In the past 12 guage shotguns are always in the mix when bear protection is discussed. What loads are usually used in that role, 00 or slugs?

a 45-70 LOL.

It called 00 BUCKshot, not BEARshot, for a reason.

Slugs. Preferably Brennekes.

Ed

When I use to carry a shotgun for bear protection when fishing or hiking, I used Brennekes dangerous game loads. I got tired of lugging that damn thing around and sold it.

Those who give it much thought don't carry a shotgun for bear protection.

Yep 320-400 grain slugs, either jacketed or hard cast, in 43-48 caliber and running 1500-1700 fps. 16 - 20 inches of barrel is about right. Shotgun is nice 'cause you can loft shell crackers, and Foster slugs generally scare bears well when you 'splat' them in their vicinity. (I don't carry a 12 gauge but we do keep one at camp.)

On all of my float trips I travel with my bear gun 12ga which is loaded with rifled slugs. The idea is to kill the bear, not make it mad!

Most guys up hear pack hand guns which are the ticket as well.

Run with that.

..and now you carry..

A Ruger NSBH with a 4 5/8" barrel in 44 mag.

You fellas are living on the edge! This bad boy is BEAR minimum for striking out into the wilds of AK!!

GoPro 5?

GoPro 5.45 tacticool edition!

Buckshot is appropriate if you live in Fergusen.

I've been involved in the killing of a half dozen bears with 12 ga slugs and found the old Foster slug to be OK for average black bears but for the grizzly or large black I much prefer the Brenneke slug or a rifle of caliber.

Any handgun sufficient for grizzlies is as heavy as my 338Fed and I don't shoot a handgun near as well as I shoot a long gun.

+100

Number 8 birdshot. Its blinds em just long enough to run your arm down their throat, rip out their heart, and show it to em before they die.

lol

finally some useful advice


now I see why you're watch(in)4bear(s)

I actually think 8 1/2 shot is considerably better, especially the 3" magnum loads. They give a stronger pattern, the better to hit those beady eyes. (#9 is just a bit too small for reliable penetration since their eyeballs are tough�����and 3" #9s are really tough to find.)

Can't say, myself. Generally I just chit'ngit!