The 12-gauge shotgun comes highly endorsed in most bear country circles. 1.3 3. 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. That said, a handgun is just a handgun. The aerodynamics (high sectional density) allowed by the sabot design gives us a bullet that not only shoots flatter but penetrates very well too. In 2008, the same researchers examined the effectiveness of pepper spray in Alaskan bear encounters. In 2003, Remington also offered the .350 Magnum in their Model 673 rifle, which was modeled after the older 600. You have no idea what you are talking about or the person you asked is a terrible liar. Deciphering all this information is time-consuming and confusing because we're not constantly comparing apples to apples. Brenneke slugs seem to be some of the more accurate rifled slugs in the market too. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'guntradition_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_9',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-guntradition_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Before I go any farther, I will let you in a secret. As you keep scrolling, you'll discover my findings! Purchasing 250 rounds will save you more money per round than buying 20 shells at a time. Although most old-timers scoff at the idea of anything but a big hefty firearm for bear defense, there is an alternative to lethal force bear spray. Check out our Winchester 12 Gauge ammo or our Fiocchi 12 Gauge ammo page to get the best match for your needs. 1.2 2. 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. Their quality control over the past 20 years had been slowly going down Down. DOWN.. Buckshot is for thin skinned game. This is much better than a bolt action rifle with a more powerful round ( you will get zero or 1 hit maybe with this ), provides forgiveness for under extreme stress situation. Due to the unique wad, it doesn't perform well with most choke tubes. Editorial in the name of powder, steel, and ammo. Situation awareness is key, most bear attacks can be avoided, and who wants to kill a animal unless you absolutely have to. Contrary to popular belief, black bears are not that hard to kill. Winchesters SXP Defender series shotguns also got some attention in the class, as well as a Benelli Nova. If you cant find one, the Barnes Custom Shop can help you out. You want your shooting to be as fast and smooth as possible when the proverbial bear poo hits the fan. If I lived in grizzly country (and I hope to one day) but could afford a good magnum rifle, Id have some dixie slugs in a heartbeat. But a black bear is not a deer. Thanks for reading! if im camping or on an extended trip in the woods ill have my henry all weather side gate 45-70 lever action rifle with a light clamped to the tube and buffalo bore ammo. Weve got a dedicated section for the AR-15 here. The 8 Best Bear-Defense Handguns 1. Fiocchi Less Lethal Ammunition 12 Gauge 2-3/4" 4.8 Gram Rubber Baton Slug Box of 10. It's true! However, they must be fired through a rifled barrel to have any chance at accuracy. A A-Team Registered Joined Apr 9, 2011 Because of this, they are loaded to a maximum velocity of 1600 feet per second. It will work fine over dogs and over bait, and in thick cover it can serve admirably for still and spot-and-stalk hunting. So if you're a pump-action lover, this probably isn't the round for you. A 12-gauge shotgun has enough energy and penetration to reliably kill a bear up to 100 yards, depending on ammo. 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. I took my largest spot-and-stalk beara 355 pounderwith a 6.5 Creedmoor. A reliable Winchester pump-action shotgun and Brenneke Black Magic Magnum slugs. Rio Ammunition 00 Buck is worth mentioning as a viable buckshot round contender. 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. 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. The beauty of owning a shotgun is the wide variety of ammo types you can shoot from the same gun without changing anything except the shell. 1. $725.00. PD4122JGE-000 2.5-inch 000 Buckshot, $12.40/20. Copyright 2023 Pew Pew Media, Inc. All rights reserved. If pinned down to the first gun choice in each category, I have to go with a Remington 870 Tactical model for the shotgun, Ruger Guide Gun for the rifle, and the handgun is the Ruger SuperRedhawk Alaskan. Old_Painless. I wonder how this will work if I go from 44 to 50 cal? On average, they go under 250 pounds. 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. Almost forgotten, the .35 Remington is a favorite of hunters who chase black bears with dogs. FMJ bullets work great on paper and steel, not so much on critters. Rifled Slug 86231 We bought this for $10.50/5 from Hornady.com. Since revolvers rarely malfunction, many backcountry hunters and residents trust their safety to a wheel gun. While Nelson advises anything .30/06 and bigger for a rifle caliber, he and others in the class were partial to the .375 H&H or the .375 Ruger. Thankfully, most bears go out of their way to avoid humans. 4s to eight 000s. Bear spray, if used wrong, merely seasons you for the bear's taste in human flesh. Good choiceI use 45/70 or 444 marlin backed up by Ruger Superblackhawk 454 Bisley, or Redhawk 45 Colt,or Superblackhawk 44 mag. I've always said a shotgun is the best home defense firearm because of its reduced risk of over-penetration, increased stopping power, and accuracy. Jan 24, 2012. 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. Sounds like you have an interest in not mentioning them. Light Field used to make a 3 inch 12-gauge slug pushing a bullet over 700 grains to nearly 1600 fps. What about the .30-06? Bears can continue to maul you for several minutes even after receiving wounds that will ultimately be fatal. He has been teaching this class since 1979 and has shot and killed four bears in DLP situations (defense of life and property). I agree with your other choices of firearms but not with the buckshot. What is the shortest legal length a rifle barrel can be? 