Buckshot and bears

[blasted_saber]

So im wondering as to the effectiveness of buckshot on black bears in a "bear is coming through the kitchen window" scenario, not a hunting scenario.

Long story short ive been asked to equip someone with relatively little firearms experience with a shotgun, that will be used for maybe potting the occasional grouse and in the case of a bear getting a little too adventurous with the cabin. The location is a remote, water access cabin in northern Ontario, with legitimate bear concerns.

I know slugs would perform better in a hunting scenario. But the only instance the person would be using it on a bear would be if the bear was of immediate concern to health and safety of life and property.

So theres the situation. Would a load of 2 3/4" 00B do the trick on a black bear at 10 paces?

 

[madtrapper143]

I killed a decent sized black bear over bait with my 16 gauge loaded with Remington #1 buckshot. Range was about 25 yards. I had the poly choke set at Modified. I shot him once behind the shoulder and when he turned I shot him again behind the other shoulder. He went about 15 yards at a very slow amble (no further shot as he was going away) and collapsed. Upon skinning it was apparent that most or all of the total 24 pellets hit him and completely holed his heart and lungs. Having told that story I have complete faith in a 12 bore loaded with buckshot at 10 paces. The slug guys will be along shortly. A bad hit with a slug is a bad thing too.

Darryl

 

[geologist]

If the cabin is remote, without neighbours in range within the line of fire, then slugs are the best choice.

Using buckshot on bears only makes sense in areas where the danger of collateral injury precludes the use of slugs.

Buckshot at 5 yards is only spread out 5" so it still has to be aimed newby or not so really the slug is the way to go.

Otherwise................

 

[emerson]

Why is a slug not an option for your friend? I have shot a black bear with12ga 000@35yds. Boiler room hit. Did the trick, but bear went 25yds further after he got up.

 

[madtrapper143]

Slugs will often most times completely penetrate a black bear. If the shooter is in close proximity to the cabin or other outbuildings etc it might become an issue. Stray buckshot pellets are no better, but the ones that hit are much more likely to stay in the bear.
Darryl

 

[rral22]

Yes, is the simple answer.

 

[TheTooner]

... a shotgun, that will be used for maybe potting the occasional grouse and in the case of a bear getting a little too adventurous with the cabin. .... Would a load of 2 3/4" 00B do the trick on a black bear at 10 paces?

Better than birdshot, not as good as a slug.

 

[bearkilr]

I've shot wounded bear with buck shot to try and finish them off. I'd rank it right up there with ball bearings in a sling shot.

 

[kbont]

You don't say why your choosing buckshot over slugs. Buckshot will not make up for inexperience!!

 

[sgt.rock]

I have shot 2 bears with a shotgun. The first with Remington 000 buck (.36cal pellets - 8 of them) the bear took 7 pellets in the broadside and took off out the livingroom window..............friggin destroyed the cabin , then wrecked the last good thing he had..............the big picture window he "borrowed from work". Anyhow, the bear was located dead about 450 yards from the cabin. Not exactly "stopping power" if you ask me. The other bear got a Remington "slugger" in the chest and literally dropped off the boat and into the water.(he had gotten into the live well of the boat, while we were gone inland to a waterfalls. I guess the buggers can smell fish pretty good!!) Deader than Bin Laden. I vote SLUG.

 

[emerson]

Watch some 12ga slug penetration videos on YouTube. Might
change your thinking.

 

[Gunexpert007]

Better than birdshot, not as good as a slug.

True , that pretty much sums it up .

 

[doublelung]

Slug would be by far the better choice IMO

 

[blasted_saber]

Watch some 12ga slug penetration videos on YouTube. Might
change your thinking.

Over penetration (and exit) was one thought.

 

[fuzzynuts54]

So I'm demolishing a concrete wall, I've got a 16oz hammer and a 10lb sledge, would the 16oz hammer do the job?

 

[redbeard870]

Can't decide? Try both! Load up your mag with slug, buckshot, slug. Or some combination like that.

 

[emerson]

Over penetration (and exit) was one thought.

8"-14" seem to the penetration of a 12ga slug in ballistic gel. Significant fragmentation too. The buckshot that misses the bear will be downrange issue also. If it's that close use something that works right away.

 

[emerson]

On second thought, go with what you have always believed and discount our advice and experience. Report back on how it goes please.

 

[Raton57]

Why pray tell would anybody want to put a bunch of holes in a bear skin. More work to patch them and they can show afterwards. Bears are not that hard to kill if you hit them right.

 

[BernDawg]

I carry a shotgun for critter protection when I'm way off the beaten path. Although I've never had to use it (as yet) I mix my load. 00 Buck and slugs. The 00 is for big cats (I live in BC) and then slug is #2 in the pipe for bears. Depending on the situation I can fire the first round or cycle it through and re-claim it later. The way I see it the Buck shot will do the trick on a bear or slow it down so I can get the second shot away.
Considering the original post and the 10 yd distance 00 buck (or 000) will probably work as it will hit in a very small area, about 2-3" spread by my figuring..