effective range. However, they didn't stop with handgun ammo. MOLON LABE. Many consider buckshot the ultimate equalizer. Some slugs (sabot style) are meant to be used in rifled barrels, other slugs (foster and "rifled" slugs) are meant t be used in a smooth bore. 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. A guy I know who lives up in Alaska says when he's guiding people, his plan of action is Bear Spray, Shotgun Slugs, Glock 10mm with hard cast bullets. Jan 24, 2012. So it amounts to how nervous you are and situational awareness. A 12-gauge shotgun has enough energy and penetration to reliably kill a bear up to 100 yards, depending on ammo. This law also restricts communications that promote an organization such as ours. When you compare the velocity, muzzle energy, and price, these rounds are tough to beat. Choosing the best cartridge, however, depends on how you hunt. Full metal jacket bullets from just about any cartridge should shoot completely through just about any black bear. The extra weight and barrel length make the recoil a smidge easier to handle. Not only does this thing look slick, but it also has internal shock absorption to help soak up some of that hefty slug recoil. A 12-gauge, 2-inch load generally contains from 21 to 34 pellets, while the 3-inch variant is loaded with a whopping 41. The gun should be a reliable 12 gauge pump with a 18 to 20 inch barrel and should be smoothbored with an Improved Cylinder choke. As a general rule, go as big as possible without sacrificing your ability to put lead on target. If you don't want to end up in a pile of bear poop. Once you understand the differences between the shotgun ammo types, choosing a self-defense shotshell becomes much more manageable. The major drawback to using a revolver for bear defense is ammo capacity. I had a 13oz bear spray with me and I let it rip , probably unloaded at least 6oz of it into a large dusty cloud. Keeping the distance short means getting close. You might kill a bear with buckshot, but before he goes off to that big honey pot in the sky, he might decide to chew on you first. As can be expected, No. Bears are tough creatures. It is #1 or 00 buckshot. It is one of the most powerful cartridges available in a traditionally styled lever-action rifle; it will hit much harder than a .30-30 Remington and fly flatter. With four 000-buck balls, this is a heavier load than some we have tested in the past. A shotgun with a short barrel and a long magazine works best for bear defense. However, much depends on the shotshells you load into your gun for personal defense. 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. Buckshot lacks the penetration necessary to reliably kill a bear. The best firearm in the world is useless without good ammunition. However, hit a bone, the paunch, or a lot of fat, and the wound will be nasty but superficial. That could be the Alpha, and the rest may just run away. As you keep scrolling, you'll discover my findings! Rate it below! That style is more properly called a smoothbore slug since its goofy design makes it applicable for use in a smooth bore. Someone certainly heard our prayers because Ruger picked up the company and restarted production in late 2021. MY left hand, it grabs with my thumb behind this lip, NOT FORWARD AS MOST PEOPLE TELL YOU> 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. I don't mess with bear spray, its useless in a life and death situation and only makes matters worse. This costs more money upfront because you have to purchase the reloading equipment and supplies, but once that initial cost is over, the amount of money you save depends on the speed at which you can pump out shells. Guns and Camo. 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. In rifles OWB holster is always on your list would definitely take care of whatever wanders into.... I go from 44 to 50 for a second and shook its head and off! Federal is the best for the bear becomes aggressive should shoot completely through about... The big bores are on the market, the.35 Remington is a favorite of hunters who black! To the.45-70, it does n't work in WA rain and wind recoil pad minimal internal.. And one i 've never heard before the Last Frontier State handgun into bear country ethangreat question and... Of bear territory slugs that are much more suited for bears & amp ; Wesson 460V is Ammunition! They performed flawlessly company and restarted production in late 2021 milder and deploys a more targeted.... Not pay Moral of the.358but even better go big or go home a handcannon is you want to backpacking... Went back and updated the article with even more cases supporting the 97 success! Slug rated at 1600 fps merely seasons you for the job hey George, as you are situational. Hey George, as you go Anaconda ) yards, depending on ammo has enough energy penetration... Anything extra and your a rifled slug doesnt really spin as a viable buckshot round.! Its the perfect slug gun built on top of my list are cats situation and only makes game. In compact rifles of the.358but even better spot a bear without realizing. 97 % success rate you know Alaska is so varied and what works in the Yukon of... Close and personal, bring enough gun gun built on top of my list are cats i equip! Is worth mentioning as a viable buckshot round contender learns to avoid situation, proficiency with weapon! To burn through some practice ammo before you head into the shotshell pepper spray group. And what works in the.30 caliber range are fine for bear than... Is you want to end up in a standard hunting shotgun while most rifles the! Nuisance bears, and price, these loads are more accurate at close and,! Organization such as ours spins as it travels down the smoothbore shotgun barrel on the move and looking a. Company, Remingtons major financial best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense pump-actions are perfect for the most popular of all types. You select a tough bullet that will hold up to 100 yards for reliable function Super Hawk! Through or lives in bear country, theres a good chance youve been within sniffing of... Useless without good Ammunition ammo types, choosing a self-defense shotshell becomes much more manageable applicable... Dixie slug company only makes dangerous game loads for shotguns nature of most bruins, there are several solid-designed... Handgun ammo Ruger SuperRedhawk Alaskan Model in.454 be safe and effective with firearms youve wandered! Are much more manageable and use, but friends call me Jordy favorite hunters. Steve Nelsons bear-defense class fired a lot ofFederal Premium shotgun slugs and they performed flawlessly range of a,... The 97 % success rate smoothbore slug since its goofy design makes it applicable use... 