Something else to consider if you are using shotguns for "big bear" protection. Most Foster slugs sold are a very "soft" lead alloy and generally speaking do not offer "consistant" penetration against big, heavy boned, animals. Much to be preferred are the Brenekke slugs. They are a "harder" alloy and will penetrate reliably. (I used an 18" Mossberg as a camp gun frequently the five years I spent in Alaska. And it was stoked with Brenekkes.)

And there may be some merit to mixing slugs and buckshot.....but on big bears you can not count on buckshot penetration much past a couple of yards. (Coastal brownies can exceed half a ton.....they are huge!) And you may think that's fine.....a bear isn't dangerous unless it's inside that last couple of yards. But, consider this. A grizzly can cover a hundred yards faster than a quarter horse from a standing start. Do you really want to "have to be" that close to insure the effectiveness of buckshot? Just something to consider!

Dave