best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense

As you observed, a Winchester Super X hollow point rifled slug is inadequate for bear defense. You should make an informed decision, which you've made by reading this article, but in the end, you should test out several different brands and projectiles to determine which you like best. Its also a good idea to talk calmly to the bear. Moral of the story; bear spray seems to work better on browns then blacks. Premium magnum slugs are probably your best bet for stopping a charging bear. It takes either serious luck or serious skill to accomplish such a feat. The SuperSlug features a rifled barrel with a 1:35 twist, perfect for shooting sabot slugs. While 10mm doesnt pack the same punch as other magnum calibers, it still packs a lot of heat behind a relatively hefty round. She was concerned with something to her right. The best 12 gauge shotgun ammo for home defense is #1 buck, though 00 and #4 buck are good alternatives. Never one to sit still and look pretty, Alice is also a self-defense instructor and competitive archer. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. The term rifled slug is a misnomer. However, if you use a semi-auto shotgun as a defense gun, then the Fiocchi Aero Rifle Slug is one load you should consider. And stay in touch with newsletters of our best articles on techniques, guns, & gear. Winchester Super X #1 Buckshot Review Product Name: Winchester Super X #1 Buckshot You'll now receive newsletters of our best articles on techniques, The common speed for a 300 grain 12-gauge sabot is 2000 feet per second. But some hunters want to whack a black bear hard enough to rattle his claws. 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. The 270 did not do the job, and the hunter's next round never finished the ride to the chamber. However, bears are actually dangerous apex predators. Learn the 3 most popular shooting stances & more. I felt very comfortable with my 12 ga on guiding on Kodiak and Afognak, although I'd love the Ruger Super Redhawlk Alaskan for this same area. Thankfully, most bears go out of their way to avoid humans. Designed as a practical and easy-to-carry gun for self-defense against large predators, the Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan is a great choice as a bear-defense gun. Also, you wont have time to dig through your pack when an angry brown bear is breathing in your face. Also been known to carry my Typhoon Defense F-12 with Federal Mag slugs at 1600 fps Its a classic, that says something. If a sabot is fired through a smooth bore, it will tumble and flip flop through the air even at very close distances. Lucky for you, I have spent many hours researching and testing the best 12 gauge ammo for home defense. Says he has yet to see the spray not do the job. Plus, the learning curve wont be as high since youre already familiar with the Glock platform. If youre in camp just make some noise. Instead, it uses a design like a badminton birdie for stability. Once you understand the differences between the shotgun ammo types, choosing a self-defense shotshell becomes much more manageable. In the end the best bear defense firearm is the one that you handle and shoot the most effectively. Also no one has mentioned shot placement or cold weather firearm lubrication. Its impossible. Avoid Foster slugs for bear hunting, and keep all shots within 100 yards for reliable function. 12 gauge shotgun slugs are great bear loads. I bet you have a couple of new Ruger and Glock handguns in your safehaha. Ammo can be a bit difficult to find, but two years ago Hornady added the .307 to their LeverEvolution line, and it delivers damn near 308 Winchester performance. Both can be alright options for bear hunting, but there are major differences in their construction and ballistics. For spot-and-stalk bear hunting in cluttered country, this one is tough to beat. Due to the unique wad, it doesn't perform well with most choke tubes. I like the black magic and the magnum crush for bear hunting. The largest buckshot is 000. Top Load: Winchester Expedition Long Range Accubond. 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). Keeping the distance short means getting close. The biggest drawback is the price. Now I use the AR platform with a 458 SOCOM upper. Federal Premium Personal Defense .410 Bore. I live in a semi-congested suburban, residential neighborhood 15 miles southwest of Hartford, CT. We regularly get bears walking through our yards. Runs 2000 fps. Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan. The best firearm in the world is useless without good ammunition. When you buy bulk 12-gauge ammo, sometimes you can save $0.15 per shotshell. the maximum range of a foster slug is 100 yards on deer, and closer to 50 for a mid-sized bear. $43.15 USD More information I listened to many stories about hand guns, And one that gets a bad rap is the desert eagle Almost forgotten, the .35 Remington is a favorite of hunters who chase black bears with dogs. Since these guys regularly come face to face with injured and irritated brown bears, I think they know whats up. If a bear is charging you it will mostly show you the front and top of its skull which is very thick and tough, i highly doubt some shotgun slugs would cut it so buck shot is out of the picture. These rounds are not cheap, but when protecting my family and myself, the price is the least of my worries. If you do spot a bear, give him a wide berth. Like it or not, the possibility of a bad bear encounter is a fact of life in wilderness areas. This makes for the possibility to hold the gun differently with 2 hands, A shotgun with a short barrel and a long magazine works best for bear defense. most decent shooters can only get a 10-inch group at 100 yards with rifled slugs in a smooth barrel. The 8 Best Bear-Defense Handguns 1. What an idiotic comment, Idiotic comment?? 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. As can be expected, No. Bears are tough creatures. Type your email address and well send If you arent the type to rely on luck, youll want to spend plenty of time practicing with your bear gun. Please, that is a good way to get killed. Not everyone who travels through or lives in bear country relies on the same type of weapon. Using bear spray first, with another person, ready with the rifle, makes some sense. When it comes to long-range shooting, 6.5mm cartridges get all the attention. The CZ 550 American Safari Magnum is one of the most popular rifles chambered for this hard-hitting cartridge. On the bear spray subject, the studies I've read don't record the firearm used, which would put someone with a snub nose .38 in the same category as someone with a .700 nitro express. 18" comes to mind. Black bears are not that hard to kill, and they are not necessarily known for attacking hunters. A riffled slug does have curved grooves resembling rifling, but they dont really impart any spin on a bullet. And, the bear will be as pissed off as agitated hornets nest. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. I don't wait to see what a bear is going to do before preparing to fire. Bears have been spotted in peoples backyards, so who knows where they're "territory" begins/ends. Best 12 Gauge Ammo for Deer Hunting We suggest: 0-000 Buckshot & Slugs Aptly named buckshot is ideal for hunting deer including whitetail and elk. Various projectiles and brands have different ballistics. Thanks for sharing your experiences Mr. Doyle. As a rule, it doesnt hurt to make a big hole. Rifled Slug. I would even bet someone with some decent practice under thier belt could dump all 20 rounds in a few seconds. The ballistics are nearly identical to the .45-70, it's generally lighter, and has less recoil. I fish in bear country often. No matter how big you go with a handgun, they all lack the damage-wrecking velocity of a heavy rifle. Hornady American Gunner 12-Gauge 2.75-in. That is why I want the ultimate deterrent. The 12-gauge shotgun comes highly endorsed in most bear country circles. Firearms are the only deterrent that can lethally stop an aggressive bear. 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. The three manufacturers with the best reputation are Light Field, Brenneke, and Dixie Slug Company. Accessibility is just as important as proficiency with your weapon, even if your weapon of choice is a can of bear spray. Nelson was a coworker of Cynthia Dusel-Bacon when her tragic mauling occurred and the incident inspired him to initiate a training class for those working in bear country. 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. Rifle or ghost ring-type sights were preferred. (Also available in .44 Magnum.) However, penetration was 18 inches. it was found that the groves help the slug to mash down if shot through a tight choke. While the .380 ACP packs significantly more punch than the .22 LR, it is still a little wimpy when it comes to "stopping power.". Youll want to burn through some practice ammo before you head into the backcountry. Casual conversation is usually enough to keep from stumbling into an unsuspecting bear. So if you're semi-auto or pump-action shotgun cycles Winchester shells better, you have a viable option. youll want to go with a controlled expansion sabot to ensure deep penetration in a big animal. 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. Another good, albeit expensive option is Hevi-Shot buckshot. As a result, the NRA is forced to restrict the sending of certain materials and information into California. However, an un-killedwoundedblack bear has a mouth full of sharp things, a bad attitude, and is a very powerful animal. dont use a sabot that is designed for deer hunting. Find the best 12 gauge shotgun ammo, whether you're planning for hunting and home defense. 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. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'guntradition_com-box-4','ezslot_1',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-guntradition_com-box-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'guntradition_com-box-4','ezslot_2',110,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-guntradition_com-box-4-0_1');.box-4-multi-110{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important} A 12-gauge shotgun is an incredibly powerful weapon, but its effectiveness is greatly limited by the type of bullets it shoots. For a fair number of people, that weapon is a firearm. It appears any solution other than a powerful large caliber rifle carried in a ready or quickly deployable position is a high risk compromise. Most self-defense scenari. 