My statement might read: I do not trust buckshot, slugs or round balls. What I meant was I do not trust buckshot on bears, only use slugs or round balls.

Please note as well the solid round ball, especially if hardened or cast from hard lead, is much more effective on any game with tremendously improved penetration over any of the Foster (hollow based) Slugs.

My long time friend and hunting buddy here, could not keep .735" round balls (about 580gr.) inside a moose. He used them for many years in his 11 bore rifle, loading between 175gr. and 200gr. of powder. The balls were not hardened, but were cast from the old crimp-on wheel weights, which run about 12-13 brinel here.

I'd not feel especially well armed with only a .357 mag. as backup when in the bush. Even if one went WAY overboard from today's squib loads, to the original-style stuff with 158gr. running 1,500fps, I'd still prefer my .44 mag with 275gr. SWC (Ohaus mould) at 1,250fps or 300gr. TC's at 1,150fps. Even then, a 12 bore appropriately loaded, would be better - maybe not as conveniently carried, but a much better show stopper.