And when youre behind the gun, you cant either. Semi-automatic pistols can jam, which is not what you want when a 600-pound grizzly is bearing down on you fast. Avoid Foster slugs for bear hunting, and keep all shots within 100 yards for reliable function. Various projectiles and brands have different ballistics. Sportsman's Warehouse offers a broad selection of 12 gauge buckshot, slugs, shells, and loads for the shooting range or the backcountry. If you plan to carry a 12-gauge through bear country, you might want to ditch the birdshot and 00 Buck. Slugs are the poor mans rifle. BS. Click below for a FREE LESSON! Brenneke makes the best traditional slugs for bear. Shotguns were actually not recommended and the 44 magnum was the only handgun recommended and only as a backup gun. These rounds are not cheap, but when protecting my family and myself, the price is the least of my worries. 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. Handgun The Ruger SuperRedhawk Alaskan Model in .454 Casull is the choice for many who work in bear country. The spray will break down mix in the soil and give a male bear the illusion a female bear in heat was there. 00 Buck at 10 Yards, Shooting Illustrated. 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. Here are five new and old cartridges that can be used in a variety of ways, and they all deserve an honorable mention. 4s to eight 000s. Their classic magnum, black magic magnum, and magnum crush are applicable options. If you can't find the perfect home-defense round, you might try crafting your own by handloading. See here: #4 buckshot will not always reach the FBI minimum penetration standard. Recoil is murder! A A-Team Registered Joined Apr 9, 2011 1.1 1. Yogi and his picnic basket fetish arent too far off the mark. 5 Reviews. Hornady is one of the most trusted brands for self-defense ammo, with choices like the Hornady Critical Defense for handguns. Many government agencies issue shotguns to their officers as bear defense weapons, and officers regularly use them successfully in dangerous bear encounters. That could be the Alpha, and the rest may just run away. 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. You want to be ready just in case the bear becomes aggressive. However, buying 1,000 shotshells will give you more significant savings per round. Rio 00 Buckshot is reliable, has a good pattern, and is reasonably priced. When you compare the velocity, muzzle energy, and price, these rounds are tough to beat. Some hunters have found varmint bullets instantly lethal on deer. Shotgun shells used for personal defense are expensive; however, there are several ways to save money. Dixie Slug Company only makes dangerous game loads for shotguns. Once you've bought your home defense shotgun, it's time to load it with the best home defense shotgun ammo, but how are you supposed to know which is the best when they all claim to be the best? RELATIVELY LOW RECOIL. Dont worry; weve got you covered. There was no scent trail to the rifle, so it flew there. When a bear encounter makes a turn for the worst, youll want a weapon you can use confidently and effectively. Please remember though, to keep the distance short. And if you need a quick second shot, nothing is faster than an AR-15. There are two primary types I consider home defense rounds and a third that can be used if it's all you have on hand. He grew up hunting, fishing, and trapping. Buffalo Bore .454 Casull ammunition was popular with those in the bear-defense class. This includes not only information about their purchase and use, but also the promotion of firearm safety and training. $725.00. :). Remington Ultimate Defense Buckshot 12 Gauge Shotshell 5 Rounds 2 3/4" Managed . The wildly popular Creedmoor may seem a little light, but it makes the list because out to around 400 yards or so this mild-kicking round not only does the job on black bears, but is also a joy for anyone to shoot, including young hunters. You are full of crapread big bore revolvers by Max prassacyou are totally wrong about a big bore revolver "properly loaded" with had cast or monolithic solids not being. If you do find yourself in the middle of a "negative encounter," bear spray is another effective self-defense tool. Its impossible. Unfortunately those who have these guns and others say no to them, because of misfire (OHOH) there is a big problem ! What good does it do if the bullets cant reach anything lethal or shatter the shoulder to take an animal down? 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 shot to the neck or shoulder may not kill a big bear. Agree, practice with any tool is required. Searching for ammo with more knockdown power? The .380 ACP is sometimes called the 9mm Short or 9mm Kurtz. Of all the bear spray incidents in the study, only three out of 156 resulted in injuries, none of which were fatal. 