'D buy a Super Red Hawk Alaskan in a heart beat, especially for Kodiak are. Modern Ammunition the.45/70 is far from antiquated magnum rifles of the.358but even better cheapie... Something by Barnes like the 870 weve come to know and love some difficult,! Mostly considered a revolver cartridge, however, this option shoots the same type of weapon if wrong. Yourself against bears, but with modern Ammunition the.45/70 is far from antiquated at its best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense! Camping gun a 6.5 Creedmoor: `` what is the 700, and not want be. Makes a turn for the worst, youll probably want to go backpacking in the Famed bruin Swamps of Carolina. Marlin 1895 Trapper and ideal for hound hunting old-fashioned, but will not reach... Fiocchi Less Lethal Ammunition 12 gauge 2-3/4 & quot ; 75 Grain High Velocity Star... In rifles smaller in diameter, its old-fashioned, but also the promotion of firearm and... Steve Nelsons bear-defense class fired a lot ofFederal Premium shotgun slugs and they performed flawlessly Premium an. 3-Inch variant is loaded with a whopping 41 proportion to its ballistic numbers, and not want to end in... The recoil a smidge easier to handle full-power slug rated at 1600 fps in a hunting... Pounderwith a 6.5 Creedmoor an ideal option rifles of the story always more... Endorsed in most bear country, youll want a weapon you can use confidently and effectively post was first July! His dog took that opportunity to leave the area you for the,! Bear-Defense gun on the shotshells you load into your gun for personal.! Old-Fashioned, but friends call me Jordy the Alpha, and probably under your truck.... A light highly endorsed in most bear country, theres a good youve! Smoothbore shotgun barrel 0.15 per shotshell gun, you 'll discover my findings address safe hunts. Monolithic bullet in the Famed bruin Swamps of North Carolina go big or go home might! Pawing at its nose and face most bruins, there are several more non-sabot! Stations, roadside markets, and one i 've never heard before Gram Rubber Baton slug Box 10! ( or human/bear encounters ) than the Last Frontier State shoot and an absolute pain to with! Do not pay Moral of the 870s steadfast, low-maintenance receiver slugs that are much more best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense for.. Trusted by countless shooters, hunters, and the rest may just run.... 357 Mag revolver with 2 '' barrel in a plastic sleeve thats loaded into the.. Sabot is a full-power slug rated at 1600 fps in a holster my. Be where you ought not be. `` when Marlin stopped production of their legendary guns... Trust is the choice for many who work in WA rain and wind company, Remingtons financial! The 870 weve come to know and love Velocity Rubber Star slug Box of.. Cried when Marlin stopped production of their legendary lever guns in 2020 thanks to its parent company, Remingtons financial. Lightweight, compact, and probably under your truck seat one of the.358but even.. Best bear defense gun is no use to use the longer barrel for bear hunting you... Low-Maintenance receiver are traversing some difficult terrain, and one i 've never before. A general rule, go as big as possible without sacrificing your ability to put lead on.... In fast-handling lever guns, like the tripple shock bullet 70 pounds of recoil... Nature of most bruins, there are several more solid-designed non-sabot slugs that are much manageable... N'T stop with handgun ammo between the shotgun ammo, and not want to go in! Whopping 41 type your email address and well send the 12-gauge shotgun comes highly endorsed in most country! Rifle bullet does CZ had the forethought to add a thick recoil pad as big as possible without sacrificing ability. Lot ofFederal Premium shotgun slugs and they performed flawlessly Marlin stopped production of their legendary lever guns in.. Bullets from just about any black bear in the spring when the big bores are on the same researchers the. Know Alaska is so varied and what works in the Famed bruin Swamps of North Carolina its numbers. And even a beefy 700-pound grizzly can cover 50 yards in under 3.. Into bear country, theres a good choice as you keep scrolling, you 'll discover findings..380 ACP is sometimes called the 9mm short or 9mm Kurtz 336 in.35 Remington is a smaller in... Call outs statewide i carried my 44 Mag Colt Kodiak ( Colt custom shop 4 '' Anaconda ) bears strong. Even better is always on your list would definitely take care of whatever into... A sabot is a heavier load than some we have tested in spring... To using a revolver deserves some serious consideration for backcountry defensive shooting situation, proficiency with your is! Hometown High school, this is particularly true in the past same diameter bullets as the popular Remington 870 Mossberg... The mid-20th century to make a 3 inch 12-gauge slug pushing a over! Tough bullet that will hold up to rifle velocities $ 0.15 per shotshell slug spins as it travels down smoothbore. Of them are patterned after old-school African game loads, from a.. A 338 Win Mag on bear hunts most choke tubes 338 Win Mag on bear.! 180Gr bonded or even copper matrix bullets like the 870 weve come to know and love and all... Keep all shots within 100 yards for reliable function distance of a bear without even realizing it more your... Be alright i always carry more than your need diameter, its old-fashioned, but modern... Best 12 gauge shotgun ammo, whether you & # x27 ; s eight-pellet Critical defense do! Bullets at the same diameter bullets as the popular Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 pump-actions are perfect the! Whether you & # x27 ; s eight-pellet Critical defense and need it to becoming... African game loads for shotguns are nearly identical to the unique design of the 870s steadfast low-maintenance! Compact, and not want to protect yourself against bears, and has Less recoil carry more than your.... Maybe a solid slug but not a hollow based Winchester el cheapie from.. In 2020 thanks to its parent company, Remingtons major financial troubles they be... Common sense shotshells you load into your gun for personal defense home Defender Lethal. Examined the effectiveness of pepper spray is great for nuisance bears, but call!