The shot was at 3 feet from the muzzle. the charge hit the bear square in the nose. It followed the nose channel directly to the brain.
At the necropsy, two 7 1/2 pellets were found in the brain.
There are about 175 7 1/2 pellets in a half ounce load of shot. .410 shot loads vary from 1/2 ounce to 3/4 ounce.
Closer than I ever want to be to a wild bear! Thanks for clarification!