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11/24/2022 9:29:29 AM EDT
6 dogs, deep in swamp 700yds from access finally get to the bear in her den.

12g slug all within 5yds

1st shot took out shoulder

Bear charged me, dog got involved luckily didn't get hurt and simultaneously I through a slug behind neck and bear turned and ran.

3rd shot 1/4ing away put her down and she cuddled up behind some Reed grass clump still alive and growling.  She would have died but put one in the brain to end this.

250yd uphill drag out of swamp to nearest area I could get 4 wheeler in.

250# sow and the most intense bear hunt I have been involved with and is prompting me to get a 45/70 as slug almost left me in a bind.Attached File
11/24/2022 9:48:57 AM EDT
[#1]
Intense



Not that I’m trying to talk you out of a new 45/70 but what you think it’d do that a slug didn’t do at those ranges?
11/24/2022 9:51:42 AM EDT
[Last Edit: ScoutH57][Edited] [#2]
Quad tap
11/24/2022 9:51:58 AM EDT
[Last Edit: ScoutH57][Edited] [#3]
Quad tap
11/24/2022 9:52:48 AM EDT
[Last Edit: ScoutH57][Edited] [#4]
Quad tap
11/24/2022 10:23:23 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Originally Posted By ScoutH57:
Quad tap
View Quote

Just like OP
11/24/2022 10:39:22 AM EDT
[#6]
I’ve used 12ga slugs for many years on big Ohio deer.  Many that weighed more than that bear. I can attest there is some strange performance characteristics of a slug at such a short range. From finishing shots to ridiculously close shots in standing corn fields I’ve seen poor penetration and just plain weird WTF stuff when that close. Then same slug at 25+ yards acts like a hammer and blows clean through.
On the other hand, for the type of hunting you seem to do, there is no 45-70 out there that you can handle and cycle as quickly as your shotgun at such close encounters. Congratulations on your beautiful bear.
11/24/2022 12:41:54 PM EDT
[#7]
Until you get the 45-70, try these, their penetration is well know.  AK fish and game uses them as protection from bears in the field.

America is at that awkward stage, it’s too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the bastards....Claire Booth
11/24/2022 3:35:56 PM EDT
[#8]
Wow your bears are small in NC.
11/24/2022 4:48:19 PM EDT
[#9]
For sure 12g slug is a quicker operation vs lever 45/70.

Was just thinking or asking really would the 45/70 have better penetration?  

Quite possibly I should try other ammo as stated above.  I am using Hornady SST 300gr 2-3/4"
11/24/2022 4:55:07 PM EDT
[Last Edit: OBE1CanOB][Edited] [#10]
Quote History
Originally Posted By killerapplesauce:
Wow your bears are small in NC.
View Quote



The area I hunt has a young population.  Up until 5-6 yrs ago we may have saw 1-2 bear a year on Cameras.   Now we have an estimate of 15ish on about 5-6k acres.

Have pics of a couple in the 4-500# range.

So yeah, it's just a young population.
12/4/2022 5:02:01 PM EDT
[Last Edit: cviss][Edited] [#11]
Quote History
Originally Posted By killerapplesauce:
Wow your bears are small in NC.
View Quote



Black bears aren’t that small here.  This one was


Western part of nc

https://www.themeateater.com/conservation/wildlife-management/photos-hunter-harvests-record-breaking-black-bear

Eastern part of nc
https://gowildnc.com/BlackBearsENC.aspx


12/10/2022 8:42:51 AM EDT
[#12]
Originally Posted By OBE1CanOB:
6 dogs, deep in swamp 700yds from access finally get to the bear in her den.

12g slug all within 5yds

1st shot took out shoulder

Bear charged me, dog got involved luckily didn't get hurt and simultaneously I through a slug behind neck and bear turned and ran.

3rd shot 1/4ing away put her down and she cuddled up behind some Reed grass clump still alive and growling.  She would have died but put one in the brain to end this.

250yd uphill drag out of swamp to nearest area I could get 4 wheeler in.

250# sow and the most intense bear hunt I have been involved with and is prompting me to get a 45/70 as slug almost left me in a bind.https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/364992/20221123_101432_jpg-2611810.JPG
View Quote


Holy shit!  I want that hunt!

250 lbs is a nice chunk of meat too.
"If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, give it Narcan." ~ AverageJoe365

“Imagine if the Great Depression and Mad Max had a baby.” ~ KingRat
12/10/2022 9:56:48 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote History
Originally Posted By OBE1CanOB:
For sure 12g slug is a quicker operation vs lever 45/70.

Was just thinking or asking really would the 45/70 have better penetration?  

Quite possibly I should try other ammo as stated above.  I am using Hornady SST 300gr 2-3/4"
View Quote


I would switch ammo, the SST 300gr is kind of light for a 12g slug, the Brenneke slugs are almost 2x the weight & hit like a sledge hammer.

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