Home Forums Hunting & Shooting General Big Game So, are black bears hard to kill are not?

I can't claim the experience of JJ HACK, but in thirty years of policing in NW Ontario, I have shot a few bears, mostly controlling nuisance animals, usually at very close range, in the dark, and near houses. I had to use an issued weapon and in those times, a Remington 870 Wingmaster 12 guage stuffed with 00 buck was what we had to use.

Nine balls in the twelve bore fired into the forehead took the starch out of every blackie I ever had to shoot. They issued slugs just before I retired, and I am guessing they work better, but if over penetration is a risk, double aught buck will work.