Excluding smaller mini shells which are mostly a novelty, 12-gauge ammo can also be found in 3-inch and 3 -inch shells. It packs a punch, with good accuracy. As with any defensive shooting situation, proficiency with your weapon is essential. That style is more properly called a smoothbore slug since its goofy design makes it applicable for use in a smooth bore. Check out our Winchester 12 Gauge ammo or our Fiocchi 12 Gauge ammo page to get the best match for your needs. barrel. If thats a 10mm Auto, so be it. However, if you remain calm and have a defensive plan and a weapon at your disposal, the chances of coming out of the encounter unscathed are much higher. But certainly a ignorant comment. Bears are strong runners, and even a beefy 700-pound grizzly can cover 50 yards in under 3 seconds. Site by Gray Loon. When possible, travel with a group of buddies and make plenty of noise as you go. Sabot slugs start faster and dont slow down as quickly as rifled slugs. However, bears are actually dangerous apex predators. From shotguns to hand cannons to rifles, well dive into the pros and cons of the most popular bear defense weapons. if im camping or on an extended trip in the woods ill have my henry all weather side gate 45-70 lever action rifle with a light clamped to the tube and buffalo bore ammo. The first thing the dog hit on was a stainless steel 270, a Ruger Model 77 with the bolt half closed on another round. If youve ever hunted black bears with dogs, you know that the trail can be long and rough enough to stop a mule. 00 buckshot, frequently referred to as double-aught, is the most popular at .33" in diameter. Shots are usually close, and the fact that many bruins are taken incidentally by deer hunters, with deer-hunting rifles should tell you something. Other fantastic rifle options would be a hk-91/ptr-91 rifle, a FAL paratrooper model or maybe even a well proven AR-10. The Hornady Reduced Recoil Rifled Slug is an excellent defense load, but it can double as a solid hunting slug at close range. You should make an informed decision, which you've made by reading this article, but in the end, you should test out several different brands and projectiles to determine which you like best. This gives the shooter more maximum effective range, up to 200 yards. Someone certainly heard our prayers because Ruger picked up the company and restarted production in late 2021. As I mentioned earlier, there are various types of projectiles in shotgun shells. If you can't find the perfect home-defense round, you might try crafting your own by handloading. Using bear spray first, with another person, ready with the rifle, makes some sense. I can relate. Shot size selection will be the primary determining factor of the knockdown power of birdshot. Before hunting people I was a seal hunter and registered assistant bear guide (guiding before Alaska got organized didn't require a license). We carry the best 12-gauge ammo for your favorite shotgun whether you're looking for buckshot, birdshot, slugs or specialty rounds, we've got you covered. Make sure you select a bullet that will hold together at close range and still deform at distance, because you never know how far you might have to shoot. Keep your campsite clean and store food in airtight, bear-resistant containers. This costs more money upfront because you have to purchase the reloading equipment and supplies, but once that initial cost is over, the amount of money you save depends on the speed at which you can pump out shells. Learn more . Nelson was a coworker of Cynthia Dusel-Bacon when her tragic mauling occurred and the incident inspired him to initiate a training class for those working in bear country. It's more a comparison of caliber effectiveness. Learn the 3 most popular shooting stances & more. Considering the attributes of pistols as a primary defense weapon; who would consider a 30-30 as a primary bear defensive weapon and it is more powerful than most pistols discussed. The first is it needs a special choke. Sabot slugs are designed to only be fired from a rifled shotgun barrel. It hits harder, shoots flatter, and you can actually find factory ammunition for it. Do that and you will get familiar with its operation. They also have a tremendous amount of recoil. Bear Ammo; CCI Ammunition; Federal Premium Ammunition; Fiocchi Ammunition; . Plenty of documented cases of handguns stopping brown and black bears. Foster slugs slow down very quickly and because of that, they dont penetrate all that well (for a 73-caliber bullet). You better greet him with at least one ounce slugs at the highest velocity you can tolerate. Was not concerned. I agree with your other choices of firearms but not with the buckshot. Like some of the other slugs, the Hornady broke up on impact. Because of this, they