Best ammo for defense against large game?

D

DZcarry

New member
Just a quick question here. We are new to the mountains and have notice a few bears wondering around rather close to house. So far there have been no encounters, but we are just wondering what is the best round for taking down an aggressive bear? We've got a 9mm, a .38, and a 12ga. I assume the Shotgun is our best bet.

What's the best shell? Will Buckshot suffice or should we get a box of slugs? If we need slugs which should we get? Rifled or no?

Thanks.
 
Depends on the bears. I'd prefer nothing less than Brenneke slugs on any bear, and for bigger bears, heavier slugs- 3" magnum Brennekes or Dixie Slugs ( http://www.dixieslugs.com/products.html ).

Not soft lead 'hollow point' Foster type slugs either- nothing less than hard alloy cast or swaged slugs with a reputation for penetration. Buckshot or soft lead slugs might get you et if things went wrong.

And a good recoil pad... :D

lpl
 
All advice given is good. Secondly, look at what you're doing - make sure no food, scraps, etc. are being left around near the house to attract them (including pet food).

While a 357 is better than nothing, a 12 gauge slug is best of all.
 
+1

Just a note. " Slugs"and "rifled slugs" are usually the same thing. Any brand slug at Wally World is likely what is known as a "Foster" slug, which has grooves cut on the side of it, which may or may not help accuracy. Essentially all are large, hollow based, thimble shaped soft lead projectiles that can be fired with varying degrees of accuracy in any suitable shotgun.

There are "sabot" slugs which are intended to be shot through rifled shotgun bbls or special shotguns intended for slug hunting for greater accuracy. These projectiles are also soft lead (I think) but encased in a sleeve or sabot, that fit the bore tighter and lend to more accuracy.

The slugs so aptly described such as the Brenneke's are a premium slug of hardened lead to better facilitate penetration in large critters like bears. I do not commonly see them for sale in the usual discount store ammo shelves.

You do not mention what kind of bears, but I am betting since you mention "quite a few around the cabin" that you are talking east coast, appalchian mountains, and typical black bear of 300 lbs or so. These can be hammered easily ( and have been for years) with conventional Foster type slugs.

Start talking grizzly and its a whole new game.
 
For grizzlies, Brennekes are the best on the market IMO...if you must use a shotgun. A large rifle caliber (such as a 45-70) with hard cast bullets (loaded hot) is better. However, I will admit that a shotgun of the pump or semi-auto variety does seem to handle faster than a bolt or levergun...and this could be very important if defending oneself from a determined bear.
 
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