KK, along those lines, I heard decades ago that some PH/Guides would carry 12 gauge shotguns with slugs to stop wounded (by their clients) big game that was coming at them.
I imagine at very close range a 12-gauge pump with 5 quickly fired 72 cal slugs would be hard to beat for stopping power!
I've also heard that! I know a local cattleman here on Kodiak that took a 10 footer with a 12 gage. A ten foot bear is a big bear! He said it took only one 1oz slug.
It's not my firearm of choice for a Bear hunting firearm or DG stopping gun. But what ever works I guess? A 12 gage slug is pretty slow, although it is a very heavy projectile. IMOP velocity is a big factor for a DG load. To fast is not good, but to slow is not good either. IMOP based on what I've read, heard, seen from other hunters afield and experienced myself. 2300 to 2400fps is the standard for the big 400gr and 500gr DG cartridge's. like the .416 Rigby (400gr) or 505 Gibbs (500gr) for example. These are just two of the many Big Bores out there. The velocities out of the .378WBM .416WBM and even the 460WBM are really unnecessary IMOP. Faster velocities increase accuracy at longer ranges, but decrease terminal bullet performance at close range. The projectile dosent really have time to do its job by maximizing its energy during expansion while penatrating so the speak. The same can be said about a DG solid projectile.
At extreme velocities, too light of bullet, regardless of construction. Punches right through muscle tissues and vitals, or shatters upon the impact of heavy bone. That's why the .264WM, 7mmRM and 270WBM are a horrible choice for hunting big costal Brown Bear. The projectiles are too light and too fast. Id take an 06 for Brown Bear over those other three Magnum cartridges any day of the week. It doesn't have near the velocity of the others but can be loaded with a 200 or 220 grain at 2600fps to 2700 fps
Also, thats why Nosler has the "Ballistic Tip" for long range shots. The BT shatters into fragments at close range, but stays together at longer distance of lets say 400 or 500 yards or further. Any thing closer than those ranges. A hunter should be using a NP. Barns offers the TSX in a longer range projectile also. The ”Tiped" TSX or TTSX if you will. Swift offers the A-frame for more stoping power at close range and the Sirocco for longer ranges. There are so many bullets to chose from these days to match the load to your type of hunt and the likeliness of shot distance
that a guy can sit in the Local gun shop scratching his head trying to decide on one for hours. Sawer Rob is very correct on the fact that the NP is a great hunting projectile for many different species at many different ranges!
Ballistics!!! The never ending debate!
Sorry for the ear full. Ballistics, bullet construction, and hunting, are some of my favorite topics to discuss!
Along with chainsaws of of course!!!
Cut safe, stay sharp, and be aware!