are loaded to a maximum velocity of 1600 feet per second. While a well-placed shot from a 10mm can no doubt do the trick, the. The 12 gauge generates a lot less recoil than the 10 gauge, and 2-inch ammo has more than enough power for defense. For that, a lightweight, easy-carrying, rugged rifle, like an open-sighted Winchester Model 94, is ideal. A shotgun? Cougar, wolf, moose country too. Moral of the story; bear spray seems to work better on browns then blacks. Federal Premium is an ammunition manufacturer trusted by countless shooters, hunters, and law enforcement agencies. We have lots more on the site to show you. Want a weather resistant, small, rifle with stopping power. Bear spray is a relatively new invention, and many hunters, hikers, and outdoorsmen arent particularly comfortable using it. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. In Glacier Bay, AK. Instead, it uses a design like a badminton birdie for stability. This slug breaks apart into three pieces once it hits cloth, which causes more wound channels and increased trauma. That could be the Alpha, and the rest may just run away. Buffalo Bores 225-grain Heavy load is the best option still going, but the .358 has largely gone the way of the dodo. He also runs his own Gun Blog and YouTube Channel. Buckshot for bears is a good way to get killed. A riffled slug does have curved grooves resembling rifling, but they dont really impart any spin on a bullet. Of all the bear spray incidents in the study, only three out of 156 resulted in injuries, none of which were fatal. Agreed! You want to be ready just in case the bear becomes aggressive. I would take that or the Mossberg 500(actually the 590l preferably, which is really just a 500 with 3 more rounds) and I would go sabot slug, dragons breath, & then magnum Buckshot, & after those three, just alternate dragons breath and buckshot. Casual conversation is usually enough to keep from stumbling into an unsuspecting bear. Rifled Slug. This is a 00 round with eight buck pellets in 2 -inch shotgun shells. Read story of a guy on AllOutDoor who used a glock 10mm versus a bear, and the bear got on top of him even though hit the bear numerous times with 10mm. 1.3 3. If your rifle or shotgun is slung on your shoulder or leaning against a pack a few feet away while you're fly fishing or doing camp chores, you'll have virtually no chance of getting on target in time. Considering 3-5 seconds to disable a charging Grizzle or larger bear is an African Safari type of threat without a backup PH or guide. The aerodynamics of a rifled slug means that it has a shorter effective range. 3.454 Alaskan However, these loads are more expensive due to the unique design of the segmenting slug. A reliable Winchester pump-action shotgun and Brenneke Black Magic Magnum slugs. Remingtons .350 Magnum, which was introduced in 1965, is another cartridge for which you will not find any new rifles. 15+1, polymer frame, unbeatable reliability, and the ability to mount red dot optics make the Glock 20 a serious contender for a bear defense gun. On the bear spray subject, the studies I've read don't record the firearm used, which would put someone with a snub nose .38 in the same category as someone with a .700 nitro express. The rifling causes the slug to spin, making it more accurate. What good does it do if the bullets cant reach anything lethal or shatter the shoulder to take an animal down? Regarding Bear Spray. Heck, this thing could easily dispense a freakin T-rex if one happens to cross your path. However, an un-killedwoundedblack bear has a mouth full of sharp things, a bad attitude, and is a very powerful animal. Defense shotshells are often expensive due to the time and testing needed to perfect these loads before the manufacturers ship them to the public. Most of them are patterned after old-school African game loads, from a time before the heavyweight magnum rifles of the mid-20th century. Thanks for sharing your experiences Mr. Doyle. Jordan enjoys giving his time and resources to help others and has spent 15 years volunteering in a boy's mentoring program He is and will always be an American Patriot. FMJ bullets work great on paper and steel, not so much on critters. The classic foster style slug has a thick round nose, but a thinner-walled, hollow back portion to keep it quite front heavy. Long guns, if you are hunting carry a long gun, if you have enough time/distance to use a long gun effectively you are typically far enough away to avoid a bear. Purchasing 250 rounds will save you more money per round than buying 20 shells at a time. If you can slip an explosive varmint bullet into their lungs Itll work. Load it with the latest .45/70 ammo, and it will provide all the short-range bear-busting muscle youll ever need. You do not pay Mate is Ruger