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. 1.3 3. Let us know in the comments! However, there are several factors to remember when buying ammo that will help you make the best decision possible. GLOCK 29SF is my go to, im comfortable carrying 180 gr bonded JHPs, xtreme penetrators/xtrem hunters, round ball and cast flat nose rounds. Sounds like you have an interest in not mentioning them. And thanks for the article, I get that it's an overview and I enjoyed it. Honestly, I wouldn't feel comfortable with anything less than a .300 Win Mag for a grizzly. 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. Tyler Freel A 12 gauge's effectiveness can vary tremendously based on the ammunition used. I suggest finding a reduced recoil round if you're sensitive to recoil. As you keep scrolling, you'll discover my findings! Another good, albeit expensive option is Hevi-Shot buckshot. Later, Also, you wont have time to dig through your pack when an angry brown bear is breathing in your face. With the Lyman pee sights it was lighter than the shotgun. Bears can continue to maul you for several minutes even after receiving wounds that will ultimately be fatal. Sabot slugs are designed to only be fired from a rifled shotgun barrel. I'd buy a Super Red Hawk Alaskan in a heart beat, especially for Kodiak. You need to carry a handgun in the most comfortable magnum load you can accurately fire. I had a 13oz bear spray with me and I let it rip , probably unloaded at least 6oz of it into a large dusty cloud. While most rifles in the .30 caliber range are fine for bear hunting, you may want something bigger and heavier for bear defense. It packs a punch, with good accuracy. Top Load: Hornady Dangerous Game Superformance Interlock SP. I've always thought the consensus was to deploy Bear Spray first? Editorial in the name of powder, steel, and ammo. Firing out of a smooth bore, its more like a magnum musket than anything else really. Bear attacks happen fast, typically unexpected and at very short range. 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. Federal 5 Rounds 2 Rifled Slug. Glock 20 If you're used to toting around a 9mm Glock 19, you might be more comfortable with that. Rifled Slug. Go here for more Realtree guns and shooting. Ruger. Your options are limited in 20 gauge shotgun shells, but we'd choose Winchester Super X #3 buck or Federal Power Shok #4 buck. 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. 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. For DEFENSE AGAINST A CHARGING GRIZZLY: Bore ammo that can be used in the Rossi too. 1. 9 Reviews. A lot of options missing here. ..I would stoke the shotgun with slugs..preferably a brenneke sp? I personally belive the question shouldn't be "is bear spray better" but rather "how big does a gun have to be before it's better than bear spray". Match one with a great .44 Magnum load and youll drop bears stone dead, no matter how tall the tree he climbed into is. Type your new password and hit button below to confirm it. 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. I used to regularly hiked out in Alaska, lived there for 12 years. That .375 H&H has some buck, but that should be expected from a rifle capable of handling the biggest bears on Planet Earth. 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 if it had charged me I had no doubt that the 9mm was enough , and what it lacked in power it made up for with accuracy and capacity. Also, if you regularly train with your EDC handgun, you might be more confident and accurate with it than with a rifle you only pull out once a year. Just totally full of crap. When you wander into bear country, you could still find yourself face-to-face with a bruin. Because its smaller in diameter, its usually lighter. And location plays a big roll too - In the shrub of lower elevation Kodiak I'm most comfortable with my 12 ga shotgun loaded rubber, buck, slug, slug. since neither are rifled there is no use to use the longer barrel for bear defense. There's no simple answer to the question: "what is the best 12 gauge ammo for home defense?" That is why I want the ultimate deterrent. Hornady's Dangerous Game Series ammo received kudos for the .375 H&H and .375 Ruger. And the best bear defense gun is no substitute for plain old common sense. However, if you use a semi-auto shotgun as a defense gun, then the Fiocchi Aero Rifle Slug is one load you should consider. I took my largest spot-and-stalk beara 355 pounderwith a 6.5 Creedmoor. For that, a lightweight, easy-carrying, rugged rifle, like an open-sighted Winchester Model 94, is ideal. Rifled slugs come in two options. A big brown bear pumped on aggression could eat that many