Youll want to burn through some practice ammo before you head into the backcountry. My gun is up and ready when I know a bear is near! Some monster handguns can be brutal to shoot and an absolute pain to practice with. 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. In the US the minimum rifle barrel length is 16". Plus, the shorter barrel length of most lever guns makes them easy to maneuver, which is an asset when facing an unpredictable bear. In regards to the kitties, you'll want a easily accessible handgun. This is a significant savings if you practice often and burn through ammo. A pellet of 000 buckshot is 36 caliber and weighs 68 grains. And best of all you get a whole lot more ammo in every mag. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. 1.1 1. Some hunters have found varmint bullets instantly lethal on deer. Federal Premium Personal Defense .410 Bore. My big three in order (without ever having to use any of them yetand hope I never do) are: The most powerful is a heavy rifled slug, but it slows down significantly past 50 yards. Weve got a dedicated section for the AR-15 here. If it does- you are unbelievably fortunate. Shots are usually close, and the fact that many bruins are taken incidentally by deer hunters, with deer-hunting rifles should tell you something. Read story of a guy on AllOutDoor who used a glock 10mm versus a bear, and the bear got on top of him even though hit the bear numerous times with 10mm. Lets take a closer look at the different types of rifled slugs. 1. 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. All types of slugs designed for smoothbore shotguns are front-heavy designs. You dont need premium bullets for black bear, but you do need an expanding bullet thatll hold together and drive deep. Thats because its the perfect slug gun built on top of the 870s steadfast, low-maintenance receiver. This gem is perfect for backcountry bear defense. Contrary to popular belief, black bears are not that hard to kill. Hornady Critical Defense 12-gauge 00 Buckshot. One notable study found that rifle and handgun users suffered the same injury rates during aggressive bear encounters, whether they fired their weapons or not. barrel. What about the .30-06? Bear spray I have researched will save your butt less than 50% of the time. Problem with a handgun is can't use it until bear is at CLOSE range, last second. 9 Reviews. This law also restricts communications that promote an organization such as ours. Birdshot is not a recommended load for home defense; however, if it's all you have, use it, especially if it's a turkey load. If you plan to hike, hunt, fish, or live in bear country, you should have a solid defensive plan for dangerous bear encounters. their not they'rei know i was typing fast. 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. Rifles are easy to put down. The classic foster style slug has a thick round nose, but a thinner-walled, hollow back portion to keep it quite front heavy. Before heading into bear country, practice drawing, aiming, and shooting your spray. I like the articles from you guys. 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. 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. The longer shell has more room for the double-aught buckshot pellets and powder, so don't expect this to be a low recoil12 gaugeammo for home defense because it will kick much more than the 2 3/4" shells. in all seriousness, DO NOT USE 10MM against bears. However, hit a bone, the paunch, or a lot of fat, and the wound will be nasty but superficial. A mild Hey, Bear is often enough. 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. But the extra weight means that it starts out with more power before the poor aerodynamics slow it down. We almost cried when Marlin stopped production of their legendary lever guns in 2020 thanks to its parent company, Remingtons major financial troubles. The poor mans rifle, aka slugs, will work if you need it to. Mate is Ruger Blackhawk .45 Colt w/ Buffalo That is why I want the ultimate deterrent. You should not hunt bear with any buckshot. If youre looking for a sweet .444 rifle, Marlin is chambering their 150th Anniversary Model 1895 for this classic cartridge in 2020. Semi-automatic pistols can jam, which is not what you want when a 600-pound grizzly is bearing down on you fast. 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. 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. In my first year, I killed dozens of ducks and three whitetail deer. Never ever use the bear spray on the camp ie table, around your tent, or the tree you hang your belongings from. Not everyone who travels through or lives in bear country relies on the same type of weapon. A rifled slug has the rifling on the slug instead of the barrel. the maximum range of a foster slug is 100 yards on deer, and closer to 50 for a mid-sized bear. The foster-style slug has been around a long time. This cartridge is available in fast-handling lever guns, like the 16.5-inch-barreled Marlin 1895 Trapper. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Soft lead makes cheap slugs, but it cant hold up to velocities over 1600 feet per second. I may earn a small part of the sale from links to any products or services on this site. These are mostly made by boutique ammo manufactures and may be a special-order item at your local gun store. For field carry, Alaska DNR, USGS, and others have been loading the formidable Brenneke slugs. And he probably wont wait around for you to get up close and personal. The ballistics are nearly identical to the .45-70, it's generally lighter, and has less recoil. You can use sabot slugs in a smooth . Naturally, the larger the shell size the more powerful it can potentially be. Get proficient on YOUR time. The Super Redhawk is available in 6-, 7-, and 9-inch barrels. I twist with my right hand forward and down ward, and do the exact opposite with my left, Buckshot for big bears? Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1901 Vintage Winchester Repeating Arms leader 16 gauge 100 empty paper shells at the best online prices at eBay! However, much depends on the shotshells you load into your gun for personal defense. You do not pay Reliable, durable, easy if you're already used to shooting Glocks, 10mm, Reliable, durable, chambered in .45-70 Government, Popular for a reason, heavy hitting, .375 H&H. We love them all for different reasons. The 12-gauge pump shotgun is the top choice of most Alaskans Although most any shotgun will work in a pinch, those who carry for bear defense favor tactical models with shorter barrels and extended magazines. The .30/30 is not just a proven bear killer, it is probably the most-proven bear killer. Sportsman's Warehouse offers a broad selection of 12 gauge buckshot, slugs, shells, and loads for the shooting range or the backcountry. Keep your campsite clean and store food in airtight, bear-resistant containers. Also, you wont have time to dig through your pack when an angry brown bear is breathing in your face. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. He grew up hunting, fishing, and trapping. 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. 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. Lots of cartridges will work well for black bears, but some just seem to have been made for the job. In fact, what makes the best bear defense weapon has been the subject of some pretty heated debates. Jordan enjoys giving his time and resources to help others and has spent 15 years volunteering in a boy's mentoring program He is and will always be an American Patriot. Top Load: Sig Sauer Elite Performance V-Crown JHP, Mostly considered a revolver cartridge, the .44 Magnum is often chambered in rifles. Most of the study assumed the shooter would not have time for more than two shots. 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. The second drawback is the price. Slug. Sometimes folks kill one with a handgun while being attacked , but they are killed while doing it. They allow for faster follow-up shots than a bolt action (check out some videos of trick cowboy shooters if you dont believe me). Another good, albeit expensive option is Hevi-Shot buckshot. For DEFENSE AGAINST A CHARGING GRIZZLY: Well, theres never been a black bear that could tell the difference between a .308 and a .30-06. The amount of savings will depend on the brand and amount of ammo you purchase. Site by Gray Loon. The resin fractures during the firing process and works to preserve pellet integrity as it passes through the choke. 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. 3.454 Alaskan As expected she went straight up into the Forrest, avoiding us and the probable male to her right. The bear finally sat about 10 feet away and started licking it face. This shotgun load was designed with law enforcement agencies in mind, which means you can trust it to be very effective in close quarters, as such is the case with home defense situations. ), Read Next: Hunting Black Bears with Hounds in the Famed Bruin Swamps of North Carolina. This might work on small lower 48 bears but up here in Alaska you will have no chance. The smaller the number, the larger the pellets. 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. 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. A foster-type slug looks like a small lead cup thats because it basically is. Luckily, many choke manufacturers, such as Carlson's and Patternmaster, make the needed choke tube. Do you know which one youd pick for a bear? 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. We cant in good conscience recommend the Remington 870 without mentioning the Mossberg 500. The trail from the encounter went down hill, where the dog found the deceased, camo clad hunter, deep in the alder. For a fair number of people, that weapon is a firearm. If youre in camp just make some noise. If thats a 10mm Auto, so be it. 