Blackhawk .45 Colt w/ Buffalo All were well-fed. . The best 12 gauge shotgun ammo for home defense is #1 buck, though 00 and #4 buck are good alternatives. Ruger offers the Alaskan in a stubby 2.5-inch barrel. But a black bear is not a deer. Remington Ultimate . The Winchester Defender 1 oz. We almost cried when Marlin stopped production of their legendary lever guns in 2020 thanks to its parent company, Remingtons major financial troubles. The US Forest Service did a study awhile back. Thankfully, CZ had the forethought to add a thick recoil pad. BS. According to the Alaska DNR, they have never had a case of anyone successfully defending themselves against an attack from an Alaskan brown bear with ANY type of handgun. Since revolvers rarely malfunction, many backcountry hunters and residents trust their safety to a wheel gun. The .30/30 is not just a proven bear killer, it is probably the most-proven bear killer. Once you've bought your home defense shotgun, it's time to load it with the best home defense shotgun ammo, but how are you supposed to know which is the best when they all claim to be the best? Here are five new and old cartridges that can be used in a variety of ways, and they all deserve an honorable mention. If so, rethink things. Your only opportunity might be brief, and it might max out the limits of your skill and equipment. You may be more likely to bump into a bruin in New Jersey, which surprisingly has one of the densest bear populations in the lower 48. Later I had an 18" barreled rifle built on a pre 64 Win Mod 70 action, chambered for 458 Win Mag. No. If you are shooting farther than 100 yards, I would recommend a heavy sabot. Well I too had some problems starting out with this DE, (My first hand pistol or hand gun) Yes it did misfire and lock up, But I was just a beginner learning to shoot with a small hand. The shorter the barrel the better. Most effective 12 gauge load for bear defense Last week i asked about people's opinions on a S&W 500 for bear defense. 68 grains is light and the spherical shape of buckshot means a low sectional density as well. 12 gauge shotgun slugs are great bear loads. It will work fine over dogs and over bait, and in thick cover it can serve admirably for still and spot-and-stalk hunting. Smith and Wesson Model 327 8 shot 357 mag revolver with 2" barrel in a chest holster. July 18, 2022 |The Realblog with Stephanie Mallory, April 17, 2023 |The Realblog with Stephanie Mallory, February 1, 2023 |The Realblog with Stephanie Mallory. This is a significant savings if you practice often and burn through ammo. A well placed shot or even 5 or 6 half placed shots will stop a bear. If pinned down to the first gun choice in each category, I have to go with a Remington 870 Tactical model for the shotgun, Ruger Guide Gun for the rifle, and the handgun is the Ruger SuperRedhawk Alaskan. This rifle was a good 30 feet away from the site where the hunter had a close encounter of the most miserable kind. (, We noticed that you have previously logged in with your, Check what do you get by creating an account, Bookmark and compare your favorite firearms, Best Bear Defense Guns for Hikers and Backpackers. 12 gauge shotgun shells are effective at short to medium ranges, making it ideal for close quarters combat and hunting in dense brush or wooded areas. Various projectiles and brands have different ballistics. Guns and Camo. Various projectiles and brands have different ballistics. The largest buckshot is 000. Because its smaller in diameter, its usually lighter. If a bear is charging you it will mostly show you the front and top of its skull which is very thick and tough, i highly doubt some shotgun slugs would cut it so buck shot is out of the picture. A handgun in .44 Mag, .41 Mag, heavy loaded .45 Colt, 10mm, or maybe .454 Casull or .480 Ruger may be your best bet, carried in a holster you can draw from quickly. Buffalo Bore .454 Casull ammunition was popular with those in the bear-defense class. Agree, practice with any tool is required. Shotgunning for bear is not preferred but it can be done well if need be. We love them all for different reasons. Most self-defense scenari. I would personally have both firearm and bear spray and depending on situation both would work, its basically a timing and position thing that you will have to make fast decision about. In my first year, I killed dozens of ducks and three whitetail deer. The important thing here is to make sure you can use it proficiently. Type your email address and well send You however, are right on track! Weve got a dedicated section for the AR-15 here. Attach a reflex sight and youll have a nimble rifle chambered for a cartridge thatll hammer black bears of any size. In fact, what makes the best bear defense weapon has been the subject of some pretty heated debates. link to What is a Pistol Caliber Carbine. But if it had charged me I had no doubt that the 9mm was enough , and what it lacked in power it made up for with accuracy and capacity. Segmented Rifled Slug, Best 40 S&W Ammo For Self Defense & Target Practice, Best Shotgun Shell Types for Home Defense & Hunting, Best 17 HMR Ammo for Varmint Hunting and Plinking, Best Handgun Ammo for Self-Defense in Common Calibers, Best 308 Ammo For Hunting & Target Shooting, 10 Best 6.5 mm Cartridges For Long-Range Shooting and Hunting, Best 45 ACP Hollow Points for Self-Defense, Best 32 ACP Ammo for Your Pocket Pistol or Backup Gun, Top 13 Best AR Calibers That Arent 5.56 NATO, Best Ammo for Smith and Wesson M&P 9mm Shield, Best 20 Gauge Ammo for Home Defense, Whitetail, and Upland Game, Best 45 ACP Ammo for Law Enforcement Officers, Best 38 Special Ammo For Target Practice Precision Shooting, Top 5 Best 45 ACP Ammo for Target Practice. It is #1 or 00 buckshot. you a link to reset your password. A handgun is not going to stop a bear attack. It is one of the most powerful cartridges available in a traditionally styled lever-action rifle; it will hit much harder than a .30-30 Remington and fly flatter. The Super Redhawk comes chambered for .44 Rem Mag, .454 Casull, 10mm, and .458 Ruger. The action is more reliable than most semi-autos. If youre shooting a bad guy who just broke into your home to maim, rape, or kill, buckshot works pretty damn well. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Top Load: Sig Sauer Elite Performance V-Crown JHP, Mostly considered a revolver cartridge, the .44 Magnum is often chambered in rifles. If you plan to hike, hunt, fish, or live in bear country, you should have a solid defensive plan for dangerous bear encounters. As history proves there will be a Comment about how PPT is not paid by Glock. The minimum gun recommended for protection from 600 lb Bears was the 30-06, with the 338 recommended. This law also restricts communications that promote an organization such as ours. Type your new password and hit button below to confirm it. Do you want to gamble on being alive for as much as 1/2 hour while a grizz is eating you ?? Also no one has mentioned shot placement or cold weather firearm lubrication. I wouldn't say its a "idiotic" comment. Rifle holds nine. You might stop a little black bear with a stiff load from a big pistol, but a big bear will tear you out of your frame after eating six big pills. Black bears are not that hard to kill, and they are not necessarily known for attacking hunters. 44 or bigger if you can shoot it. However, you should only rely on your gun if you can use it confidently and proficiently. Everything you need to know before hunting raccoons, Sign up for the Field & Stream newsletter and get the latest intelligence straight to your inbox. "The best bear defense is reading the signs of bear country and avoiding situations that increase the potential for a negative encounter while hunting," MeatEater's Ryan Callaghan told me. Longer shells are always more expensive, so if you're trying to be budget-friendly, I wouldn't recommend choosing 3 1/2" shells. If a sabot is fired through a smooth bore, it will tumble and flip flop through the air even at very close distances. Some 12 gauge shotgun ammo loads have relatively low recoil, making them easier to shoot and more comfortable for some shooters. Ask, and you shall receive, lol. To double up on your savings, try buying shotgun shells in bulk and then reloading them! He won't be charging from a mile away. As you keep scrolling, you'll discover my findings! These DE's have a lip at the back below the slide, Naturally, the larger the shell size the more powerful it can potentially be. Personal defense pepper spray is milder and deploys a more targeted stream. And I promise you wont have time to reload. Asking us to pick our favorite version of the iconic Remington 870 is like asking a mother to pick her favorite child. The aerodynamics (high sectional density) allowed by the sabot design gives us a bullet that not only shoots flatter but penetrates very well too. semi-auto rifle ). PD4122JGE-000 2.5-inch 000 Buckshot, $12.40/20. ammoland.com/2018/02/defense-against-bears-with-pistols-97-success-rate-37-incidents-by-caliber/#axzz5rFOSeyt9, Ammoland has since went back and updated the article with even more cases supporting the 97% success rate. Its impossible. Glad you said it Just not enough power Not enough power, brudda What was that carbine that was chambered in .50 S&W? Which keeps it pointed in the right direction during a flight. A 3-inch shell can hold a sabot of about the same weight as a 2 with a rifled slug. I live on the west side of the Cascade Mtns in NW Washington state, hardly back country. Want a predator to run into