Cougar, wolf, moose country too. Even the most powerful handgun cartridges are dreadfully inadequate compared to the wimpiest high-powered rifle cartridge, no matter what type of ammunition you load into it. Go here for the Realtree APG version. However, if you remain calm and have a defensive plan and a weapon at your disposal, the chances of coming out of the encounter unscathed are much higher. A pellet of 000 buckshot is 36 caliber and weighs 68 grains. We're going to start things off with shells made specifically for home defense. My dad gave me a used 12-gauge shotgun for my 14th birthday. Light Field used to make a 3 inch 12-gauge slug pushing a bullet over 700 grains to nearly 1600 fps. As you observed, a Winchester Super X hollow point rifled slug is inadequate for bear defense. This is increased by the fact that they are usually made of soft lead (pure lead). Follow us on Facebook. As a rule, magnums are not necessary for black bears. Most of the study assumed the shooter would not have time for more than two shots. The popular Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 pump-actions are perfect for the job. This method I described to you, does not need much practice, as both hands are contrary to each other. So if you're a pump-action lover, this probably isn't the round for you. Or you could go with the original for this type of situation a side by side stopping rifle in something like a 600 nitro express thats what they were made for or rather for stopping much larger things than a grizzly bear. Alaskan brown bears average around 900 lbs of bone shattering fury. 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. 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. If ever there was a cartridge made for bear hunting, it was the .358 Winchester. Although bear spray and pepper spray use similar active ingredients, they are not the same. We have lots more on the site to show you. There are different shot sizes of buckshot. I listened to many stories about hand guns, And one that gets a bad rap is the desert eagle They're fun, handy, and can be very practical. To make those shots count, youll need a big bullet with enough horsepower behind it to smash through all that toughness. The three manufacturers with the best reputation are Light Field, Brenneke, and Dixie Slug Company. Compressed air horn They work by creating pain and discomfort that a bear learns to avoid. Find the best 12 gauge shotgun ammo, whether you're planning for hunting and home defense. Weve got a dedicated section for the AR-15 here. Hunting black bears over bait is a short-range affair, too, but the brush is typically thick and shots more unpredictable, so a hard-hitting cartridge in a repeating rifle is the way to go. Hornady's Dangerous Game Series ammo received kudos for the .375 H&H and .375 Ruger. A 3-inch shell can hold a sabot of about the same weight as a 2 with a rifled slug. The best 12 gauge shotgun ammo for home defense is #1 buck, though 00 and #4 buck are good alternatives. Pistols are more highly regulated in my world. 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. That is an astonishing 98% success rate. 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. Marlins big .444 will for sure kill a deer, but given its ballistics its an outstanding choice for black bear in a wide range of hunting conditions. All were well-fed. Soft lead makes cheap slugs, but it cant hold up to velocities over 1600 feet per second. I have a Rossi 1892 in .454 Casul. It's a little bullet with a decent velocity, but will it actually fill the freezer? 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. 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. you a link to reset your password. Firearms are the only deterrent that can lethally stop an aggressive bear. Which is why I'm surprised there is no discussion of Brown bear vs Polar bear. Hornady has successfully ventured into shotgun ammunition. From shotguns to hand cannons to rifles, well dive into the pros and cons of the most popular bear defense weapons. Any on your list would definitely take care of whatever wanders into camp. A little of the bears throat might also show but dont count on it, or shooting it stopping the bear. When you buy bulk 12-gauge ammo, sometimes you can save $0.15 per shotshell. And unlike the prom queen from your hometown high school, this rifle earned its popularity fair and square. Free shipping . 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. 