T&T: Bear loads

[kakillian at att.net]

Ron, bear loads are an interesting subject and very subjective I might add.  I took a grizzily many years ago and that was accomplished with a 338 and 300 grain bullets.  By the way that took three rounds which were well placed.  The bear was alert and knew I was in the area.  
If I'm off the boat in bear country or just in bear country I pack the twelve guage with the 20 inch barrel loaded alternately with slugs and double oo buck starting with a slug first.  Seven in the tube and another 5 in the side sattle on the side of the weapon.  I have never been charged by a bear but I was put down by a 50 inch bull moose.  I was very lucky with that, as I remember the bull's forehead was about 6 inches off the end of my rifle when I fired.  By the way, did I mention I was flat on my back when I fired.
Carrring a weapon for bear protection or protection of any kind is not something to be considered lightly.  Bears are fast, very fast if they are intent on getting to you.  One must keep his cool and only start firing when the bear is within range.  Breaking the bears skelitol system would be good but if he's coming at you the target area is reduced and the head and popping jaws will be the only thing you'll see.  Start shooting into the head and face and don't stop until the weapon is empty, reload and do it again if it's still moving.  A bear can kill you even it's hearts been destroyed.  Unless the individual is weapons orietated I recommend the air horn.  
I also have experience with pepper spray and as an officer we were train with the actual spray, mean mean stuff.  Prior to having a firearm for protection one must have the training to use it and has already made the desission that he will use it if force to that point.  If I remember one thing from my officer trainig it was that I am going home alive tonight and I will cheat and decieve as much as I need to so I ensure that happens.
Sorry Ron, that was not a sermon to you but just my 2 cents worth since everyone was discussing weapons and protection.  Cruise on

Ken Killian
Family Fun
Seward Alaska