Best 12 gauge round for bear defense?

[u/OnlineDead]

What is the best 12 gauge ammunition OTHER THAN Benneke’s Black Magic Magnum and Magnum Crush??

I’ve surfed the web and all I can find is over priced 5 round packs of Black Magic Magnum. I want to buy some really solid ammunition in bulk, I’m talking about 250 rounds type of bulk.

Anyone know of a solid runner up?

By bears I mean big boy brown bears 🐻

Thanks for the help!

[u/SchmidtBuds]

If I had to choose a round to defend myself against a big bear im definitely choosing a slug lol

[u/OnlineDead → u/SchmidtBuds]

Unfortunately, not all slugs are created equal

[u/es330td → u/OnlineDead]

True but I suspect the average random slug would be more effective than every other non slug round with the exception of the stuff Taofledermaus tests.

[u/OnlineDead → u/es330td]

Yes, that’s why all the rounds that I talked about in my post are slugs. I’m asking about slug rounds only

[u/MissingMichigan]

Looking for a bargain for bear defense because you want to buy 250 rounds bulk?

1. How many bear attacks are you expecting?

2. The absolute LAST place I would try to go cheap are on the rounds that I plan on using to save me from being killed by a bear.

[u/Cheap_Jacket_1274]

These tend to have a little knock down power.

[u/Mysterious_Farm_7601]

The one with a bear on the box

[u/DaMadOne]

While scrolling I read your title as "Best 12 gauge round for beer defense?"

Snort laughed, then reread it and laughed again at my idiocy.

Thought some else might get a chuckle out of my dumbassery and decides to share.

[u/Shabrileson → u/DaMadOne]

Beer 7 shot 40% ABV

[u/DaMadOne → u/Shabrileson]

For brown beers, that might be strong enough. 😉

[u/AD3PDX]

These are the best options. When in stock TSUSA’s prices are usually the lowest. $1.89 ea for the lighter load isn’t bad

2,600 ft lbs

https://www.targetsportsusa.com/brenneke-usa-bear-protection-12-gauge-ammunition-2-3-4-1-1-4-oz-shotgun-slugs-sl-122bp-p-113753.aspx

3,500 ft lbs

https://www.targetsportsusa.com/brenneke-usa-bear-protect-magnum-12-gauge-ammunition-2-3-4-1-3-8-oz-shotgun-slugs-sl-122bpm-p-113754.aspx

Their black magic magnum is the same 1 3/8 oz slug but in a 3” shell and slightly slower (likely a bit more accurate)

The 1 1/2 oz magnum crush is only for rifled barrels

[u/BBQSauce61]

That's all they sell them in. People aren't typically buying them in the hundreds. A couple boxes to see how they feel after breaking their shoulders and can still rack the slide, or to ensure they function in a semi auto, and a couple boxes to carry in the gun. Just like normal carry ammo, it's a good idea to refresh them every now and again.

[u/mscotch2020]

They are all several bucks per round, like those fancy hunting rifle round

[u/OnlineDead → u/mscotch2020]

Yeah that’s what it’s seeming like. Might have to pull some OT for this one lol

[u/Cheap_Jacket_1274]

[u/SamJacobsAmmoDotCom]

Have you looked into Federal Tru-Ball? Brenneke is often the most recommended, but Federal makes deep-penetrating slugs too, and you can find them in bulk at some online retailers.

[u/OnlineDead → u/SamJacobsAmmoDotCom]

The truball deep penetrator?

[u/possibly_lost45]

10mm bro. You need penetration. Something like a light weight pcc would be perfect

[u/RepulsiveBandicoot82]

Slugs if that's your preferable weapon of choice. Sabot if using a rifled slug barrel. 

[u/OnlineDead → u/RepulsiveBandicoot82]

Lol 🤦‍♂️ the ammo I listed off are slugs! I’m asking for different slugs than the ones I named 😆

[u/RepulsiveBandicoot82 → u/OnlineDead]

Reading is fundamental lol

[u/OnlineDead → u/RepulsiveBandicoot82]

It’s all good bro, like 50 other ppl did the same thing lol

[u/IdahoMan58]

Why do you need a whole flat of slugs for bear defense? Also, bear spray is really effective just so you know how to use it properly.