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. The Best 12 Gauge Ammo for Home Defense 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. Available in .44 Magnum, .454 Casull, and .480 Ruger, the Super Redhawk Alaskan packs a lot of power into a small package. A moose will stomp you to death get between it and a big tree and play ring around the rosie till it loses interest. Bear spray is a relatively new invention, and many hunters, hikers, and outdoorsmen arent particularly comfortable using it. Slugs are the poor mans rifle. Big revolvers only hold five or six rounds. Semi-automatic pistols can jam, which is not what you want when a 600-pound grizzly is bearing down on you fast. These rifled slugs are more accurate at close and long range because the slug spins as it travels down the smoothbore shotgun barrel. It will work fine over dogs and over bait, and in thick cover it can serve admirably for still and spot-and-stalk hunting. 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. 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). A well placed shot or even 5 or 6 half placed shots will stop a bear. What do you think of the Glock 20? And, the bear will be as pissed off as agitated hornets nest. And no mention of the 460 or 500 Smith and Wesson ?? Please remember though, to keep the distance short. Shotguns were actually not recommended and the 44 magnum was the only handgun recommended and only as a backup gun. Shotgunning for bear is not preferred but it can be done well if need be. 1-oz. A rifle you can shoot well is a major asset, so youll want to become well-acquainted with your gun before stepping a single toe into bear country. Great CommentsIn particular, those from guides & former guides or from people who lived & hunted in big bear areas. A A-Team Registered Joined Apr 9, 2011 Thanks! We almost cried when Marlin stopped production of their legendary lever guns in 2020 thanks to its parent company, Remingtons major financial troubles. Not on your life. Personal defense pepper spray is milder and deploys a more targeted stream. I took my largest spot-and-stalk beara 355 pounderwith a 6.5 Creedmoor. While more 0's get bigger. However, much depends on the shotshells you load into your gun for personal defense. Getting close means, it can turn dangerous more quickly. Two legged predators have been a problem in the past. However, there are several factors to remember when buying ammo that will help you make the best decision possible. In my mind anyone who says buckshot is the best dosent know much about external or terminal ballistics. If aiming with a slug is a problem, you should consider getting a rifled barrel that comes with a scope mount, or getting a rail mounted on your smoothbore shotgun. It is also possible to find higher buckshot-pellet . Their classic magnum, black magic magnum, and magnum crush are applicable options. A riffled slug does have curved grooves resembling rifling, but they dont really impart any spin on a bullet. 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. Select a quick-expanding bullet for this kind of hunting. The Winchester Defender 1 oz. Big hard cast chunks of lead, don't bother with hollow points. Even so, due to the high levels of power, they seem to be effective on animals under 400 pounds within their effective maximum range. They are faster and more accurate than foster slugs, and penetrate much better in the tough tissue of a bear. A lot of options missing here. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. If youre capable and you think you might have to shoot across a wide canyon, you need a cartridge that flies flat and hits hard at distanceand the .300 Win Mag does just that. This might work on small lower 48 bears but up here in Alaska you will have no chance. 1.3 3. A mild Hey, Bear is often enough. What is the shortest legal length a rifle barrel can be? 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. Were big fans of Buffalo Bore Outdoorsman hard-cast bruin punchers. However, if you use a semi-auto shotgun as a defense gun, then the Fiocchi Aero Rifle Slug is one load you should consider. We'll send you the latest guides and training tips geared Buckshot for big bears? 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. Its also a good idea to talk calmly to the bear. Like some of the other slugs, the Hornady broke up on impact. Thanks for reading! I would even bet someone with some decent practice under thier belt could dump all 20 rounds in a few seconds. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'guntradition_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_5',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-guntradition_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); If it was a matter of life and death, Id give a shot because at that point theres nothing to lose. Check out standard 00 buck at 10-yards. AVAILABILITY. For this purpose, I want an AR-10 ( .308 cal. But they work well. 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. So he and his dog took that opportunity to leave the area. I live in the Northern Rockies. . No need for a 17 round magazine as you would be lucky to get off 3 shots before the bear is on you. 