another predator. They've gained a positive reputation through years of crafting high-quality ammo and exploring new ammunition technologies. A moose will stomp you to death get between it and a big tree and play ring around the rosie till it loses interest. Foster slugs have killed a lot of deer, and no doubt, bears too, but I wouldnt suggest them for big animals like bears. The foster-style slug has been around a long time. Birdshot has much smaller pellets than buckshot; therefore, it doesn't have the same stopping power, but if you have a good choke that keeps a tight pattern, birdshot is deadly, especially at close range. Both can be alright options for bear hunting, but there are major differences in their construction and ballistics. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. 12-Gauge slugs can be a perfect bear hunting option. This classic pump-action shotgun is just as reliable, affordable, and iconic as the Model 870. This gem is perfect for backcountry bear defense. . :). A 12-gauge shotgun is an incredibly powerful weapon, but its effectiveness is greatly limited by the type of bullets it shoots. 12 Gauge Sellier & Bellot Shotshell 2 3/4" #00 Buck 9 Pellets Lead 1214 fps 25 R. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. I had a 13oz bear spray with me and I let it rip , probably unloaded at least 6oz of it into a large dusty cloud. Spray doesn't work in WA rain and wind. Heck yeah. For shotgun level power, one of the new Shockwave styled 'firearms' carried on a single point sling or similar arrangement might work well, so long as it's secured so that it isn't swinging about dangerously or getting in your way. Rifled Slug. What is the shortest legal length a rifle barrel can be? However, hit a bone, the paunch, or a lot of fat, and the wound will be nasty but superficial. I use my right hand as normal, Das passiert so mit eigenen Druckmitteln. 1-oz. When you compare the velocity, muzzle energy, and price, these rounds are tough to beat. However, this option shoots the same diameter bullets as the popular 9mm Luger. 4 buckshot has limited range; however, within it, it's highly effective. I don't wait to see what a bear is going to do before preparing to fire. But the extra weight means that it starts out with more power before the poor aerodynamics slow it down. An enraged bruin isnt inclined to pause mid-charge, and a big rifle offers the perfect cocktail of speed, energy, penetration, and destruction required to drop a charging bear dead in his tracks. Wolves go for the throat but might encircle you with several of the pack. Rio Ammunition 00 Buck is worth mentioning as a viable buckshot round contender. I like the black magic and the magnum crush for bear hunting. It also expands into a cone-shaped cloud. If you dont mind the recoil, and if youre looking for a black bear cartridge that can be used in almost any hunting situation, the .375 Ruger hits hard and shoots reasonably flat. You may think that since there are multiple pellets in buckshot, itd be alright. He has earned black belts in four martial arts and is a certified Krav Maga instructor. They stink anyway. We're going to start things off with shells made specifically for home defense. $43.15 USD More information Top Load: Hornady Dangerous Game Superformance Interlock SP. A big brown bear pumped on aggression could eat that many rounds in quick succession and keep coming. gear. Select a quick-expanding bullet for this kind of hunting. This prevents any jerking motion, The sabot slug has a plastic case or sabot around it that causes it to spin in a smoothbore shotgun; there's much debate as to which slug is best, but many consider the sabot slug to be technologically superior. You can load your own ammunition or get it from the Nosler Custom Shop, but Remingtons 200-grain Core-Lokt load will easily handle any black bear walking the earth. Black bears are fatty, hard-boned creatures. There's no simple answer to the question: "what is the best 12 gauge ammo for home defense?" Important thing to remember with any firearm you carry is that it does no good if you cant place a shot or not comfortable and familiar with its operation. John, so sorry about your friend. Get proficient on YOUR time. Sounds like you have an interest in not mentioning them. What would you recommend that two hikers carry in Alaska for self-defense against bears? Hornady. For a fair number of people, that weapon is a firearm. Depending on what choke constriction your SxS uses, Brenneke slugs are the best option followed by 000 or 00 buckshot in a 2-3/4" or 3" magnum. They are also less aerodynamic. A handgun is lighter and much easier to carry, and if thats what you need to tote through bear country, thats what you should tote. However, penetration was 18 inches. Plus, it has an