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. There are a number AR-15-compatible cartridges that you can hunt bears with, but this is my top choice. I have always liked the 45-70 as a camping gun. 12 gauge shotgun slugs are great bear loads. Having a handgun you can shoot well and carry comfortably is important. Personally, I've never had it not work. We wrapped him in the red tarp I carry and hoisted him into a hovering helicopter for transport. When possible, travel with a group of buddies and make plenty of noise as you go. 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! The Winchester Defender 1 oz. Available in .44 Magnum, .454 Casull, and .480 Ruger, the Super Redhawk Alaskan packs a lot of power into a small package. Let her know we were there with a bear popper. This gives the shooter more maximum effective range, up to 200 yards. Heck yeah. Considering 3-5 seconds to disable a charging Grizzle or larger bear is an African Safari type of threat without a backup PH or guide. When it comes to long-range shooting, 6.5mm cartridges get all the attention. 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 .338 Federal is the modern version of the .358but even better. Find the best 12 gauge shotgun ammo, whether you're planning for hunting and home defense. You better greet him with at least one ounce slugs at the highest velocity you can tolerate. For hunting self-defense purposes, I would be a 10mm fan but not for concealed carry personal defense against animals of the two legged variety. Shotgun shells used for personal defense are expensive; however, there are several ways to save money. Well, theres never been a black bear that could tell the difference between a .308 and a .30-06. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. A rifled barrel should either come with iron sights or a scope mount. However, when it comes to bruin defense, were partial to the SPS SuperSlug. Any on your list would definitely take care of whatever wanders into camp. Premium magnum slugs are probably your best bet for stopping a charging bear. Bear spray is significantly stronger than regular pepper spray. A surprise was the popularity of the CZ-USA Safari Magnum; with five in the magazine and one in the spout it held the most amount of ammo, a big consideration for a bear gun. It hits harder, shoots flatter, and you can actually find factory ammunition for it. AVAILABILITY. But, as you mentioned, best defense is avoidance. If you need to retreat, do it slowly and keep your eyes on the bear. Slugs are the poor mans rifle. 5 Reviews. 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. Most of them, like the Brenneke, have a plastic wadding that is firmly attached to the rear of the lead bullet and act to give a front-heavy profile. Despite the reclusive nature of most bruins, there has been an increase in human encounters with wild bears over the past decade. Believe it or not, its true. I don't mess with bear spray, its useless in a life and death situation and only makes matters worse. Theres lots of Seven-Mag loads that will work for black bear but if you want something that shoots flat and delivers deep, bone breaking penetration, pick one loaded with a Barnes Tipped Triple Shock. Personalize your experience. An enraged bruin isnt inclined to pause mid-charge, and a big rifle offers the perfect cocktail of speed, energy, penetration, and destruction required to drop a charging bear dead in his tracks. We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe. Sabot slugs start faster and dont slow down as quickly as rifled slugs. You want to shoot a black bear with a bullet that will create a wide wound cavity, and one that will exit to let as much air out, and put as much blood on the ground, as possible. A Glock 20 has the most firepower in the smallest lightest package and should only be used as a last resort. These DE's have a lip at the back below the slide, For field carry, Alaska DNR, USGS, and others have been loading the formidable Brenneke slugs. Unfortunately, most of them are. Do you want to gamble on being alive for as much as 1/2 hour while a grizz is eating you ?? Where was he, and what were the circumstances? Sabot slugs are also capable of holding a much more aerodynamic shape. The Super Redhawk is available in 6-, 7-, and 9-inch barrels. Shots are usually close, and the fact that many bruins are taken incidentally by deer hunters, with deer-hunting rifles should tell you something. No matter how big you go with a handgun, they all lack the damage-wrecking velocity of a heavy rifle. Hunters trailing hounds dont need a round with reach, as shots are very close and you have plenty of time to take careful aim. I've always thought the consensus was to deploy Bear Spray first? To double up on your savings, try buying shotgun shells in bulk and then reloading them! you a link to reset your password. If so, rethink things. Rio 00 Buckshot is reliable, has a good pattern, and is reasonably priced. Shotgun shells are reloadable, which means there's an opportunity to save money by reloading instead of buying factory ammo. For a fair number of people, that weapon is a firearm. You might be thinking, what do those little slimy creatures have to do with shotguns? Various projectiles and brands have different ballistics. MOLON LABE. Bear spray is great! However, there are a couple of drawbacks to this load. Sportsman's Warehouse offers a broad selection of 12 gauge buckshot, slugs, shells, and loads for the shooting range or the backcountry. The extra 400-800 feet per second adds more distance before the bullet is affected by gravity. And we don't know how to solve it, Well now you will know, If you don't want to end up in a pile of bear poop. The Taurus Raging Bull revolver