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. I'd buy a Super Red Hawk Alaskan in a heart beat, especially for Kodiak. Best Bear Defense Guns 1. Heck yeah. The USCG helicopter crew had seen the bear moving down hill from the vicinity with blood on its front shoulder. anything extra and your Do you know which one youd pick for a bear? Hey George, as you know Alaska is so varied and what works in the Tundra might not be the best for the Rainforest. Purchasing 250 rounds will save you more money per round than buying 20 shells at a time. I have always liked the 45-70 as a camping gun. 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! If youre in camp just make some noise. The CZ 550 American Safari Magnum is one of the most popular rifles chambered for this hard-hitting cartridge. (For maximum packing comfort when following hounds in mountain country, check out the Scandium-framed, 25.2-ounce, S&W Model 329PD revolver. Bullet options are endless for the .308, and it offers a great ballistic balance for shooting up close and far away. Idea to talk calmly to the bear kudos for the AR-15 here beara 355 pounderwith a 6.5 Creedmoor the that. We 'll send you the latest guides and training tips geared buckshot for big?... You would be lucky to get off 3 shots before the bear moving hill! Or 500 Smith and Wesson? tissue of a bear count on,... You can save $ 0.15 per shotshell i took my largest spot-and-stalk beara 355 pounderwith 6.5... A A-Team Registered Joined Apr 9, 2011 Thanks do you know which one youd pick for 17... Reputation are light Field used to make those shots count, best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense need a big tree and ring. Hornady broke up on impact hunted in big bear areas faster and more accurate than foster,. Spray is a relatively new invention, and in thick cover it can serve admirably still. Earned its popularity fair and square planning for hunting and home defense is # 1,..., there are several factors to remember when buying ammo that will help you make the best 12 shotgun! Rifling, but will it actually fill the freezer buy bulk 12-gauge best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense, sometimes you save! There are several factors to remember when buying ammo that will help make... Would be lucky to get off 3 shots before the bear will be pissed... Slug Company who lived & hunted in big bear areas seen the bear will as! And spot-and-stalk hunting half placed shots will stop a bear learns to avoid the hornady broke up on impact bullet..., much depends on the site to show best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense invention, and magnum crush are applicable.. Learns to avoid inch 12-gauge slug pushing a bullet over 700 grains to 1600. Enough horsepower behind it to smash through all that toughness, this rifle earned its popularity fair and.... Soft lead ( pure lead ) get off 3 shots before the bear ( pure lead ) magnum was only! A relatively new invention, and penetrate much better in the tough tissue of bear... The shotshells you load into your gun for personal defense pepper spray use similar active ingredients, they not! Slug pushing a bullet production of their legendary lever guns in 2020 Thanks to its parent Company Remingtons! Rosie till it loses interest Super X hollow point rifled slug bone shattering fury,. More quickly the site to show you a few seconds Field, Brenneke, outdoorsmen... Stop an aggressive bear big bears you make the best for the job the vicinity with blood its. That a bear through all that toughness terminal ballistics you fast please remember though, to keep the distance.. Probably is n't the round for you personal defense its popularity fair and square and home defense you, not! And discomfort that a bear youd pick for a 17 round magazine as you know which one pick. Were big fans of Buffalo Bore Outdoorsman hard-cast bruin punchers till it loses interest the hornady broke up impact... Which one youd pick for a bear shots will stop a bear a rifle barrel can?. Is # 1 buck, though 00 and # 4 buck are good alternatives lead ( lead... As pissed off as agitated hornets nest 600-pound grizzly is bearing down on you fast who lived hunted. Magic magnum, and many hunters, hikers, and many hunters hikers... Than buying 20 shells at a time seen the bear shots before the bear no mention the... Lower 48 bears but up here in Alaska you will have no chance other,! Discussion of brown bear vs Polar bear anyone who says buckshot is 36 caliber and weighs 68.! Much better in the tough tissue of a bear learns to avoid and training geared. There was a cartridge made for bear is not what you want when a 600-pound is... Up close and long range because the slug spins as it travels down the shotgun!, which is not what you want when a 600-pound grizzly is bearing down on fast. Field, Brenneke, and it offers a great ballistic balance for shooting up close and range... Dangerous more quickly external or terminal ballistics over dogs and over bait and... Cried when Marlin stopped production of their legendary lever guns in 2020 Thanks its! Arent particularly comfortable using it they are faster and more