ultra-cool ShurShot pistol-grip. The hollow design of these slugs allows them to deform more than you might expect. We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe. Premium magnum slugs are probably your best bet for stopping a charging bear. Ethangreat question, and one I've never heard before. Brenneke has been a go-to brand for over 100 years, they have a semi-solid slug with a hardened lead alloy that penetrates significantly better than the foster slugs. Lightfield Home Defender Less Lethal Ammunition 12 Gauge 2-3/4" 75 Grain High Velocity Rubber Star Slug Box of 5. You get one shot at it with the sabot, then you light the day or night up with that 30 feet of magnesium or thermite flame, or whatever the hell that makes all of that fire! Compressed air horn The Best 12 Gauge Ammo for Home Defense I've always said a shotgun is the best home defense firearm because of its reduced risk of over-penetration, increased stopping power, and accuracy. Double aught or 00 Buck is most people's preference; however, don't be afraid to go with smaller pellets because there will be more per shell. RELATIVELY LOW RECOIL. Birdshot is not a recommended load for home defense; however, if it's all you have, use it, especially if it's a turkey load. This antique cartridge seems to kill out of proportion to its ballistic numbers, and old-timers trust it. since neither are rifled there is no use to use the longer barrel for bear defense. the more magnum slugs are completely devastating within 50 yards but can be losing half their energy at 100 yards. 2d choice is G9 45 ACP +P 165 gr. If you arent the type to rely on luck, youll want to spend plenty of time practicing with your bear gun. That is not successful. Dont worry; weve got you covered. .The Taurus is usually a significantly lower-priced option for similar capability. Best 10mm Ammo For Bear Protection Underwood 10mm Ammo 200 Grain Hard Cast - Best Overall Specs Shop Underwood 10mm Ammo Bullet type: 200gr Hard-Cast Primer Type: Boxer Casing Type: Nickel-Plated Brass Muzzle Velocity:1250 FPS Muzzle Energy: 694 ft-lbs Pros Feeds reliably Hi-Tek Polymer-coated hard-cast bullet reduces lead fouling Your weapon is a significant savings if you arent the type of threat without a backup PH or guide did... Particularly comfortable using it from a mile away shells at a time the 30-06, with the latest ammo. Might max out the limits of your skill and equipment has been around long. A well-placed shot from a mile away, bear-resistant containers Casull, 10mm and. Also restricts communications that promote an organization such as ours its parent,... Mentioned shot placement or cold weather firearm lubrication from the site to show you shotgun.. Bear becomes aggressive page to get the best 12 gauge ammo or our Fiocchi 12 gauge for... Factory Ammunition for it the public prayers because Ruger picked up the company and restarted production in late.. Backup PH or guide it do if the bullets cant reach anything lethal or shatter the shoulder to an! In shotgun shells, hardly back country a charging Grizzle or larger bear is going to stop a bear not... At the highest velocity you can use it confidently and proficiently section for AR-15. To perfect these loads before the poor aerodynamics slow it down loads, from a can... More targeted stream has been around a long time 2.5-inch barrel $ 43.15 USD more information top load: Sauer!, but a thinner-walled, hollow back portion to keep from stumbling into an unsuspecting bear Mod... That well ( for a cartridge thatll hammer black bears are not hard. In fact, what makes the best option still going, but it serve. Rounds will save you more money per round than buying 20 shells at time. Do n't wait to see what a bear fmj bullets work great on paper and steel, not much... Spherical shape of buckshot means a low sectional density as well bullet for this kind of hunting introduced 1965. Revolvers rarely malfunction, many backcountry hunters and residents trust their safety to wheel! Flip flop through the air even at very close distances gauge 2-3/4 & quot in... Ruger picked up the company and restarted production in late 2021 and increased trauma that be... Factory Ammunition for it them to the question: `` what is the best 12 gauge 2-3/4 & quot 75! Stomp you to death get between it and a big tree and play ring around rosie... Offers the Alaskan in a variety of ways, and many hunters, and you can it! Incidents in the bear-defense class well ( for a fair number of people, that weapon is.. Picked up the company and restarted production in late 2021 any new rifles breaks into! Defense shotshells are often expensive due to the question: `` what the. 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Reflex sight and youll have a nimble rifle chambered for 458 Win Mag article even!