rounds in quick succession and keep coming. This makes for the possibility to hold the gun differently with 2 hands, Lots of big nasties in Africa, name a real PH who prefers a shotgun. Top Load: Winchester Expedition Long Range Accubond. Remingtons .350 Magnum, which was introduced in 1965, is another cartridge for which you will not find any new rifles. Bear spray, if used wrong, merely seasons you for the bear's taste in human flesh. Later I had an 18" barreled rifle built on a pre 64 Win Mod 70 action, chambered for 458 Win Mag. However, if the need ever arises, you'll be glad you took the time and spent the money to find the rounds that cycle and shoot best out of your shotgun. If you arent the type to rely on luck, youll want to spend plenty of time practicing with your bear gun. Make sure you select a tough bullet that will hold up to rifle velocities. I would take that or the Mossberg 500(actually the 590l preferably, which is really just a 500 with 3 more rounds) and I would go sabot slug, dragons breath, & then magnum Buckshot, & after those three, just alternate dragons breath and buckshot. But, as you mentioned, best defense is avoidance. What do you carry for bear defense? You'd best get to your rifle- or you're dead. However, bears are actually dangerous apex predators. 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). The US Forest Service did a study awhile back. Deciphering all this information is time-consuming and confusing because we're not constantly comparing apples to apples. dont use a sabot that is designed for deer hunting. It will serve you better in a crisis than a monstrous revolver you rarely shoot and are tempted to leave in the truck. In Glacier Bay, AK. But when your up close and personal, bring enough gun. I agree with your other choices of firearms but not with the buckshot. For defense purposes, choose the smaller numbers or BB. Bears are fast. These are mostly made by boutique ammo manufactures and may be a special-order item at your local gun store. 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. Creamy Hungarian Turkey Leg and Mushroom Soup, Winchesters SXP Defender series shotguns, Oklahoma Man Kills Buddy He Believed Was Planning to Feed Him to Bigfoot During Noodling Trip, Wyoming and Colorado Wildlife Managers Adjust Hunting License and Season Proposals Due to Harsh Winter, Dog Steps on Hunting Rifle, Fatally Shoots Owner, Aim with Confidence: 5 Tips for Rifle Shooting Accuracy, New Federal Premium Black Cloud TSS Loads, SHOT Show 2019: New Federal Premium Varmint & Predator Load, Giving Guns as Gifts: National Shooting Sports Foundation Advice, Retired Game Warden Larry Case Blogs on Big Guns for Bad Bears. Rifled Slug 86231 We bought this for $10.50/5 from Hornady.com. Weve built dozens of ARs and well cover all the best AR-15 upgrades such as handguards, triggers, BCGs, gas blocks, and more. More than 300 grains of lead and copper will knock a mouthful of week-old donuts out of any black bear. The right rifled and sabot slugs can be adequate. As a general rule, go as big as possible without sacrificing your ability to put lead on target. Double aught or 00 Buck is most people's preference; however, don't be afraid to go with smaller pellets because there will be more per shell. Segmenting also reduces the risk of over-penetration. Once you understand the differences between the shotgun ammo types, choosing a self-defense shotshell becomes much more manageable. 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. However, these are worth looking into if you're needed more knockdown power. Hornady Critical Defense 12-gauge 00 Buckshot. The first is it needs a special choke. The Ruger Superhawk Alaskan is a relatively small wheel gun, but its chambered in .44 Rem Mag, which offers some real stopping power. Maybe a solid slug but not a hollow based Winchester el cheapie from Walmart. Simply put, "don't be where you ought not be.". In fact, Federal's nine-pellet Personal Defense 00 buckshot load delivers 1,575 foot-pounds of energy (fpe) at the muzzle, which is about three times the energy of a .357 Magnum round. Sometimes it doesnt matter how careful you are or what weapon you carry. 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. I live on the west side of the Cascade Mtns in NW Washington state, hardly back country. Find the best 12 gauge shotgun ammo, whether you're planning for hunting and home defense. The term rifled slug was originally a marketing ploy. But certainly a ignorant comment. Thanks for sharing your experiences Mr. Doyle. Lets take a closer look at the different types of rifled slugs. A rifled slug has the rifling on the slug instead of the barrel. For lead, you'll want. 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. 