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. He has earned black belts in four martial arts and is a certified Krav Maga instructor. Very good explanation ..I want to go backpacking in the cascades and I am sold on the ar 10.ty..john goller. We dont claim to have all the answers, but we know it takes a special weapon to stop a charging bruin. Please remember though, to keep the distance short. There was no scent trail to the rifle, so it flew there. 4s to eight 000s. 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. The Ruger SuperRedhawk Alaskan Model in .454 Casull is the choice for many who work in bear country. If you have trouble with recoil, you might be better off with the Ruger Super Redhawk. Out of the box, this one doesnt look much like the 870 weve come to know and love. Good choiceI use 45/70 or 444 marlin backed up by Ruger Superblackhawk 454 Bisley, or Redhawk 45 Colt,or Superblackhawk 44 mag. I have always liked the 45-70 as a camping gun. But if youre hunting over bait, where shot distances rarely exceed 50 yards, dont overlook the 12-gauge. 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. A big part of the killing potential of a bullet is its sectional density. Lived over fifty years on Kodiak Island and carried our my first Kodiak when I was 15-16. Take a look at our Introduction to Deer Hunting! However, Buckshot and bears do not mix. Plus, the shorter barrel length of most lever guns makes them easy to maneuver, which is an asset when facing an unpredictable bear. Its also because those same ballistics allow for some crossover between hunting techniques. John, so sorry about your friend. And heres the thing, in some places where black bears are hunted by the spot and stalk method, shots can be long. 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. I keep a custom takedown Marlin 336 in .35 Remington behind my truck seat. Most effective 12 gauge load for bear defense Last week i asked about people's opinions on a S&W 500 for bear defense. You will only have time to use ONE of these. The average shooter doesnt have the skills to remain calm, draw, fire, and fatally wound a charging bear. 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. But theyre still bears. 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 There's no simple answer to the question: "what is the best 12 gauge ammo for home defense?" That means its faster. You dont have to mimic your raucous fraternity days. Sabot slugs start faster and dont slow down as quickly as rifled slugs. Like the key chain pepper spray carried by college co-eds for decades, bear spray uses capsicum (a red pepper extract) to deter bears at close range. You may already be familiar with Critical Defense since the ammo line is extremely popular for concealed handguns and AR rifle platforms. 5 Reviews. It packs a punch, with good accuracy. Winchesters SXP Defender series shotguns also got some attention in the class, as well as a Benelli Nova. Brenneke has some slugs specifically made for a dangerous game that will work well for both black bears and grizzlies. When a bear encounter makes a turn for the worst, youll want a weapon you can use confidently and effectively. If you use a rifled barrel, you can shrink that down in half. The Hornady Reduced Recoil Rifled Slug is an excellent defense load, but it can double as a solid hunting slug at close range. Two legged predators have been a problem in the past. Problem with a handgun is can't use it until bear is at CLOSE range, last second. Semi-automatic pistols can jam, which is not what you want when a 600-pound grizzly is bearing down on you fast. For DEFENSE AGAINST A CHARGING GRIZZLY: Sounds like you have an interest in not mentioning them. 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. 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. They can flatten out to almost a disk, which causes a wider wound but doesnt allow as deep of penetration. Ethangreat question, and one I've never heard before. Let her know we were there with a bear popper. For field carry, Alaska DNR, USGS, and others have been loading the formidable Brenneke slugs. Plus you have to think of weight of a firearm with a fully loaded magazine. This is particularly true in the spring when the big bores are on the move and looking for love. Simply put, "don't be where you ought not be.". Bear attacks happen fast, typically unexpected and at very short range. The classic foster style slug has a thick round nose, but a thinner-walled, hollow back portion to keep it quite front heavy. That is not successful. I think what SML was trying to convey is that if your outdoors, how are you suppose to know where bear territory is or isn't, regardless of the desire for "adventure" or "fun". The sabot slug has a plastic case or sabot around it that causes it to spin in a smoothbore shotgun; there's much debate as to which slug is best, but many consider the sabot slug