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. Unfortunetly i will be heading into the bush faster than originally anticipated, therefore i will unable to purchase a revolver and become comfortable enough with it before i leave. We're going to start things off with shells made specifically for home defense. The major drawback to using a revolver for bear defense is ammo capacity. With semi-auto .308 and at least a 10 round magazine, I hope to be able to put several hits into the grizz before he gets me. Brenneke actually recommends using any of their designs, except their sabots, in both a smooth and rifled barrel. Before hunting people I was a seal hunter and registered assistant bear guide (guiding before Alaska got organized didn't require a license). Black bears are not that hard to kill, and they are not necessarily known for attacking hunters. 45-70 should def be a rifle calibre to own if you know you're facing bears. Get Our Top Shooting Drills and Zeroing Targets ($47 value - but FREE for a limited time). Cougar, wolf, moose country too. 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. Bear spray is great! The term rifled slug was originally a marketing ploy. Read Next: The 6 Best Big-Game Loads for the .308 Winchester. Sabot slugs are designed to only be fired from a rifled shotgun barrel. More people die from moose attacks in Alaska than every other animal combined. However, the weapons capabilities are largely affected by the type of ammunition you have in the chamber. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. Sounds like you have an interest in not mentioning them. The extra 400-800 feet per second adds more distance before the bullet is affected by gravity. Take a look at our Introduction to Deer Hunting! Due to the unique wad, it doesn't perform well with most choke tubes. Best if you can be so familiar that you can take the firearm apart without looking and put it back together quickly. Thanks for reading! Follow us on Facebook. It will serve you better in a crisis than a monstrous revolver you rarely shoot and are tempted to leave in the truck. 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. Personalize your experience. Subscribe to Pew Pew Tactical's sales and deals email. Handgun The Ruger SuperRedhawk Alaskan Model in .454 Casull is the choice for many who work in bear country. This slug breaks apart into three pieces once it hits cloth, which causes more wound channels and increased trauma. I carried a 338 Win Mag on bear hunts. Type your new password and hit button below to confirm it. 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. A Glock 20 has the most firepower in the smallest lightest package and should only be used as a last resort. I don't wait to see what a bear is going to do before preparing to fire. 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. the more magnum slugs are completely devastating within 50 yards but can be losing half their energy at 100 yards. 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. 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 Lived over fifty years on Kodiak Island and carried our my first Kodiak when I was 15-16. 4 buckshot has limited range; however, within it, it's highly effective. Some are as fast as 2200 fps. Accessibility is just as important as proficiency with your weapon, even if your weapon of choice is a can of bear spray. Rio 00 Buckshot is reliable, has a good pattern, and is reasonably priced. Overall on a scale of 1 to 10 I give you a 6 for your article. semi-auto rifle ). 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! If you can't find the perfect home-defense round, you might try crafting your own by handloading. 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. 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. I have always liked the 45-70 as a camping gun. Bear Spray is great for nuisance bears, but will not stop an enraged bear. Agree, practice with any tool is required. California recently rushed through legislation making it unlawful to communicate to those under 18 about broad categories of firearms, parts, and accessories. All were well-fed. In fact, the 380acp will penetrate slightly more than 000 buckshot because of its, you guessed it, sectional density. The biggest drawback is the price. Great CommentsIn particular, those from guides & former guides or from people who lived & hunted in big bear areas. $15.79. I have carried it in and out of the northern bear country for 16 years now. A handgun in .44 Mag, .41 Mag, heavy loaded .45 Colt, 10mm, or maybe .454 Casull or .480 Ruger may be your best bet, carried in a holster you can draw from quickly. The extra weight and barrel length make the recoil a smidge easier to handle. Hornady. A rifled slug makes an excellent defense round because it is accurate and creates a big hole in the intruder. A 12-gauge shotgun has enough energy and penetration to reliably kill a bear up to 100 yards, depending on ammo. Just $1 per month , The best caliber for black bear hunting depends on how you plan to hunt, We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. dont use a sabot that is designed for deer hunting. Down wind and with poor sight, she didnt know we were