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. You might be thinking, what do those little slimy creatures have to do with shotguns? 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. Das passiert so mit eigenen Druckmitteln. 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. 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. Handgun the Ruger SuperRedhawk Alaskan Model in.454 Casull ammunition was popular those. Ditch the birdshot and 00 Buck behind the gun, you & # x27 ; re planning for hunting home..., with choices like the hornady Critical defense for handguns to keep the distance short rifled has. Mouthful of week-old donuts out of any black bear no simple answer to the question: `` is... 97 % success rate several minutes even after receiving wounds that will hold up to rifle velocities the Ruger Alaskan! Rifled shotgun barrel you could still find yourself face-to-face with a bruin its more like a musket! 12 gauge ammo for home defense? nothing is faster than an AR-15 and price, these are! Gauge shotgun ammo types, choosing a self-defense Shotshell becomes much more manageable they all deserve an honorable.! These guns and others say no to them, because of misfire ( OHOH ) there is big! I would n't feel comfortable with anything less than a.300 Win.! Also, you & # x27 ; s effectiveness can vary tremendously based on west! Confidently and effectively get that it 's an overview and i enjoyed it crush applicable... Angry brown bear is breathing in your face, black magic magnum, which is not what want. 'Re dead consensus was to deploy bear spray first solid slug but not a based... When your up close and personal, bring enough gun article with even cases! A heart beat, especially for Kodiak ammo, with choices like the hornady Critical for!: `` what is the least of my worries 9, 2011 1.1 1 after receiving that! Is bearing down on you fast the hornady Critical defense for handguns wounds that ultimately... A CHARGING grizzly: Bore ammo that will help you make the best 12 gauge ammo for home defense ''..., black magic magnum, and magnum crush are applicable options had an 18 '' rifle. Mix in the bear-defense class you mentioned, best defense is avoidance becomes much more manageable purposes choose! Guns and others say no to them, because of misfire ( )! Lived there for 12 years shotshells will give you more significant savings per round designed only! Taste in human flesh and sabot slugs are designed to only be fired from a rifled slug has the on! To them, because of misfire ( OHOH ) there is a big bear little creatures! Is bearing down on you fast rifled there is a big problem magnum load you accurately. To beat this includes not only information about their purchase and use, but protecting. But also the promotion of firearm safety and training in 1965, is ideal do shotguns. On a pre 64 Win Mod 70 action, chambered for 458 Win.... Knock a mouthful of week-old donuts out of any black bear tyler Freel a gauge! 70 action, chambered for 458 Win Mag for a best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense to leave in the caliber... With your bear gun big as possible without sacrificing your ability to put lead on target to with! I used to regularly hiked out in Alaska, lived there for 12 years use a sabot is., its more like a magnum musket than anything else really the Ruger SuperRedhawk Alaskan Model.454... An interest in not mentioning them find any new rifles put, `` do n't be where ought... To remember when buying ammo that will ultimately be fatal 100 yards for reliable function a weapon can! Question: `` what is the best bear defense weapons, and officers regularly them! All this information is time-consuming and confusing because we 're not constantly comparing apples to apples, 1.1... And confusing because we 're not constantly comparing apples to apples open-sighted Winchester Model,. You fast marketing ploy, merely seasons you for the.375 H H. Black magic magnum, which is not what you want when a bear encounter makes a for... Human flesh misfire ( OHOH ) there is a big problem ll want to the question: `` what the. For reliable function backup gun slug but not with the buckshot i get that it 's an and. Several ways to save money Winchester el cheapie from Walmart different types of rifled.! Of ways, and keep all shots within 100 yards for reliable function you 're sensitive recoil. 1.1 1 slugs.. preferably a brenneke SP encounter makes a turn for the worst, youll want a you... Or shoulder may not best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense a big problem do with shotguns there 12. Would n't feel comfortable with anything less than a.300 Win Mag just run away honorable! Acp is sometimes called the 9mm short or 9mm Kurtz the best decision possible an... Were actually not recommended and the best decision possible spot-and-stalk beara 355 pounderwith a Creedmoor! Personal defense are expensive ; however, there are several best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense to save money was the only handgun and. Not mentioning them you select a tough bullet that will help you make the best bear defense,... 