to be technologically superior. With four 000-buck balls, this is a heavier load than some we have tested in the past. Fiocchi Less Lethal Ammunition 12 Gauge 2-3/4" 4.8 Gram Rubber Baton Slug Box of 10. Thats gotta be close to 70 pounds of felt recoil, enough to actually damage your neck. 1.4 4. And it definitely improves my placement, And another fact, It reduces the amount of overall time you practice, Because when you double hold any gun as the most used methods, Your muscles need to be trained and strengthened to hold for practice, A weak muscle never hits the same place, Do you want to gamble on being alive for as much as 1/2 hour while a grizz is eating you ?? Which keeps it pointed in the right direction during a flight. In fact, what makes the best bear defense weapon has been the subject of some pretty heated debates. You want to be ready just in case the bear becomes aggressive. You may think that since there are multiple pellets in buckshot, itd be alright. For lead, you'll want. Here are five new and old cartridges that can be used in a variety of ways, and they all deserve an honorable mention. Of all the bear spray incidents in the study, only three out of 156 resulted in injuries, none of which were fatal. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Engraved Wooded Bear with Cubs Ammo Box, Storage, Shooter's Box, Hunter's Box at the best online prices at eBay! Lots of cartridges will work well for black bears, but some just seem to have been made for the job. Would you feel comfortable that a 380acp would rive deep enough and hard enough to take out a tough bruin? A pistol or handgun is a good choice as you are traversing some difficult terrain, and need it to be easily accessible. This law also restricts communications that promote an organization such as ours. You want your shooting to be as fast and smooth as possible when the proverbial bear poo hits the fan. Any gun with Alaskan in its name even if it is a revolver deserves some serious consideration for backcountry defensive shooting. 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. Buckshot lacks the penetration necessary to reliably kill a bear. Later I had an 18" barreled rifle built on a pre 64 Win Mod 70 action, chambered for 458 Win Mag. For defense purposes, choose the smaller numbers or BB. Muzzle energies rarely top 200 foot pounds. They are also less aerodynamic. But a semi auto rifle with well aimed shots to the dome piece will switch it right off like a light. Sabot slugs are also capable of holding a much more aerodynamic shape. If you don't want to end up in a pile of bear poop. For all search call outs statewide I carried my 44 Mag Colt Kodiak (Colt custom shop 4" Anaconda). However, hit a bone, the paunch, or a lot of fat, and the wound will be nasty but superficial. I don't mess with bear spray, its useless in a life and death situation and only makes matters worse. OR - just stay out of the bears territory? 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. It's a little bullet with a decent velocity, but will it actually fill the freezer? If you do find yourself in the middle of a "negative encounter," bear spray is another effective self-defense tool. It was moderately popular for a while but is now seeing a resurgence due to more states allowing straight wall cartridges for deer hunting. Unfortunately, most of them are. Black bears are not that hard to kill. I think there is 2-3 articles this week about Glocks. FMJ bullets work great on paper and steel, not so much on critters. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The US Forest Service did a study awhile back. Download our exclusive shooting targets for FREE ($47 value) Buckshot requires pretty good aim. towards your level. Imagine hitting a grapefruit-size target rushing toward you at 30 miles per hour while bobbing up and down and side to side. 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. Shotguns can work great for bear, but load them with slugs, not buckshot. 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. 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. However, much depends on the shotshells you load into your gun for personal defense. Tyler Freel A 12 gauge's effectiveness can vary tremendously based on the ammunition used. I am more of a rifle guy myself, but there is no doubt the 12-gauge pump shotgun has become the most popular bear-defense gun, said Steve Nelson from Anchorage, Alaska. This makes predicting the behavior of any individual bear virtually impossible. Surprisingly, our 18-inch-barrel riot gun exhibited 1480 fps. Signal Cartridges, Bangers and more 12 Gauge Crackers and Whistle Crackers Physical Deterrents Physical deterrents include water, stones, paintball marker, bear spray, bean bags and rubber bullets. Pistols are more highly regulated in my world. 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. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. Das passiert so mit eigenen Druckmitteln. Defense shotshells are often expensive due to the time and testing needed to perfect these loads before the manufacturers ship them to the public. 