Leaving for AK 8/8 for 10 days in a tent. Was going to take a BRNO O/U 7x57R/12 ga., but started thinking......."damn grizz' gonna chew on me ...make a bloody mess of this geriatric Jeremiah Johnson wannabe .....gotta do sumpin' 'bout dat"!! So, took a newly acquired, well rubber-butted O/U 9.3x74R/12 ga. with a QD Docter 3-12 variable to the range today, to sight in both with scope and open sights. Bloody heavy rig. Still kicked like hell.....more than 300 Wby/338 Win - max I've ever fired. But (amazingly) put a 3/4-inch group @ 100 yards with factory S&B ammo, even with my probable-but-fought-against flinch, and in spite of the coarse post reticle that enlarges alarmingly with image magnification. So, I figure the gun is aheckuvalot better than "I" am. Sure, I am overgunned for caribou. But, I am NOT overgunned for Saskquatch...er' Saskatoon quatch....or even a displaced Mastodon (I hear they taste like chicken). So:......let the games begin!

I have shot a lot of game with a 9,3x74R.
From raccons and bobcat to giraffe, cape buff, and cow elephant, I have found it to be an excellent calibre.

What brand is your new combo?

It is not new, though in exc. shape. It was sold to me as a "Kettner". I bought it via eGun.com (as I have several long-guns). I cannot find a maker name on the gun. The proof marks hint at an Italian origin, at least as regards the barrels. I am extremely pleased with it, although (again) it is very heavy.

I hope that ptarmingan and grouse are in season, if so shoot some they are great eating.

I would also take some Brenneke Slugs for bear protection. Also you might want to consider a little tougher bullet for use against bear, say a Mega or a RWS TUG.

A 9,3x74Rx12Ga is about as good a big game combo gun as it gets.

If you start reloading I recommend 286 Woodleigh Softs. They work on all game from bobcat to cape buff. The Nosler 286 Partition would be my second choice.

Yes ... on ptarmigan. They are the reason for my taking the combination. Otherwise, a bolt-action in 30 Gibbs or 9.3x62 would be used.
Thanks for the handloads suggestions. That's in the works for this Autumn.