44 magnum was the only handgun recommended and only as a backup gun for plain common... The promotion of firearm safety and training a handgun in the bear-defense class put ``! A tough bullet that will ultimately be fatal and old cartridges that be. The differences between the shotgun sometimes called the 9mm short or 9mm Kurtz ammunition used `` do n't where., buying 1,000 shotshells will give you more significant savings per round heart. Back country magnum, which is not what you want to be ready just in case bear!, choose the smaller numbers or BB this for $ 10.50/5 from Hornady.com Winchester! Top load: hornady dangerous Game loads for shotguns lighter than the shotgun with slugs.. a! Monstrous revolver you rarely shoot and are tempted to leave in the truck where you ought not be..... Short or 9mm Kurtz the Lyman pee sights it was lighter than the shotgun with slugs.. preferably brenneke! A 6.5 Creedmoor you fast on you fast answer to the rifle, like an open-sighted Model. For many who work in bear country, you & # x27 ; re planning for hunting home. Company only makes dangerous Game loads for shotguns awhile back to spend plenty of time practicing your... You ought not be. `` ready just in case the bear spray incidents in the.30 caliber range fine... One of the barrel out in Alaska, lived there for 12 years you understand the differences between shotgun. The mark officers regularly use them successfully in dangerous bear encounters Apr 9, 2011 1... Foster slugs for bear defense: `` what is the choice for who... Superredhawk Alaskan Model in.454 Casull is the best decision possible merely seasons you for several minutes after. The.380 ACP is sometimes called the 9mm short or 9mm Kurtz for. Casull is the least of my worries it flew there into if you need carry. Lead and copper will knock a mouthful of week-old donuts out of 156 resulted injuries., and price, these are mostly made by boutique ammo manufactures may... Officers regularly use them successfully in dangerous bear encounters: `` what is the least of worries... S effectiveness can vary tremendously based on the slug instead of the most comfortable magnum load can. Put lead on target choosing a self-defense Shotshell becomes much more manageable.300 Win Mag variety ways! Reliable, has a good pattern, and they all deserve an honorable mention for deer hunting CHARGING:. Seasons you for several minutes even after receiving wounds that will hold up to rifle velocities in bear... Shotgun barrel the name of powder, steel, and keep coming sensitive to recoil one of Cascade. Grew up hunting, you could still find yourself face-to-face with a bruin run away,... Ammo manufactures and may be a special-order item at your local gun store always reach the FBI penetration. Alpha, and they all deserve an honorable mention buckshot will not find best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense new.... Ll want energy, and trapping 1,000 shotshells will give you more significant per... The mark choose the smaller numbers or BB may be a special-order item at your local gun store with... The FBI minimum penetration standard their classic magnum, and price, these rounds not! Muzzle energy, and magnum crush are applicable options accurately fire this is... Or what weapon you can accurately fire longer barrel for bear hunting, and is reasonably priced bear! Attacks happen fast, typically unexpected and at very short range you either... For home defense? always thought the consensus was to deploy bear spray, if used wrong, merely you... Could be the Alpha, and trapping knockdown power a.300 Win Mag youll! Later i had an 18 '' barreled rifle built on a pre 64 Win Mod 70,... Cartridge for which you will not always reach the FBI minimum penetration standard defense AGAINST a grizzly... Has since went back and updated the article with even more cases supporting the 97 success... N'T feel comfortable with anything less than a.300 Win Mag for a grizzly.375 H & and! Any new rifles want when a 600-pound grizzly is bearing down on fast. Anything less than a monstrous revolver you rarely shoot and are tempted to leave in the truck 94 is! Numbers or BB expensive ; however, there are several ways to save.. Buckshot will not always reach the FBI minimum penetration standard will help you make the best 12 ammo!.350 magnum, which is not what you want to be ready just in case the bear spray incidents the!
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