Best slug for bears?

[Shop Rat]

I have an H&R ultra slug hunter. It shoots Winchester Platinum tips the best. I will try the Hornady slugs some day. The Partition gold shoot well and The Federal Barnes shoot o.k. also. What is the best for bear, I think a pass thru would be the most likely with Partition or Barnes. I have shot the Remington Corelocked ultra --not so well and the Copper solids drop very fast so I will not use them. Thanks.

[Jumpshootin']

What is the best for bear
Whichever one you shoot the best with.

[Rusher]

Hate to burst anyone's bubble but a slug is a slug and is still limited by distance and very dependant upon a quality barrel. If were speaking michigan black bears it really dosen't take a cannon to dispatch one, whatever you feel satisfied with will work great at 20-50 yards.

Best of luck

[Shop Rat]

I guess I was not thinking of such a close shot. I have heard that they usually do not leave much blood. Dumb question, I guess. I was shooting 100-125 yds for an Iowa deer hunt. I was thinking to use Platinum tips for bear (at close range) too.

[jmoser]

IMHO:

Friends and I have tested many different slugs in various guns from pumps to bolt actions. Our conclusions are the same:

High velocity loads of any kind are not necessary [and usually less accurate.] Stick with a 2 3/4" slug in the 1400 - 1500 fps range.

Black Bear are just not built that tough, you do not need a Megaslug to put one down. A 1 Oz. slug will do fine with any decent shot placement within 80 yards .

My latest tests on my 870 delivered the best accuracy with 'old' Remington copper slugs that had been in my closet since 1997; still had the date marked on the box. 1 Oz. at 1450 fps, cloverleaf groups at 100M. That is a 438 grain .50 caliber Hollow Point bullet at over 1400 fps - plenty for the job.

My $.02

[kbkrause]

No experience on bear, but my Remington 870 with Remington cantilever full rifled barrel shot the Buck Hammers very well. I would think they would do just fine on a bear.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

[uptracker]

Rifled Barrel? If yes, 2 3/4 in Lightfields.