Bear load in a smoothe bore?

[SKILCZ]

Another thread got me thinking. A friend is taking a trip to Alaska and bringing a 10 mm handgun and a 12 gauge Mossberg 500 18.5" (for more portability when hiking vs. a longer, heavier barrel).

For a hypothetical grizzly attack, what load would one use in an 18.5" cylinder bore barrel? I know some rifles might be a better choice, but he's only bringing a shotgun.

Do the rifled slugs actually improve accuracy much? I saw a recent thread on the range of rifled slugs out of a smooth bore barrel, and it seems under 100 is the consensus.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Sistema1927]

In case of bear attack my assumption is that he is going to be well within 100 yards prior to your needing to pop him. A 12 ga. slug should do the job.

 

[natman]

One word: Brenneke

 

[rcmodel]

If a bear is 100 yards away, you would get thrown in the Alaskan Slammer for shooting it out of season, without a license & a bear tag.

For very close range bear self-defense, Brenneke slugs in a smoothbore pump-gun would be about as good as you can get.
And 1,000 times better then a 10mm handgun.

rc

 

[Snowdog]

I haven't seen a grizzly in person other than the stuffed ones at Bass Pro shop, but from what I read, I'd want something that's deep-digging.

If using a cylinder bore, I'd probably look into Brenneke slugs as I understand they are more expansion-resistant compared to traditional rifled slugs.

 

[SKILCZ]

Sorry, I should clarify. The 100 yd comment was my own curiosity, not for him to shoot a bear at that range.

Brenneke slugs it is...

Thanks for the replies.

 

[336A]

If I were going where big bears are prevalent I would spend a little extra $$ on some truly awesome ammo. It is cheap insurance when my and my loved ones life is on the line. I would look here for DG shotgun slug ammo www.dixieslugs.com.

You can read about the here as well http://www.shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=65706
Mr. Gates is the owner of Dixie slugs and posts there on a regular basis.

 

[KodiakBeer]

Forget buying a slug by brand name or type. Pick a slug that shoots to point of aim, period. If that slug is an old fashioned Foster 2 3/4" shell, then that's the best buy. If you can find a premium slug that shoots to point of aim, then use that.

Most slugs shoot high in shotgun barrels at close range. That may not be an issue for hunting when you might be shooting at 90 yards, but when something is busting out of the brush ten yards away you'll (maybe) have one chance to snap shoot a slug up his nose. You won't have time to mess around with Kentucky windage. The brain is the size of a softball and if you miss it, you're in trouble.

Try different slugs at no more than ten to fifteen yards. Choose the one that hits where you aim.

 

[336A]

Here is some more good reading on the performance of these slugs
http://www.shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=39309

 

[Snarlingiron]

I have no personal experience with these, but I am thinking they would definitely do the trick.

http://www.ddupleks.lv/EN/ddupleks_products/show/Hexolit32

 

[KodiakBeer]

None of those will do the trick if they don't hit point of aim. Shotguns don't have adjustable sights. A body hit on an angry bear won't help, you have to put one through his brain.

 

[rcmodel]

+1

Deep straight-line penetration is paramont to break the spine or make it to the brain for an instent stop during an attack.
A face full of shrapnel is just gonna pizz one off.

That's why the Brenekke slug has had a large following all over the world for stopping dangerous game since it was invented over 100 years ago.

rc

 

[336A]

None of those will do the trick if they don't hit point of aim. Shotguns don't have adjustable sights.

Really?

http://www.mossberg.com/products/default.asp?id=26&section=products

http://www.mossberg.com/products/default.asp?id=3&section=products

Both the 500 and 590 can be had with adjustable sights.

 

[KodiakBeer]

Does the OP's shotgun have adjustable sights? If not (and few do), then he's better served by choosing a slug that shoots to point of aim than a slug that doesn't, despite any ballistic advantages of one over another.

Coastal bears in Alaska regularly go 1200 pounds, and shooting one through the body won't help you. He'll still have several minutes to turn you into hamburger before he begins to feel under the weather from blood loss. If you don't put the slug through the brain, you lose. Any slug will go through a bears head, so ballistics count a lot less than hitting him through the nose at ten yards with (if you're lucky) the one shot you might get.

 

[RMc]

You don't want to...

...shoot a predator as big as a Grizzly with one of those soft lead thimbles called a rifled slug.

 

[Sergeant Sabre]

A Brenneke K.O. isn't the same as a Foster slug. It isn't very soft.

 

[KodiakBeer]

Any shotgun slug will go completely through a bears head.

 

[joe_security]

I would want to be in a group of armed people. Multiple shooters against the bear. I would not want to bet my life on placing a slug in that softball sized brain via his sinus cavity.

 

[2GunsWest]

One word: Brenneke

Indeed

 

[KodiakBeer]

I would want to be in a group of armed people. Multiple shooters against the bear. I would not want to bet my life on placing a slug in that softball sized brain via his sinus cavity.

Yeah, but if you live here or just spend time here, that's not really an option. There's one brownie per square mile in coastal Alaska and you're never prepared when you meet them. They're in your driveway, behind the push you chose to drop a deuce, on the trail - everywhere. Mostly, they just amble off. If they rush you, you'd better be armed and prepared to put one in the center of their face.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

Brenneke and lots of practice shooting those 4 inch dessert paper plates.

 

[KodiakBeer]

Brenneke and lots of practice shooting those 4 inch dessert paper plates.

And again, what if your Brenneke shoots 6" high at ten yards? When the bear busts out of the brush in your face at 40 miles per hour, are you going to have the presence of mind to hold low in the .5 seconds you have to get off a shot?

 

[Snowdog]

I'm guessing that's why he specified "lots of practice".

Growing up, I had a .22 rifle that I never bothered using the sights on when the target was within 25 yards simply because I knew where the slugs would hit. I probably could have completely removed the sights, I doubt it would have reduced my accuracy any. As long as I brought the rifle to my shoulder, the holes would go where I wanted.

It was some sort of zen between me and the rifle that developed over time (and practice). If someone were ever to develop such a skill with a shotgun, I think they would be well served. However, this would require ample practice... with slugs to boot. I doubt many would have the time, patience, drive or (pain) tolerance to do this within a short amount of time, but I suppose it can be done.

However, were they not inclined to invest some considerable practice in order to know their shotgun, they will entirely rely on the sight/bead. I would hope though, that anyone expecting to run into a grizzly will develop that "zen" I spoke of with their rifle or shotgun for their own sake.