Slugs for smooth bore
- Thread starter Joe549
- Start date
I've had good luck with the S&B Low Recoil slugs on deer. They would certainly kill a Black Bear within 100 yards...probably more, but I personally would keep it within 100.
Try different chokes with any smooth bore slug, as different guns group differently with different choke combinations.
Try different chokes with any smooth bore slug, as different guns group differently with different choke combinations.
This right here. Excellent analysis. Personally, I'm a numbers guy so I look at velocity and energy at the range I want to shoot. Random internet lore has 1000 ft-lb energy at the range you want to shoot the deer/bear. So, 1000 ft-lb at 100 yards (for example). Most 12 gauge and 20 gauge shotgun slugs will do this.
But, as others will say, bullet location is paramount. I say any 12 gauge slug into the heart/lung area will work - a 72 caliber bullet makes a big hole.
Looks like the Challenger and Federal Tru Ball are the most readily available near me, guess I'll graba couple boxes of each and see which the gun likes best.
Remington 870 Express 18.5" barrel, cylinder bore no choke.
I'm not out specifically hunting for bear, if I were I would use a rifle. There is increased bear activity at the camp and when I go out to drop feed and check cameras I take the shotgun, specifically in case I come across any birds, but if I do come across a bear I want a slug that I am confident will handle one effectively if the opportunity arises and needless to say I'm not confident in the cheap Winchester rifled slugs.
Remington 870 Express 18.5" barrel, cylinder bore no choke.
I'm not out specifically hunting for bear, if I were I would use a rifle. There is increased bear activity at the camp and when I go out to drop feed and check cameras I take the shotgun, specifically in case I come across any birds, but if I do come across a bear I want a slug that I am confident will handle one effectively if the opportunity arises and needless to say I'm not confident in the cheap Winchester rifled slugs.
verminaard
CGN Regular
- Location
- SW Bantario
Prior to switching to a rifled barrel and using sabots, the rifled challenger slugs were my go to. Never had any complaints.
TheCoachZed
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
If you are only loading for "maybe" encounters, Winchester 1 oz foster slugs will be just fine. And, depending on the gun, they can be surprisingly accurate. My Winchester 1300 and Baikal MP-153 both shot very well with nothing more than a 28-inch duck barrel and bead.
Nothing else is needed. I would only wonder about big grizzlies, but I think they'd be fine for that, just might have a hard time punching through the skull.
Nothing else is needed. I would only wonder about big grizzlies, but I think they'd be fine for that, just might have a hard time punching through the skull.
