3 inch 20 ga slug for bear protection?

06 February 2002, 09:34

Danny Pay

Hi
many authoities advise a 12 ga slug for bear protection. closer look shows that a 20 ga 3 inches has the same power, what is your opinion?

07 February 2002, 04:56

tsturm

quote:
Originally posted by Danny Pay:
Hi
many authoities advise a 12 ga slug for bear protection. closer look shows that a 20 ga 3 inches has the same power, what is your opinion?

I don't own a 20ga!!
good luck!!!!!!!!!

07 February 2002, 07:15

<Don Martin29>

"Slug" selection could be very important. My only testing has been "brush bucking" with the standard Foster type slugs in 12 ga.

As you know the Foster type slug is like a extreme Minne ball with a very large hollow in it. It's not just hollow in the base but the entire slug Foster slug is hollow.

Well the Foster slugs broke in pieces when just hitting live brush. All it took was a 3/4" hardwood sapling and they would hit the target in pieces! I did not test the more solid looking Brenneke. At that time the new Sabots were not available.

So I would look for or do pentration testing. Don't just shoot them into water filled cartons like I do my rifle bullets as I a comparing solid bullets to other solid bullets.

I would look for a test that simulated bone.

07 February 2002, 08:03

<1_pointer>

If going for bear protection I'd use Rem. 2 2/4, a 385gr saboted Corlokt at 1900fps if you are using a rifled barrel or choke tube. If you have a smooth bore, the Brenneke Rottwielers pack quite a punch.

07 February 2002, 11:47

dan belisle

Beats your fingers, I guess. If it's what you have, test it out on some hard testing material (as previously mentioned) and find a load that works. I don't think too much of energy figures when you are trying to find something to save your life with. FWIW - Dan

07 February 2002, 15:52

8MM OR MORE

If all other things are equal, the one difference that counts to me would be projectile diameter. The only reason I carried a M97 short barrel 12 Ga for years is that I can't find it in 10 Ga. Just my opinion.

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Good Shooting!

07 February 2002, 16:28

TomP

For awhile I was loading slugs from Ballistic Products in 3" 20 gauge, shot one through a 3" oak sapling just to see. Never shot a bear, couldn't begin to guess how that would work out in practice...

Tom

07 February 2002, 17:32

<ovis>

Danny,

A friend buggered up a medium sized black bear and asked if I would help him out. I ended up shooting the very sick and angry bear going up the hill with the only shot I had, a Texas heart shot. I was shooting a
2 3/4" Remington Copper Solid 12ga. slug at about thirty yards. It just jellified a section of spine and broke the off shoulder coming to rest under the hide. Did quite a job. Here in Alaska, I live on a salmon stream and have brownies about regularly and while I grab the shotgun occasionally, I normally take the .338 as I feel a little undergunned with the 12ga.(IMO) I've only been charged by one brownie, two separate charges, all I had was my six weight fly rod. Take the largest caliber rifle you can shoot well and you'll probably never need it, but it sure gives piece of mind. I'd just as soon have my six weight as a twenty gauge. At least the six weight won't piss him off.

07 February 2002, 17:42

Zero Drift

ovis - What in hell's name are you doing out in a stream in Alaska with a puny 6 weight??? Don't you know those fish will take that rod away from you? An 8 weight is minimum if you want to stop those 31" rainbows and a 9 weight is what you need when those coho start attacking. Forget the slug-gun and get yourself a proper rod man.

I would also agree that a .338 offers a little more peace of mind when mama bear is interested in what you have on the end of your fishing line.

07 February 2002, 19:40

<ovis>

Zero Drift,

I've got some others, but the six weight is my favorite. The stream I live on empties into the salt about four miles or so downstream and I get three species of salmon,larger rod for the Kings, and a really great run of Steelhead. I've actually taken a nice King on the six weight.
My section of river opens just in time for the silvers, Dollies, and the Steelhead. As for the Bears, I guess I'll just have to Parre' and thrust. Great place, just love it.(:

07 February 2002, 22:24

Danny Pay

Hi gentlemen
I shot a few brenneke slugs for testing and they penetrate nearly as deep as a 3030 with 170 gr nosler.it seems foster type slug is much more softer. brenneke loads a 3 inch 20 ga with 1 ounce slugs. if you have any experience please tell me
Danny

08 February 2002, 13:24

bearhunt'r

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ovis:

I've got some others, but the six weight is my favorite.

Ovis,
I have to admit that a 9'6" Sage is my favorite "weapon" for the Anchor River.
Can't help but think that we have rubbed elbows on the Anchor a time or two. Been going there for the "Head" since 1970. I usually carry the Redhawk .44 mag w/ 300 gr. hard cast @ 1325 fps. This load does 4" @ 25 yards for 10 rounds. Would feel more comfortable w/ the .338 but have a hell of a time mending the line with that on a sling.
As to "Zero Drift": Better up the dimensions on your Rainbow measurements. Try 31 to
40"!

best,
bhtr

08 February 2002, 18:06

<ovis>

Bearhunt'r

I'd bet we've probably rubbed an elbow or two. I run the stores at the Inn. I've been here going on four years. The Anchor is a special stream and when the upper river opens, I spend all of my time up there. Lots of fish, lots of bears. I love this place. Actually, my favorite carry is my .454 but it's too easy to start a bear protection flame here with a handgun. Hope to spend more time on Tustumena also. Fishings pretty good there too.

08 February 2002, 18:57

ncboman

For protection means very close range to me. I'd want a 12ga with bucksot and slugs alternately.

Not to offend, but I wouldn't dove hunt with a 20.

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boman