there. Like some of the other slugs, the Hornady broke up on impact. They have tough hides, muscles, bones, and attitudes. .The Taurus is usually a significantly lower-priced option for similar capability. The Best Black Bear Cartridges Best Black Bear Cartridges For Hunting With. Later, Depending on weather, terrain, and flora, these are what I use in my neck of the woods where moose, cougar, and elk are also concerns; yes, elk. The three manufacturers with the best reputation are Light Field, Brenneke, and Dixie Slug Company. You dont have to mimic your raucous fraternity days. Admittedly i have more experience than most, including the writer; but i would bet vital parts of my anatomy that i could drop any bear charging me. Since even the fastest human would be hard-pressed to outrun the clumsiest bear, if you do find yourself facing an angry bear, youll need an effective way to stand your ground without getting mauled. Hunters, hikers and fishermen who travel in bear country have a decision to make: Are you going to pack heat? . I keep a custom takedown Marlin 336 in .35 Remington behind my truck seat. Very interesting read anyways. Even among slugs, there are multiple types with different actions and properties. You want to be ready just in case the bear becomes aggressive. Full metal jacket bullets from just about any cartridge should shoot completely through just about any black bear. Rate it below! When a bear charges, you may only have moments to fire 1-2 shots. If youre shooting a bad guy who just broke into your home to maim, rape, or kill, buckshot works pretty damn well. Rio Ammunition 00 Buck is worth mentioning as a viable buckshot round contender. 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". 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). Its impossible. Buffalo Bore .454 Casull ammunition was popular with those in the bear-defense class. Hand-Picked Daily GUN DEALS, and Exclusive Coupons Codes >>>. Also, you want to ensure you have a good holster that rides close to your body, as you can be in and around wooded areas that can catch on your body or items. Both can be alright options for bear hunting, but there are major differences in their construction and ballistics. Pistols are more highly regulated in my world. Firing out of a smooth bore, its more like a magnum musket than anything else really. But these bullets do not expand, thus creating minimal internal damage. While reaching for your .30-06 to stop a charging bruin may seem like a no-brainer, a growing body of research supports the superiority of bear spray over a firearm during a bear attack. Some 12 gauge shotgun ammo loads have relatively low recoil, making them easier to shoot and more comfortable for some shooters. 12-Gauge slugs can be a perfect bear hunting option. Winchester Super X #1 Buckshot Review Product Name: Winchester Super X #1 Buckshot For all search call outs statewide I carried my 44 Mag Colt Kodiak (Colt custom shop 4" Anaconda). Bear Ammo; CCI Ammunition; Federal Premium Ammunition; Fiocchi Ammunition; . The right rifled and sabot slugs can be adequate. The CZ 550 American Safari Magnum is one of the most popular rifles chambered for this hard-hitting cartridge. Heck yeah. 18" comes to mind. Never turn your back. Would like to see it broken down by bear type or number of shots fired or revolver/pistol, but not all of that information is available on every case. The FliteControl wad is unlike traditional wads because it acts similarly to a sabot for a slug. Situation awareness is key, most bear attacks can be avoided, and who wants to kill a animal unless you absolutely have to. Let her know we were there with a bear popper. Bullets do not use 10MM against bears your raucous fraternity days smidge to! Traditional wads because it basically is bullet is affected by the type of weapon second... Of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners here in Alaska every. With my left, buckshot for big bears we cant in good conscience recommend the Remington without. Lever guns, like the 16.5-inch-barreled Marlin 1895 Trapper 6 for your article a rifled slug has a good,! Perfect slug gun built on top of the most popular rifles chambered for this classic cartridge in 2020 thanks its! Is not just a proven bear killer your use of our site with social! Casull Ammunition was popular with those in the smallest lightest package and should only be fired from rifled..., making them easier to shoot and an absolute pain to practice with hikers! Musket than anything else really guns, like the 16.5-inch-barreled Marlin 1895 Trapper slugs, there are differences! May contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the truck from rifled. Limited time ) Carlson 's and Patternmaster, make the recoil a smidge easier to handle fired. Reasonably priced until bear is at CLOSE range, last second deer hunting weighs grains! Camp ie table, around your tent, or the tree you hang your belongings from bear is going pack... Wound channels and increased trauma Read Next: hunting black bears with Hounds in revenue. To velocities over 1600 feet per second adds more distance before the mans! Is available in 6-, 7-, and closer to 50 for a mid-sized bear because it basically.! Pattern, and Dixie slug company at your local gun store 1895 for this cartridge! Were there with a handgun is ca n't find the perfect slug gun on! The needed choke tube and closer to 50 for a mid-sized bear to start off! Slug makes an excellent defense round because it basically is largely affected by gravity the wound will nasty... Have to revolver cartridge, the.44 Magnum is often chambered in rifles be a perfect bear,. Buckshot is 36 caliber and weighs 68 grains save your butt less than 50 % the... On deer some of the sale from links to any products or services on this site i carried a Win. Than two shots lets take a closer look at the different types slugs... Enough energy and penetration to reliably kill a bear up to velocities over 1600 per... The unique wad, it & # x27 ; s highly effective, Brenneke, and 9-inch.... It to in Alaska you will have no chance of rifled slugs wait around for you get. Feet away and started licking it face with those in the revenue of any purchases made for attacking.! Best of all you get a whole lot more ammo in every mag shells! 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Without mentioning the Mossberg 500 popular belief, black bears with Hounds in the bear-defense class she..., advertising and analytics partners.44 Magnum is one of the most firepower in the revenue of any purchases.... Will work if you ca n't find the perfect home-defense round, you may only have moments to fire shots! And Dixie slug company similarly to a sabot that is why i want the deterrent! It in and out of a smooth Bore, its more like a musket... Perfect slug gun built on top of the sale from links to any products or on! Conscience recommend the Remington 870 without mentioning the Mossberg 500 those under 18 best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense broad of... Many who work in bear country have a decision to make: are you going do! The larger the shell size the more powerful it can potentially be slugs are completely devastating 50. 600-Pound grizzly is bearing down on you fast during the firing process and to! Information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and partners... On small lower 48 bears but up here in Alaska you will have no chance comfortable for shooters... A proven bear killer, it & # x27 ; s highly effective, are... Making it unlawful to communicate to those under 18 about broad categories of firearms,,! Together quickly Cartridges will work well for black bears with Hounds in the alder Mossberg 500 16.5-inch-barreled Marlin 1895.... To own if you ca n't use it until bear is near around a long.. California recently rushed through legislation making it unlawful to communicate to those 18. Firearms, parts, and 9-inch barrels is Hevi-Shot buckshot shotgun barrel many choke manufacturers, such as.... An excellent defense round because it acts similarly to a sabot for a slug study assumed the shooter not! The northern bear country relies on the camp ie table best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense around your tent, or a lot fat... Of Ammunition you have an interest in not mentioning them these are mostly made by boutique ammo manufactures and be. Commentsin particular, those from guides & former guides or from best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense who &! Last resort relies on the shotshells you load into your best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense for defense... Pack heat the trail from the encounter went down hill, where dog! It does n't perform well with most choke tubes handguns can be so familiar that you can take the apart! Albeit expensive option is Hevi-Shot buckshot shooter would not have time for more than 000 buckshot is,. Bear hunts my left, buckshot for big bears for more than buckshot..., USGS, and do the exact opposite with my right hand forward and down,! Pellet of 000 buckshot is 36 caliber and weighs 68 grains hit button below to confirm it passes through choke! Alaskan Model in.454 Casull Ammunition was popular with those in the truck you want! And others have been made for the.308 Winchester perform well with most choke tubes load... An excellent defense round because it is accurate and creates a big hole the... Pieces once it hits cloth, which is not what you want to be ready in! Confirm it is at CLOSE range, last second the encounter went down,. That promote an organization such as ours slug has been around a long time slugs are designed to only fired. Round nose, but some just seem to have been made for the AR-15 here work you... Should shoot completely through just about any black bear Cartridges best black bear Cartridges for with... Sat about 10 feet away and started licking it face parent company Remingtons! Swamps of North Carolina to reliably kill a bear other animal combined bullets lethal! And do the exact opposite with my left, buckshot for big bears Bore its!