First time hunter with new shotgun

S

sibermage

New member
EE Expired
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Hi all,

I just recently purchased a Remington 870 Express Super Magnum; 12 GA; 3.5 with a modified choke.

I will be going partridge hunting this saturday. For the patridge, I'm going to try out some 2 3/4 inc 8 shot. I will also be carrying 4 shot. All this will be through a modified choke.

For protection, what shot sizes can I use to protect against foxes/wolves/bears assuming I don't change the choke? It has been suggested that if a bear does come, I should be carrying some slugs and just fire it to protect myself.

Any comments?
 
How effective is the 000 Buckshot on a bear? I won't be hunting bear but would like some form of protection.
I hunt in WMU 13 and the bear population has been growing.

I just called the local gundealer and he said that they are out of 000 buckshot but they do have 00 buckshot in. Is that enough to stop a bear at close range?
 
Last edited:
I usually carry a slug or 2 in a designated pocket when grousing incase I happen stumble on a bear of have a chance to fill a calf tag later in the year..

A foster slug isnt going to hurt your modified tube and it will be a hell of a lot better than buck shot.


Dont mix them up though. A 1 ounce slug isnt going to leave you much tasty grouse breast left to eat.
 
While it might not matter too much up north, I'd consider purchasing a an improved cylinder choke for your shotgun. It is better for downing flushed grouse, and often enough patterns well with steel shot, which patterns better with open chokes than traditional lead shells. The IC would also easily handle slugs.

Good luck!

Frank
 
I use improved cylinder nearly 99% of the time, most shots are 20 meters and closer in the bush. As for the bears, I'd use slugs.

Cheers
Jay
 
sibermage said:
How effective is the 000 Buckshot on a bear? I won't be hunting bear but would like some form of protection.
I hunt in WMU 13 and the bear population has been growing.

I just called the local gundealer and he said that they are out of 000 buckshot but they do have 00 buckshot in. Is that enough to stop a bear at close range?
Click to expand...

well you say you wont be hunting bear then you better not get caught with a slug or any thing eles that you can hunt big game with unless you have a lic and there in season at close range even your number 8 shot will make hell of a mess if you have to
 
Keep a few slugs handy for Bear defence.
Also modified choke with slug is fine.

Oh and Ontario hunting regs suck.
 
Last edited:
An ounce of #8 shot will kill anything in the bush at a range of 10 feet. If a bear is serious about eating you for supper, you won't have time to change to slugs anyway.
Forget your bear paranoia and go grouse hunting. Install an IC choke. Leave your #4s and your slugs at home.
 
Wonderful gun, have the same one myself.

I think your shot is a little small though. I would get yourself a box of #6 shot.
Good luck
PS
A bear, if pissed off enough or "a mother protecting her cubs" happens to bluff charge you. If after that the bear comes closer to you. Your bird shot at close range will leave a nice hole!
Good luck!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom