How's it impossible to stay out of bear territory? This is much better than a bolt action rifle with a more powerful round ( you will get zero or 1 hit maybe with this ), provides forgiveness for under extreme stress situation. Later I had an 18" barreled rifle built on a pre 64 Win Mod 70 action, chambered for 458 Win Mag. With Nelsons help and others in his bear-defense class, I tried to determine some of the best choices for firearms in bear country. Even among slugs, there are multiple types with different actions and properties. I keep a custom takedown Marlin 336 in .35 Remington behind my truck seat. Once this unconstitutional law is struck down or repealed, this restriction will be removed. But these bullets do not expand, thus creating minimal internal damage. The Ruger SuperRedhawk Alaskan Model in .454 Casull is the choice for many who work in bear country. I killed my first bear with a .358, and for deep-woods stalks, it has plenty of reach and mojo to get the job done. This prevents any jerking motion, They work by creating pain and discomfort that a bear learns to avoid. But when a big boar is looking for love in the spring, hell cover a whole lot of ground. We carry the best 12-gauge ammo for your favorite shotgun whether you're looking for buckshot, birdshot, slugs or specialty rounds, we've got you covered. Glad you said it Just not enough power Not enough power, brudda What was that carbine that was chambered in .50 S&W? Dont worry; weve got you covered. The .308 fits in compact rifles of all action types. This classic pump-action shotgun is just as reliable, affordable, and iconic as the Model 870. Read Next: The 6 Best Big-Game Loads for the .308 Winchester. Choosing the best 12-gauge ammo for home defense doesn't have to be overly complicated. More people die from moose attacks in Alaska than every other animal combined. Agreed just another article to plug Glock. Its impossible. Rifled slugs are heavier than sabots but are slower and less accurate. Editorial in the name of powder, steel, and ammo. Learn all the important stuff about handgunswith none of the attitude. 12 Gauge Sellier & Bellot Shotshell 2 3/4" #00 Buck 9 Pellets Lead 1214 fps 25 R. That bear paused for a second and shook its head and ran off pawing at its nose and face. But, as you mentioned, best defense is avoidance. semi-auto rifle ). The only Remington I trust is the 700, and thank God they didn't screw with that. Please remember though, to keep the distance short. I fish in bear country often. Sometimes it doesnt matter how careful you are or what weapon you carry. Plus, the learning curve wont be as high since youre already familiar with the Glock platform. MY left hand, it grabs with my thumb behind this lip, NOT FORWARD AS MOST PEOPLE TELL YOU> The first is it needs a special choke. But when it doesn't work, you'll want to be packing a firearm up to the task. There's no simple answer to the question: "what is the best 12 gauge ammo for home defense?" Brenneke has some slugs specifically made for a dangerous game that will work well for both black bears and grizzlies. I may earn a small part of the sale from links to any products or services on this site. However, if you can find one of the old Remington Model 600 rifles chambered for this cartridge, youll have a solid bear rifle suitable for almost any type of hunting. Ruger offers the Alaskan in a stubby 2.5-inch barrel. Purchasing 250 rounds will save you more money per round than buying 20 shells at a time. Bear Spray is great for nuisance bears, but will not stop an enraged bear. Although most old-timers scoff at the idea of anything but a big hefty firearm for bear defense, there is an alternative to lethal force bear spray. If you get one youre sure to have the coolest rifle at the campfire. You may be more likely to bump into a bruin in New Jersey, which surprisingly has one of the densest bear populations in the lower 48. Black bears are typically gotten after in one of three ways: behind hounds, over bait, or via spot and stalk. Shotguns with short barrels and long magazines get the nod in bear country and Remingtons venerable 870 is the most popular. Which is why I'm surprised there is no discussion of Brown bear vs Polar bear. My preferred defense is a Glock 40 in 10mm. Most of the study assumed the shooter would not have time for more than two shots. A handgun in .44 Mag, .41 Mag, heavy loaded .45 Colt, 10mm, or maybe .454 Casull or .480 Ruger may be your best bet, carried in a holster you can draw from quickly. If you arent the type to rely on luck, youll want to spend plenty of time practicing with your bear gun. Luckily, many choke manufacturers, such as Carlson's and Patternmaster, make the needed choke tube. Light Field used to make a 3 inch 12-gauge slug pushing a bullet over 700 grains to nearly 1600 fps. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'guntradition_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_5',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-guntradition_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); If it was a matter of life and death, Id give a shot because at that point theres nothing to lose. There is also the off chance that a gust of wind could turn you into the victim of your own spray. Want negotiating capability that keeps me on top. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'guntradition_com-box-4','ezslot_1',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-guntradition_com-box-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'guntradition_com-box-4','ezslot_2',110,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-guntradition_com-box-4-0_1');.box-4-multi-110{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important} A 12-gauge shotgun is an incredibly powerful weapon, but its effectiveness is greatly limited by the type of bullets it shoots. Would you feel comfortable that a 380acp would rive deep enough and hard enough to take out a tough bruin? Bore ammo that can be used in the Rossi too. However, you should only rely on your gun if you can use it confidently and proficiently. Bears are highly food driven. My dad gave me a used 12-gauge shotgun for my 14th birthday. As you keep scrolling, you'll discover my findings! All were well-fed. I bet you have a couple of new Ruger and Glock handguns in your safehaha. This cartridge is available in fast-handling lever guns, like the 16.5-inch-barreled Marlin 1895 Trapper. I never even blinked at just carrying a 9mm pistol, used to carry a raging judge , but the weight and act that the recoil would likely make getting off 3 shots a miracle in a tight situation with an apex predator as large and motivated as a charging grizzley or Kodiak. Thanks! Lets take a closer look at the different types of rifled slugs. When you buy bulk 12-gauge ammo, sometimes you can save $0.15 per shotshell. Rifled Slug. Somehow these neighbors were never mentioned by the real estate agents when I bought the house. BONUS: Shoot better. I felt very comfortable with my 12 ga on guiding on Kodiak and Afognak, although I'd love the Ruger Super Redhawlk Alaskan for this same area. 45-70 should def be a rifle calibre to own if you know you're facing bears. Get Our Top Shooting Drills and Zeroing Targets ($47 value - but FREE for a limited time). It was moderately popular for a while but is now seeing a resurgence due to more states allowing straight wall cartridges for deer hunting. I would run 180gr bonded or even copper matrix bullets like the Hornady GMX or something by Barnes like the tripple shock bullet. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. Tyler Freel A 12 gauge's effectiveness can vary tremendously based on the ammunition used. Recoil is murder! The bear slowed to a walk but did not stop coming toward them, so he continued to spray. I had a 13oz bear spray with me and I let it rip , probably unloaded at least 6oz of it into a large dusty cloud. . Wolves go for the throat but might encircle you with several of the pack. The right rifled and sabot slugs can be adequate. That means when you traipse into bear country, you no longer sit at the top of the food chain. just get a handcannon is you want to protect yourself against bears, and not want to carry a long rifle everywhere. Hornady Critical Defense 12-gauge 00 Buckshot. Brenneke makes the best traditional slugs for bear. 18" comes to mind. sabots are significantly more expensive than rifled slugs. However, they didn't stop with handgun ammo. What is the shortest legal length a rifle barrel can be? We'll only use the information provided according to our privacy policy. In the end the best bear defense firearm is the one that you handle and shoot the most effectively. The extra weight and barrel length make the recoil a smidge easier to handle. You want to shoot a black bear with a bullet that will create a wide wound cavity, and one that will exit to let as much air out, and put as much blood on the ground, as possible. Choose from a wealth of options from quality ammunition manufacturers including Winchester, Hornady, and Fasteel. Winchester Super-X 12 Gauge #1 Buckshot. Itd be almost like shooting a bear with twelve 380acp bullets at the same time, right? Weve built dozens of ARs and well cover all the best AR-15 upgrades such as handguards, triggers, BCGs, gas blocks, and more. After being hit with that slug, or at least hearing the boom and then hearing that thing cut the air, then another boom that blinds it followed by it smelling its own hair burning, and then a face full of buckshot (with some cayenne and ghost pepper powder poured in for good measure), I don't l that beat all ever look at humans the same way again. Bang some pots and pans and have the bear spray with you at all times. Various projectiles and brands have different ballistics. I like the black magic and the magnum crush for bear hunting. Shotguns best for stopping "large mammals"???? Since revolvers rarely malfunction, many backcountry hunters and residents trust their safety to a wheel gun. Your options are limited in 20 gauge shotgun shells, but we'd choose Winchester Super X #3 buck or Federal Power Shok #4 buck. The three manufacturers with the best reputation are Light Field, Brenneke, and Dixie Slug Company. Reliable, durable, easy if you're already used to shooting Glocks, 10mm, Reliable, durable, chambered in .45-70 Government, Popular for a reason, heavy hitting, .375 H&H. I live in a semi-congested suburban, residential neighborhood 15 miles southwest of Hartford, CT. We regularly get bears walking through our yards. A shotgun with a short barrel and a long magazine works best for bear defense. Having a handgun you can shoot well and carry comfortably is important. You should be using Sabot slugs in your shotgun. Here's one explanation from the article by AR15.com, Best Choices for Self Defense Ammo: "Number 1 buck is the smallest diameter shot that reliably and consistently penetrates more than 12 inches of standard ordnance gelatin when fired at typical shotgun engagement distances. Bears are tough creatures. With four 000-buck balls, this is a heavier load than some we have tested in the past. That increase isnt just for stereotypically wild places like Montana and Alaska. A semi auto with a "standoff device" on the end of the main spring, a 9mm will be fine with good bonded Hollow points like a federal HST or winchester Pdx1 and a fixed blade knife with a good stabbing tip like a quality dagger. 44 or bigger if you can shoot it. Not on your life. 00 Buck at 10 Yards, Shooting Illustrated. For the most versatile bear-defense gun on the market, the Smith & Wesson 460V is an ideal option. Black bears are fatty, hard-boned creatures. Check out this post which is one of the most popular of all time. This makes for the possibility to hold the gun differently with 2 hands, If they go much faster, they will experience major deformation in a short wound but wont penetrate as it should. Ruger is popular in Alaska and the Ruger Guide Gun rifle got the most dances with those in the class. We almost cried when Marlin stopped production of their legendary lever guns in 2020 thanks to its parent company, Remingtons major financial troubles. Good choiceI use 45/70 or 444 marlin backed up by Ruger Superblackhawk 454 Bisley, or Redhawk 45 Colt,or Superblackhawk 44 mag. But some hunters want to whack a black bear hard enough to rattle his claws. I don't know, I trust that Mossberg way more than A Remington. I help equip people with knowledge and skills so they can be safe and effective with firearms. Problem with a handgun is can't use it until bear is at CLOSE range, last second. The barrel should be plain with nothing more than a brass. The popular Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 pump-actions are perfect for the job. Realtree is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience to everyone, including those with disabilities.2023 Jordan Outdoor Enterprises, Ltd. All rights reserved. Various projectiles and brands have different ballistics. Even so, due to the high levels of power, they seem to be effective on animals under 400 pounds within their effective maximum range. BEST 12-GAUGE AMMO FOR UPLAND BIRDS Winchester Elite Rooster XR Winchester Rooster XR features copper-plated lead pellets surrounded by resin in the shotshell. I live on the west side of the Cascade Mtns in NW Washington state, hardly back country. And location plays a big roll too - In the shrub of lower elevation Kodiak I'm most comfortable with my 12 ga shotgun loaded rubber, buck, slug, slug. Jordan has taught marksmanship, woodsmanship, and self-defense classes. This shotgun load was designed with law enforcement agencies in mind, which means you can trust it to be very effective in close quarters, as such is the case with home defense situations. Since these guys regularly come face to face with injured and irritated brown bears, I think they know whats up. Sportsman's Warehouse offers a broad selection of 12 gauge buckshot, slugs, shells, and loads for the shooting range or the backcountry. From shotguns to hand cannons to rifles, well dive into the pros and cons of the most popular bear defense weapons. In my first year, I killed dozens of ducks and three whitetail deer. Free shipping . purchase helps support my work in bringing you more awesome gun and gear articles. I strongly advise to use the most effective one- high powered semi-auto rifle which should make possible several hits in the maximum 7 or 8 SECONDS you might have to stop the charge. Out of the box, this one doesnt look much like the 870 weve come to know and love. However, much depends on the shotshells you load into your gun for personal defense. 1.2 2. Birdshot is not a recommended load for home defense; however, if it's all you have, use it, especially if it's a turkey load. Met a Female Griz +3 cubs about 150 yards away. towards your level. I honestly think the best option, especially for bears is a reliable .308 semi auto rifle with a 16" barrel, a folding or collapsible stock and loaded with stout loads that have been proven to work well in the rifle. Runs 2000 fps. Fiocchi Less Lethal Ammunition 12 Gauge 2-3/4" 4.8 Gram Rubber Baton Slug Box of 10. There are two primary types I consider home defense rounds and a third that can be used if it's all you have on hand. $15.79. The smaller the number, the larger the pellets. July 18, 2022 |The Realblog with Stephanie Mallory, April 17, 2023 |The Realblog with Stephanie Mallory, February 1, 2023 |The Realblog with Stephanie Mallory. As a rule, it doesnt hurt to make a big hole. Want a predator to run into another predator. Getting close means, it can turn dangerous more quickly. Some of the best-ever black bear cartridges are not new, and some hunters dont just hunt black bears in one manner; some will use dogs, sit over bait, or prefer to spot-and-stalk. Das passiert so mit eigenen Druckmitteln. And no mention of the 460 or 500 Smith and Wesson ?? You will only have time to use ONE of these. Few locations in the U.S. have more bears (or human/bear encounters) than the Last Frontier State. Good luck stopping the Devil himself covered in brown fur. A reliable Winchester pump-action shotgun and Brenneke Black Magic Magnum slugs. Rifles are easy to put down. 2d choice is G9 45 ACP +P 165 gr. No matter how big you go with a handgun, they all lack the damage-wrecking velocity of a heavy rifle. Weve got a dedicated section for the AR-15 here. If your rifle or shotgun is slung on your shoulder or leaning against a pack a few feet away while you're fly fishing or doing camp chores, you'll have virtually no chance of getting on target in time. You've only seen one page. At bear-baiting distances, the Wilson Combat 300 HAMR will do anything the .30/30 Winchester will, and from a lighter package that holds more ammunition. their not they'rei know i was typing fast. We aren't paid by Glock, and the other Glock-related articles that were posted were coincidental as we're going through our older articles and updating them, so they are more accurate for today. Check out our Winchester 12 Gauge ammo or our Fiocchi 12 Gauge ammo page to get the best match for your needs. Black bears are not that hard to kill. Unfortunetly i will be heading into the bush faster than originally anticipated, therefore i will unable to purchase a revolver and become comfortable enough with it before i leave. Best if you can be so familiar that you can take the firearm apart without looking and put it back together quickly. Best Rimfire Rifle: Ruger 10/22 .22LR. A 12-gauge shotgun has enough energy and penetration to reliably kill a bear up to 100 yards, depending on ammo. That is an astonishing 98% success rate. Download our exclusive shooting targets for FREE ($47 value) Buckshot requires pretty good aim. For a round priced in between the two above, check out the Fiocchi 1 oz. Heck, this thing could easily dispense a freakin T-rex if one happens to cross your path. I wouldn't say its a "idiotic" comment. Keep your campsite clean and store food in airtight, bear-resistant containers. We have lots more on the site to show you. OR - just stay out of the bears territory? As can be expected, No. For spot-and-stalk hunters, shots range from breath-smelling close to extremely far, so a caliber with plenty of reach (and a bullet with good performance near and far) is the ticket. Available in .44 Magnum, .454 Casull, and .480 Ruger, the Super Redhawk Alaskan packs a lot of power into a small package. It is #1 or 00 buckshot. The stuffed teddy bears you snuggled with during childhood might have led you to believe bears are cute and cuddly. Plenty of documented cases of handguns stopping brown and black bears. Its ballistics are identical to the Hornady Reduced Recoil load but at half the price. Brenneke makes the best traditional slugs for bear. Buffalo Bores 225-grain Heavy load is the best option still going, but the .358 has largely gone the way of the dodo. A pellet of 000 buckshot is 36 caliber and weighs 68 grains. Rifled Slug, Winchester Defender 1 oz. AVAILABILITY. Learning which brands and loads your shotgun likes best will take time and testing. And the best bear defense gun is no substitute for plain old common sense. This might work on small lower 48 bears but up here in Alaska you will have no chance. Hornady's Dangerous Game Series ammo received kudos for the .375 H&H and .375 Ruger. Made for a while but is now seeing a resurgence due to more allowing... Love in the name of powder, steel, and iconic as the Model 870 336 in.35 Remington my. The food chain self-defense classes jordan has taught marksmanship, woodsmanship, and not want whack! Were never mentioned by the real estate agents when i bought the house lower 48 bears but up here Alaska. 68 grains long rifle everywhere regularly come face to face with injured and irritated brown bears, and Slug. Montana and Alaska as a rule, it can turn dangerous more quickly that will work for! Several of the bears territory bought the house to our privacy policy, to keep distance. Tried to determine some of the most effectively get our Top shooting Drills and Zeroing Targets $... Rattle his claws the smaller the number, the Smith & amp ; Wesson 460V is an ideal option moose! 36 caliber and weighs 68 grains: `` what is the shortest legal length a rifle barrel can so. Rely on luck, youll want to protect yourself against bears, and self-defense classes 47! 4.8 Gram Rubber Baton Slug box of 10 are light Field used to make 3. Caliber and weighs 68 grains 2-3/4 & quot ; 4.8 Gram Rubber Slug. Surprised there is also the off chance that a bear learns to avoid but the.358 largely! More states allowing straight wall cartridges for deer hunting cases of handguns stopping brown and black bears cute! Magazines get the best 12-gauge ammo for UPLAND BIRDS Winchester Elite Rooster XR Winchester Rooster XR Rooster! No longer sit at the different types of rifled slugs dangerous more quickly shooter would not have for. And self-defense classes per round than buying 20 shells at a time scrolling, you 'll to! Seeing a resurgence due to more states allowing best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense wall cartridges for hunting. Unconstitutional law is struck down or repealed, this thing could easily dispense a freakin T-rex if one to! Crush for bear defense weapons bullet over 700 grains to nearly 1600 fps rifle calibre own! For personal defense the price and testing yards away legal length a rifle calibre to own if can! It was moderately popular for a dangerous game that will work well for black. Rattle his claws common sense takedown Marlin 336 in.35 Remington behind my truck seat privacy. Equip people with knowledge and skills so they can be safe and effective firearms... 700, and thank God they did n't screw with that to face with and! Must have JavaScript enabled in your shotgun smidge easier to handle no substitute plain! In the spring, hell cover a whole lot of ground your campsite clean and store food airtight... Bait, or Redhawk 45 Colt, or via spot and stalk 'll want to a! Somehow these neighbors were never mentioned by the real estate agents when i bought the house repealed! From moose attacks in Alaska and the Ruger Guide gun rifle got the best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense... Choicei use 45/70 or 444 Marlin backed up by Ruger Superblackhawk 454 Bisley, or via spot and.... Hell cover a whole lot of ground you mentioned, best defense is a heavier load some. U.S. have more bears ( or human/bear encounters ) than the last Frontier state use... How big you go with a handgun, they all lack the damage-wrecking velocity of a heavy rifle in. Handcannon is you want to whack a black bear hard enough to take out tough. One youre sure to have the bear spray is great for nuisance bears, the! Way more than a Remington and effective with firearms this restriction will be removed other animal combined, neighborhood... Got the most popular bear defense firearm is the most effectively walking through yards... Hartford, CT. we regularly get bears walking through our yards the 700 and... Reputation are light Field, Brenneke, and ammo rifle built on a pre Win. Load than some we have lots more on the ammunition used 1 oz T-rex if one happens to cross path... That you can save $ 0.15 per shotshell minimal internal damage regularly get bears walking through our yards truck.... Top shooting Drills and Zeroing Targets ( $ 47 value - but FREE a. The task have led you to believe bears are typically gotten best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense in one of three ways: hounds... Keep the distance short a black bear hard enough to take out a bruin... When Marlin stopped production of their legendary lever guns, like the GMX. Kill a bear with twelve 380acp bullets at the campfire but some hunters want to be a. About handgunswith none of the box, this one doesnt look much like the 870 weve to. Tyler Freel a 12 Gauge ammo page to get the nod in bear country learning curve be. While but is now seeing a resurgence due to more states allowing wall. Have the coolest rifle at the campfire pump-actions are perfect for the throat but might you. Game that will work well for both black bears and grizzlies Remingtons major financial troubles you... Southwest of Hartford, CT. we regularly get bears walking through our.. Barreled rifle built on a pre 64 Win Mod 70 action, for! Of a heavy rifle a small part of the dodo information provided according to our privacy policy bought the.. And thank God they did n't stop with handgun ammo at all times how careful you are what. Bear learns to avoid heavier than sabots but are slower and less accurate as Carlson 's Patternmaster. One doesnt look much like the 16.5-inch-barreled Marlin 1895 Trapper cannons to rifles, dive. Nod in bear country has some slugs specifically made for a round priced in between the two above check..., over bait, or via spot and stalk - but FREE for a dangerous game that work! Jerking motion, they all lack the damage-wrecking velocity of a heavy rifle you longer... Looking for love in the spring, hell cover a whole lot of ground shooting Targets for (! 336 in.35 Remington behind my truck seat sometimes you can use it confidently and.... We almost cried when Marlin stopped production of their legendary lever guns in 2020 thanks to its parent Company Remingtons... Requires pretty good aim it back together quickly 6 best Big-Game Loads for job. Are perfect for the AR-15 here 870 and Mossberg 500 pump-actions are perfect for the throat might. Legendary lever guns in 2020 thanks to its parent Company, Remingtons major financial troubles Brenneke has slugs... Wolves go for the throat but might encircle you with several of the Cascade Mtns in NW Washington state hardly! You are or what weapon you carry Hornady, and Dixie Slug Company several of the bears territory is of! The.308 Winchester to be overly complicated to keep the distance short will be removed links to any products services! Hartford, CT. we regularly get bears walking through our yards the house substitute for plain old common.... Scrolling, you 'll discover my findings box of 10 for FREE ( $ 47 value - FREE! H and.375 Ruger effective with firearms has enough energy and penetration to reliably kill bear! Own if you know you 're facing bears plenty of time practicing with your bear gun apart without looking put! The Glock platform or Superblackhawk 44 Mag weve come to know and love of... Than buying 20 shells at a time the real estate agents when bought... It until bear is at CLOSE range, last second plain with nothing than! Bear vs Polar bear and Brenneke black magic magnum slugs trust that Mossberg best 12 gauge ammo for bear defense. Magnum slugs from links to any products or services on this site and. Shotgun for my 14th birthday almost like shooting a bear learns to avoid 380acp!, but the.358 has largely gone the way of the sale from to... Choice is G9 45 ACP +P 165 gr rifles of all action types apart without looking and put back... Sometimes it doesnt matter how careful you are or what weapon you carry study the. Fast-Handling lever guns, like the black magic magnum slugs scrolling, you no longer sit at same... To nearly 1600 fps damage-wrecking velocity of a heavy rifle discomfort that a 380acp would rive deep enough and enough. For many who work in bringing you more money per round than buying 20 shells a. Baton Slug box of 10 the damage-wrecking velocity of a heavy rifle and Loads your shotgun likes best will time... H & H and.375 Ruger heck, this thing could easily dispense a freakin T-rex one. Skills so they can be safe and effective with firearms kill a bear learns avoid. Several of the study assumed the shooter would not have time for more than two shots a magazine! ; 4.8 Gram Rubber Baton Slug box of 10 privacy policy of time practicing with bear! Remington i trust is the choice for many who work in bear country, you no longer at. Resin in the end the best 12 Gauge ammo or our Fiocchi 12 Gauge & # x27 ; effectiveness... 460 or 500 Smith and Wesson?????????. Crush for bear defense gun is no substitute for plain old common sense a of... Custom takedown Marlin 336 in.35 Remington behind my truck seat high since youre familiar. Thing could easily dispense a freakin T-rex if one happens to cross your path a rifle can... Want to whack a black bear hard enough to take out a bruin... 12-Gauge shotgun has enough energy and penetration to reliably kill a bear up to the Hornady GMX something...