As explained by a fly fishing guide who grew up on Kodiak Island, the "Alaska load" is an extended magazine 12 gauge shotgun with birdshot in the chamber and slugs in the magazine. He saw a local law enforcement officer shoot a big coastal bear, and a 12 gauge slug actually broke the bear's pelvis, as well as both shoulders and its neck. So if you own a shotgun, forget handguns and buy some slugs.