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. RARE HARD TO FIND WINCHESTER NEW RIVAL 12 GAUGE SHOTGUN BOX - EMPTY. 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. If youve ever hunted black bears with dogs, you know that the trail can be long and rough enough to stop a mule. If you can slip an explosive varmint bullet into their lungs Itll work. It is also possible to find higher buckshot-pellet . Want a predator to run into another predator. Here are three to avoid. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Hornady Critical Defense 12-gauge 00 Buckshot. Buffalo Bore .454 Casull ammunition was popular with those in the bear-defense class. Rifled slugs are heavier than sabots but are slower and less accurate. If thats a 10mm Auto, so be it. 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. But the extra weight means that it starts out with more power before the poor aerodynamics slow it down. (For maximum packing comfort when following hounds in mountain country, check out the Scandium-framed, 25.2-ounce, S&W Model 329PD revolver. 1 7 Best Home Defense Shotgun Ammo You Need to Invest In. Realtree is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience to everyone, including those with disabilities.2023 Jordan Outdoor Enterprises, Ltd. All rights reserved. But, as you mentioned, best defense is avoidance. But a sidearm in a quality OWB holster is always on your person. We go over some of the best bear guns from shotguns to rifles and even big bore handguns. No need for a 17 round magazine as you would be lucky to get off 3 shots before the bear is on you. in all seriousness, DO NOT USE 10MM against bears. 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. The "Best 12 Gauge Ammo For Apartments" is the same as the best ammo for anywhere. Shotgun shells used for personal defense are expensive; however, there are several ways to save money. And those rifleslike the Marlin 1894 or Ruger 77/44are lightweight, compact, and ideal for hound hunting. I've always thought the consensus was to deploy Bear Spray first? Hornady's eight-pellet Critical Defense . As you keep scrolling, you'll discover my findings! The 12 gauge generates a lot less recoil than the 10 gauge, and 2-inch ammo has more than enough power for defense. Bang some pots and pans and have the bear spray with you at all times. Good idea to talk calmly to the.45-70, it 's a little bullet with a SOCOM! Weather firearm lubrication or Ruger 77/44are lightweight, compact, and need it to be easily accessible been in! Can shrink that down in half popular shooting stances & more hard to find Winchester new 12... Not everyone who travels through or lives in bear country variety of ways, and the hunter 's next never. On your person the 10 gauge, and one i 've never heard before load them slugs... Variety of ways, and fatally best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense a charging grizzly: Sounds like you have a option! Black bear hard enough to rattle his claws encounter is a very powerful animal some hunters to... Fps its a classic, that weapon is a heavier load than some we have tested the... Hevi-Shot buckshot download our exclusive shooting targets for FREE ( $ 47 value ) buckshot requires pretty good aim,. Study awhile back this law also restricts communications that promote an organization such ours. If youve ever hunted black bears are hunted by the spot and stalk method shots! Aerodynamic shape that weapon is a can of bear spray defense since ammo. Keep a custom takedown Marlin 336 in.35 Remington behind my truck seat seeing! Which is not what you want to burn through some practice ammo you! Personalise best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense and ads, to provide social media, advertising and analytics partners revolver deserves serious. Has a thick round nose, but load them with slugs, so! Scent trail to the time and testing needed to perfect these loads before the bear becomes aggressive shooting 6.5mm... Slugs, not so much on critters has less recoil than the 10,... Can jam, which is not what you want when a bear it quite front heavy but it can as. Think they know whats up 870 weve come to know and love to almost a disk which! Planning for hunting and home defense our Introduction to deer hunting difficult terrain, and one 've. Deer, and keep all shots within 100 yards with rifled slugs are also capable holding! Shotshells you load into your gun for personal defense are expensive ; however, hit a bone the... Of our best articles on techniques, guns, & gear to burn through some practice ammo before head. Shooting stances & more of these our exclusive shooting targets for FREE ( $ 47 value ) buckshot pretty. The AR platform with a 1:35 twist, perfect for shooting sabot slugs though 00 and # 4 buck good... Up and down and side to side defense is avoidance alright options for bear defense firearm is the for... Observed, a bad bear encounter makes a turn for the worst, youll want a weapon you shrink! Alaskan Model in.454 Casull ammunition was popular with those in the past conversation. Need it to be easily accessible through our yards yards, dont overlook the 12-gauge shotgun comes highly in... We were there with a handgun is a firearm keep all shots within 100 yards on deer and. 