I don't like slugs. Far too much risk of over-penetration in a home defense situation. Besides, for single projectile aimed fire I would much prefer one of my rifles. I prefer to think of my 18" 870 as a specialized weapon: 10-12 yards max effective range, for facing no more than 2 aggressors. I know most prefer 00 buck. From what I have tried, I like  #1 buck. 16 .30 cal pellets as opposed to 9 .33 cal pellets from 00. For my specified use, why would one prefer 00?

12 gauge 3" mag #4 buck 41 pellets. MIKE.
.

Quoted: 12 gauge 3" mag #4 buck 41 pellets. MIKE. .

Same #4 buck but I use 2 3/4" for less recoil.  I keep side saddle loaded with 4 buck and 2 slugs.  You never know.

#4 buck 3 inch mag in the gun, 3 slugs in side saddle and 2-#4 buck and 1 bean bag round.  

Federal's tactical 00B

I use a load out of 5 Federal Tactical 00 buck and the last shell in the magazine is a Federal Tactical slug.

Winchester 2 3/4" non magnum standard 16 pellet #1 buck.  16 pellets of .30 cal vs. 9 pellets of .33 cal. of the non magnum 00 buck.

Quoted: Winchester 2 3/4" non magnum standard 16 pellet #1 buck.  16 pellets of .30 cal vs. 9 pellets of .33 cal. of the non magnum 00 buck.

This is the exact load I have chosen. It seems to me to have a distinct advantage over 00 for CQB.

Quoted: I use a load out of 5 Federal Tactical 00 buck and the last shell in the magazine is a Federal Tactical slug.

Me too!!!

Followed by 3 buck and 3 slugs in the side saddle.

Fed 00 Tactical load for buck.

Fed 1oz Foster slugs or Brenneke for those tough to get at targets.

Federal tactical buck and their slugs too, both in 2 3/4"

Anyone know a good source for Federal Tactical buck?  Is this the reduced recoil load or which one is?  I have read the articles on these rounds I am aware of the trade off in ballistics.

Remington tactical (reduced recoil) OO buckshot

Quoted: Anyone know a good source for Federal Tactical buck?  Is this the reduced recoil load or which one is?  I have read the articles on these rounds I am aware of the trade off in ballistics.

The Ammoman got what you need!!!

Quoted: Anyone know a good source for Federal Tactical buck?  Is this the reduced recoil load or which one is?

reduced recoil with 9 pellets of plated shot for better patterning.

Federal Tactical 00B and Tactical Slugs. Both 2 3/4. Why mess with success.

Slugs, Why else carry a .75 caliber gun?

For an MP loading,
Federal #1 BK, Federal Classic, standard velocity, (F127)

www.firearmstactical.com/briefs10.htm

http://64.177.53.248/ubb/Forum78/HTML/000263.html

http://64.177.53.248/ubb/Forum78/HTML/000151.html

http://64.177.53.248/ubb/Forum78/HTML/000410.html

http://64.177.53.248/ubb/Forum78/HTML/000418.html

[bored kode]

I too use 2 3/4" #1 Buck for my defense load.  I selected it in large part based upon the information in the first link that Tweak has in his post above.
I do keep a few rifled slugs in my side saddle in case I'm faced with a situation where I need them.

Estate brand reduced recoil 00 buck

I read the same article that was referenced above (though I think the poster had a little trouble with his html).


The proper link is:

www.firearmstactical.com/briefs10.htm

I read the same article a few years back, and chose the Federal F127 #1 buck in 2 3/4".  Here are the operative paragraphs:

12 Gauge Shotshell Ammunition

For personal defense and law enforcement applications, the International Wound Ballistics Association advocates number 1 buckshot as being superior to all other buckshot sizes.

Number 1 buck is the smallest diameter shot that reliably and consistently penetrates more than 12 inches of standard ordnance gelatin when fired at typical shotgun engagement distances. A standard 2 ¾-inch 12 gauge shotshell contains 16 pellets of #1 buck. The total combined cross sectional area of the 16 pellets is 1.13 square inches. Compared to the total combined cross sectional area of the nine pellets in a standard #00 (double-aught) buck shotshell (0.77 square inches), the # 1 buck shotshell has the capacity to produce over 30 percent more potentially effective wound trauma.

In all shotshell loads, number 1 buckshot produces more potentially effective wound trauma than either #00 or #000 buck. In addition, number 1 buck is less likely to over-penetrate and exit an attacker's body.

For home defense applications a standard velocity 2 ¾-inch #1 buck shotshell (16 pellet payload) from Federal, Remington or Winchester is your best choice.  We feel the Federal Classic 2 ¾-inch #1 buck load (F127) is slightly better than the same loads offered by Remington and Winchester. The Federal shotshell uses both a plastic shot cup and granulated plastic shot buffer to minimize post-ignition pellet deformation, whereas the Remington and Winchester loads do not.

Federal Tactical #000...but I live alone. In a different situation, some WW "Q" load #4 buck...hardned shot, but maybe unavailable anymore, made for the military as well as the US Secret Service...backed up with some #000 and a slug or two.