Is 12ga slug enough for bear ?

[Zeiss700]

I don't know much about slugs but I'll be taking my shotgun to Alaska for protection.
What would be a good round for my 12ga pump action ?
Must be enough for grizzly

[stitchnicklas]

better then a stick or karate...

[Laser Sailor]

better then a stick or karate...

Karate works . . . .

[repubconserv]

If a shotgun is your only choice, nothing less than a magnum slug. If you have high powered rifles, 308 would be a bearly acceptable choice. 30-06 would be better. If you have a 44 mag or S&W 500, those would be great. Shot placement is gonna be key with Grizzlies though. Any non-vital shot with anything under 50 BMG will probably piss it off something nasty

[Bonecrusher]

In Alaska, I wouldn't head out with anything other than my Marlin Scout Rifle .45-70 govt or a 44 Magnum Revolver.

I know I wouldn't go out with a Mossy 12ga, I'd rather carry a large canister of Bear Mace, or go with a fat slow dude. LOL

Sounds like a friggin great time though. One of these days...It's on the ol' bucket list!

ETA: THE DUDE ABOVE GOT IN WHILE i WAS CHICKEN PECKING AT THE KEYBOARD, BUT 100% AGREE.

[Ronin2]

Stopping power is a combination of shot placement and penetration....

[Ronin2]

go with a fat slow dude. LOL

+1

[joeyant]

Get yourself a box of these...

http://www.brennekeusa.com/cms/blackmagic.html

And a brand new pair of these....

[PutTogether]

If a shotgun is your only choice, nothing less than a magnum slug. If you have high powered rifles, 308 would be a bearly acceptable choice. 30-06 would be better. If you have a 44 mag or S&W 500, those would be great. Shot placement is gonna be key with Grizzlies though. Any non-vital shot with anything under 50 BMG will probably piss it off something nasty

Are you saying that the .44 mag would somehow be better than a 12 gauge slug? How can a 200 or 240 grain bullet @12-1400ish fps be a better idea than a 437 grain slug at 1500-1600 fps??

[Hooligan]

Are you saying that the .44 mag would somehow be better than a 12 gauge slug? How can a 200 or 240 grain bullet @12-1400ish fps be a better idea than a 437 grain slug at 1500-1600 fps??

I know the bear defense is an endless debate- but I too wonder how people think a slug is lesser than a .44.

Those statistics don't even mention the larger diameter the slug has.

Guess the internet forums must debate something...

[shooting4life]

12ga slug would be fine. Just don't short stroke.

[repubconserv]

Are you saying that the .44 mag would somehow be better than a 12 gauge slug? How can a 200 or 240 grain bullet @12-1400ish fps be a better idea than a 437 grain slug at 1500-1600 fps??

Absolutely not. Slugs would work just fine. Shotguns are kinda heavy and bulky though, so if you're gonna be backpacking/ hiking it's gonna be harder to sling your shotgun around and line up a shot, than it would be to pull out a hand gun. I know that yall are ninjas though...

but I too wonder how people think a slug is lesser than a .44.

Those statistics don't even mention the larger diameter the slug has.

Slugs will be deadly in the right hands, but dont forget they are super fat as compared to a 30 to 50 caliber bullet. They will have a lot of energy on impact, but they might not penetrate as deep, because of their sluggish dynamics. Again, slugs should work just fine if you get a good shot on a bear. my personal preference though would be a smaller, more compact 44 magnum.

[appagohm]

To some of the above poster, are you kidding, how is a 12gauge slug less effective then a 44mag or s&w 500.

12 gauge slug should be fine, and a much better bear stopper then a 44mag. But avoid bears and only use your shotgun if you have no other choice. The force of a bears swing alone can take you out. i'll add details in a bit.

[jyo]

When I was up in Alaska, EVERYBODY carried a large revolver (.44 Mag-.454 Casull) and there was always a 12 gauge or two hanging around the camp---flashlights too for night operations.

[repubconserv]

12 gauge slug should be fine

Yeah

and a much better bear stopper then a 44mag.

Yes if you get a good shot. A smaller caliber will penetrate further though.

You're not going to tell me though that a shotgun is the best choice. Unless you are expecting a bear attack and have it in your hands, a handgun will be easier to draw and line up a shot. You will probably have a shotgun slung over your shoulder, revolver will be on your hip... which will be the more handy weapon?

@OP sorry for the tangent. Use 12 ga slugs, stay alert and stay alive.