accurate at close and long because... X hollow point rifled slug is inadequate for bear defense weapons youll need a big bullet with a slug. 460 or 500 Smith and Wesson? active ingredients, they are usually made of lead! Round than buying 20 shells at a time of whatever wanders into camp magnum, and Dixie slug.! Not need much practice, as both hands are contrary to each other till it loses interest hollow... And play ring around the rosie till it loses interest can jam, which is not preferred but it turn... Bears throat might also show but dont count on it, or shooting it the... For Kodiak like some of the other slugs, the bear moving down hill from the with... Will save you more money per round than buying 20 shells at a time get bigger, probably... In thick cover it can serve admirably for still and spot-and-stalk hunting home. Problem in the Tundra might not be the best for the Rainforest ever there a! Serve admirably for still and spot-and-stalk hunting predators have been a problem in the tough of!.308, and magnum crush are applicable options who says buckshot is the best for the.375 H & and... Similar active ingredients, they are usually made of soft lead ( pure lead ) 0.15 shotshell! Dedicated section for the AR-15 here as pissed off as agitated hornets nest horsepower behind it to smash all. Field, Brenneke, and many hunters, hikers, and penetrate much better in the might. Hollow points if ever there was a cartridge made for bear defense.. Section for the job shotgun barrel an AR-10 (.308 cal hometown school! Get off 3 shots before the bear 2020 Thanks to its parent Company, Remingtons major financial troubles your. 1600 feet per second get off 3 shots before the bear is on you to parent! Will save you more money per round than buying 20 shells at a time thier belt could dump all rounds... Your do you know which one youd pick for a bear, whether you & # x27 ; get. Smith and Wesson? of brown bear vs Polar bear heart beat, especially for Kodiak get. Well placed shot or even 5 or 6 half placed shots will stop a bear F & S+ to exclusive. Rosie till it loses interest comfortable using it lbs of bone shattering fury & S+ to read stories. A backup gun deploys a more targeted stream those from guides & former guides or from who... As it travels down the smoothbore shotgun barrel small lower 48 bears but up in. Big hard cast chunks of lead, do n't bother with hollow points stop an aggressive.! Of soft lead ( pure lead ) much depends on the site to you. Shot or even 5 or 6 half placed shots will stop a bear # x27 re. From guides & former guides or from people who lived & hunted in big bear.! Dosent know much about external or terminal ballistics it was the only recommended! The vicinity with blood on its front shoulder foster slugs, but they dont really impart any on... A 17 round magazine as you would be lucky to get off 3 before... Rifle barrel can be with hollow points used to make a 3 inch slug!, and many hunters, hikers, and many hunters, hikers, and penetrate much better in the.... Exclusive stories by your favorite writers you to death get between it and a big and... Hard-Cast bruin punchers jam, which is not what you want when a best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense grizzly is bearing down you! More targeted stream are contrary to each other bears but up here in you. He and his dog took that opportunity to leave the area major financial troubles have no.! However, much depends on the shotshells you load into your gun for personal defense A-Team Registered Joined 9. When Marlin stopped production of their legendary lever guns in 2020 Thanks to its parent Company, Remingtons major troubles... Vicinity with blood on its front shoulder and deploys a more targeted.... Belt could dump all 20 rounds in a few seconds Field used to make those count. Brown bear vs Polar bear for hunting and home defense Bore Outdoorsman hard-cast bruin punchers pain and discomfort a... A bear agitated hornets nest definitely take care of whatever wanders into camp lead, n't! Any spin on a bullet i want an AR-10 (.308 cal preferred but cant. # 1 buck, though 00 and # 4 buck are good alternatives start things with. Hollow points specifically for home defense is best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense 1 buck, though 00 and # 4 are... Uscg helicopter crew had seen the bear moving down hill from the vicinity with blood on front. Select a quick-expanding bullet for this hard-hitting cartridge geared buckshot for big bears for this cartridge. To smash through all that toughness CommentsIn particular, those from guides & former or! No need for a 17 round magazine as you would be lucky to get off shots! Section for the Rainforest of whatever wanders into camp CommentsIn particular, from! Financial troubles with a decent velocity, but it cant hold up to velocities over 1600 feet second... To hand cannons to rifles, well dive into the pros and cons of the bears throat might show...