Nanook of the North

[Goodgun]

I would hunt with the buckshot. I would just eject the slug if not needed. But I always made sure I had at least 2 slugs in the gun for that deadly encounter. I think buckshot would roll a wolf? I know that #4 Hornady Varmint Express will roll a coyote! Be careful friend?!?

[Scorpion8]

I'm pretty sure that buckshot at short range would re-motivate a wolf if it was left in any state to comprehend what just happened to it. Still, wolves are another creature that is just awesome to view in the wilderness. Truly spine-tingling to the core of your soul. I had the chance to see some near a glacier in Seward, AK once and it leaves you with a awe that is unforgettable. I also saw some up close at a wolf-breeding farm and up close the look in their eyes makes me think every single one of them is named "Damien"....

[Synchronizor]

Buckshot would definitely knock a wolf down at appropriate ranges. For bear, I'd feel more comfortable with slugs, but I know some folks prefer big buckshot like 000B for them, as well. I like slugs because you can reach our farther and still keep a lot of power & penetration, but buckshot has advantages too. It'll probably depend on what you're more likely to encounter, and how close you think you'll be when you have to act. There's also always the option of loading buckshot and keeping slugs handy for a quick change-over.

[Scorpion8]

Well, interesting anecdote, but a neighbor several house down claims he saw a large wolf in his backyard the other night. Not sure how much credence I would lend to it, although he is a pretty normal guy and I know him well enough. To think that they are cruising the neighborhoods near the glacier where they can retreat to the woods quickly, implies new possibilities. Still I'd like to see one myself.