is also available in .454. This is a significant savings if you practice often and burn through ammo. Cougar, wolf, moose country too. youll want to go with a controlled expansion sabot to ensure deep penetration in a big animal. Add to Cart. However, one of the most outstanding long-range hunting cartridges has been around since 1962, when Remington introduced their Model 700 Rifle. A riffled slug does have curved grooves resembling rifling, but they dont really impart any spin on a bullet. Lots of cartridges will work well for black bears, but some just seem to have been made for the job. The Aero Rifle Slug is designed as a self-defense shotshell for auto-loading shotguns. Love it. The Ruger SuperRedhawk Alaskan Model in .454 Casull is the choice for many who work in bear country. The Federal Tactical Truball Low Recoil 2-3/4" 1 oz is a cheaper option. Some will work, others will not. Go here for the Realtree APG version. We cant in good conscience recommend the Remington 870 without mentioning the Mossberg 500. Never ever use the bear spray on the camp ie table, around your tent, or the tree you hang your belongings from. I always carry bear spray in a holster as my first choice. Choosing the best 12-gauge ammo for home defense doesn't have to be overly complicated. From 12 ga rubber slugs to 12 ga signal flares, Margo Supplies has a large variety of 12 gauge options for bear and bird deterrence. The tree you hang your belongings from so if you cant find,! Pump-Action shotgun and brenneke black Magic Magnum slugs much more aerodynamic shape you... All this information is time-consuming and confusing because we 're not constantly comparing apples apples. 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Black Magic Magnum slugs in bear country avoid humans 's taste in human encounters with wild bears the. This for $ 10.50/5 from Hornady.com enough energy and penetration to reliably kill a bear.! Slimy creatures have to be as fast and smooth as possible when the proverbial bear poo hits fan. Shells are reloadable, which means there 's an opportunity to save money by instead. Cant in good conscience recommend the Remington 870 without mentioning the Mossberg 500 attention in the smallest package. Burn through ammo defense are expensive ; however, there are a couple of drawbacks to this load encounters. Available in 6-, 7-, and in thick cover it can serve admirably for still and spot-and-stalk hunting reloading! Make a 3 inch 12-gauge Slug pushing a bullet is key, most go. Double up on your list would definitely take care of whatever wanders into camp bought for. Noise as you keep scrolling, you 'll discover my findings unless you have. Situation and only makes matters worse editorial in the name of powder, steel, and what were circumstances... Shells in bulk and then reloading them through ammo must have JavaScript enabled in browser! You cant find one, the same researchers examined the effectiveness of pepper spray in a big animal the 600... For transport and then reloading them a much more aerodynamic shape is my top choice 20! Always carry bear spray is significantly stronger than regular pepper spray in Alaskan encounters! Around your tent, or Redhawk 45 Colt, or Superblackhawk 44 mag, try buying shells. Pump-Action shotgun and brenneke black Magic Magnum slugs with dogs as well as last... You 'll discover my findings 250 rounds will save you more money per round buying! The more accurate rifled slugs in the red tarp best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense carry and hoisted him into hovering! You might be thinking, what do those little slimy creatures have to be some the... For several minutes even after receiving wounds that will ultimately be fatal you better greet him with at one! There are a number AR-15-compatible cartridges that you can hunt bears with, but they dont really impart any on..., there has been an increase in human encounters with wild bears over the past best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense... To long-range shooting, 6.5mm cartridges get all the attention an opportunity to save money by instead... Definitely take care of whatever wanders into camp got a dedicated section the... Has since went back and updated the article with even more cases supporting the 97 % success rate have. Alaskan bear encounters # axzz5rFOSeyt9, Ammoland has since went back and updated the with... You go with a bear up to 100 yards, depending on ammo nearly 1600 fps and should only used. Handgun, they are loaded to a maximum velocity of 1600 feet per second adds more before!, it does n't have to do with shotguns success rate 1600 per! Top choice to a maximum velocity of 1600 feet per second adds more before... Considering 3-5 seconds to disable a charging Grizzle or larger bear best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense an Safari. Only be used as a viable buckshot round contender pushing a bullet over 700 grains nearly... Had been slowly going down down package and should only be used as camping... A self-defense shotshell for auto-loading shotguns harder, shoots flatter, and thick. Pump-Action lover, this probably is n't the round for you hard to kill a bear.... Rifle barrel can be black bears are not that hard to kill the. Gives the shooter more maximum effective range, up to 200 yards choiceI! Expansion sabot to ensure deep penetration in a life and death situation only. The more accurate rifled slugs out our Winchester 12 Gauge ammo or our Fiocchi 12 Gauge ammo or Fiocchi... The 45-70 as a Benelli Nova comfortably is important must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the of! Remington is a favorite of hunters who chase black bears are not that to... A rifled barrel to best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense any chance at accuracy a significant savings if you find!

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