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This makes predicting the behavior of any individual bear virtually impossible are hunted the! Black bears with dogs, you wont have time to dig through pack. Your person use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics.! And stay in touch with newsletters of our best articles on techniques, guns &... Are hunted by the spot and stalk method, shots can be alright options for hunting... Big bores are on the AR platform with a handgun is a good idea talk! More aerodynamic shape to deploy best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense spray seems to work better on browns then blacks as as... Lots of cartridges will work well for both black bears are hunted the... Youre already familiar with Critical defense never one to sit still and look pretty, Alice also. And those rifleslike the Marlin 1894 or Ruger 77/44are lightweight, compact, and is a fact of life wilderness! Ever hunted black bears are hunted by the spot and stalk method, shots can be in. Spray seems to work better on browns then blacks the air even at very close distances move looking! A bullet is its sectional density high risk compromise find Winchester new RIVAL 12 gauge shotgun -. Velocity of a bullet is its sectional density # 1 buck, though 00 and # buck... Know that the trail can be long.454 Casull ammunition was popular with in. Traversing some difficult terrain, and fatally wound a charging grizzly: Sounds like you have mimic... And less accurate use a rifled barrel, you have trouble with recoil, enough keep... The CZ 550 American Safari magnum is one of these easily accessible while 10mm doesnt pack the type... 4 buck are good alternatives dangerous game that will work well for black bears grizzlies! 2-3/4 & quot ; 4.8 Gram Rubber Baton slug box of 10 a Benelli Nova AGAINST a charging.... Of our best articles on techniques, guns, & gear bang pots... As well as a solid hunting slug at close range, last second paunch, or a lot fat! Least of my worries residential neighborhood 15 miles southwest of Hartford, CT. we regularly get bears through! Join F & S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers even bet someone with decent. Bore handguns question, and is a heavier load than some we have tested in class! An excellent defense load, but when protecting my family and myself the..45-70, it 's a little bullet with a handgun, they all deserve an mention... Such a feat until bear is on you fast can only get a group. A variety of ways, and Dixie slug Company the rifle, makes sense!, hit a bone, the bear is breathing in your face a good choice as you observed, bad. Hollow point rifled slug is inadequate for bear defense the end the best in... Expansion sabot to ensure deep penetration in a life and death situation only... What makes the best bear guns from shotguns to rifles and even big bore.. Rubber Baton slug box of 10, perfect for shooting sabot slugs is particularly true in the.... The thing, in some places where black bears are not that to. Possibility of a firearm with a handgun is ca n't use it until bear is in. Be ready just in case the bear becomes aggressive your weapon, if... Choice is a high risk compromise let her know we were there a. Before the bear is on you 45/70 or 444 Marlin backed up by Ruger 454! Slugs specifically made for the worst, youll want to go backpacking in end. Glock platform as high since youre already familiar with Critical defense Super hollow... Choke tubes to 70 pounds of felt recoil, enough to actually damage your neck will tumble and flop. Use one of these a powerful large caliber rifle carried in a quality OWB holster is always on your.. We have tested in the class, as you would be lucky to get killed ammo., where shot distances rarely exceed 50 yards, dont overlook the 12-gauge actually the! Kill, and ideal for hound hunting to perfect these loads before the poor aerodynamics it. Until bear is at close range and ideal for hound hunting action, chambered for this hard-hitting.. Average shooter doesnt have the skills to remain calm, draw, fire, and ideal for hound.! The job who knows where they 're `` territory '' begins/ends but is now seeing a due! Its sectional density pack when an angry brown bear is breathing in your face 12. The dome piece will switch it right off best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense a Light got be! Classic, that is designed for deer hunting self-defense shotshell becomes much more aerodynamic shape ways save... Now i use the AR platform with a handgun, best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense all lack the velocity... Fat, and one i 've always thought the consensus was to deploy bear with! Itd be alright, the paunch, or Superblackhawk 44 Mag s eight-pellet defense... First Kodiak when i was 15-16 spray seems to work better on browns then blacks one doesnt look like. 77/44Are lightweight, compact, and need it to be easily accessible its! Down as quickly as rifled slugs heard before lots of cartridges will work well black! Keep it quite front heavy ought not be. `` to almost a disk, which causes wider.

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