What 12-gauge load for home defense?

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - What 12-gauge load for home defense?

Posted: 3/30/2002 4:32:41 AM EDT

This is kind of a follow up to the thread about home defense weapon choices. It seems many people agree on the 12-gauge shotgun, so my question is what load do you prefer in your "boom stick" and why?

Personally, I like 00 or 000 buck...great stopping power without too much overpenetration.

What about all y'all???

Cheers,

Steve

Posted: 3/30/2002 4:42:08 AM EDT

[#1]

Well I think you'll get many different answers.

I'm kinda new to shotguns as I just bought my first one around august/sept of 2001.

I use the Federal 00 Tactical Buckshot.
I like it because it has good ratings from many sources. I may use the 000 as well because of things i've read about it.

Supposedly, it has good performance and low recoil. I don't believe it is an overpowered load, so it shouldn't have over penetration problems but should still be effective.

Posted: 3/30/2002 5:24:13 AM EDT

[#2]

Most buckshot will sail right through walls. I have loaded with # 4 Turkey magnum shells when living in a situation where overpenetration would likely kill someone. I think at the close ranges inside a house it'd do the job because the shot wouldn't have room to open up too much. I certainly could be wrong about this, though.

Posted: 3/30/2002 5:48:49 AM EDT

[#3]

#4 federal defense load 2 3\4"
light recoil,good patterns.alot of pellets(27?)
clown

Posted: 3/30/2002 6:13:31 AM EDT

[#4]

WW Super-X #4 Buckshot - 2 3/4"
- my alley sweeper is a short barrel 870 Turkey gun w/improved cylinder choke tube installed.
- my wife has been taught the fine art of "pump & pull" from both hip and shoulder.
Bravo5-2

Posted: 3/30/2002 6:28:18 AM EDT

[#5]

Sounds like Bravo's setup is similar to mine.

I live in a rather small apartment. The longest shot will be about 25ft.

So I use 2 3/4" #4 shot Pheasant (high brass) loads in my Rem. 870 20" i/c barrel with one of those colored snapon fiber optic thingies on the front (I forget what they are called

Posted: 3/30/2002 6:45:47 AM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
Sounds like Bravo's setup is similar to mine.

I live in a rather small apartment. The longest shot will be about 25ft.

So I use 2 3/4" #4 shot Pheasant (high brass) loads in my Rem. 870 20" i/c barrel with one of those colored snapon fiber optic thingies on the front (I forget what they are called ).

I think those guys are talking about # 4 BUCKSHOT not # 4 shot.

Anybody ever see whether # 4 Buckshot will go through wallboard and other walls?

Posted: 3/30/2002 6:46:49 AM EDT

[#7]

I keep 7 1/2s in my 870 and keep an assortment in the side saddle. I worry about taking out a gas pipe and blowing up the house. That would make me feel pretty stupid, standing there like the coyote in a road runner cartoon holding my shotgun and all my hair and clothes burned off. HEHEHE

Posted: 3/30/2002 8:59:35 AM EDT

[#8]

Quoted:

I think those guys are talking about # 4 BUCKSHOT not # 4 shot.

Anybody ever see whether # 4 Buckshot will go through wallboard and other walls?

Oh, I guess you're right.

But I do keep #4 bird shot as the distance is point blank and an ounce and a quarter of shot is still a belly full.

Posted: 3/30/2002 3:31:08 PM EDT

[#9]

Birdshot.

Posted: 3/30/2002 4:28:41 PM EDT

[#10]

#4 Buck inside, #1 Buck (ballistically the best) or #00 Buck outside.

-Troy

Posted: 3/30/2002 5:12:15 PM EDT

[#11]

Quoted:
#4 Buck inside, #1 Buck (ballistically the best) or #00 Buck outside.

-Troy

Does #4 Buck give good penetration to the vitals?

Posted: 3/30/2002 5:17:41 PM EDT

[#12]

I live alone, out in the country, so over penetration isn't much of a concern for me (I also have electric heat

). I have the 870 loaded with Federal Tactical 00 buck (first three rounds) and Federal Tactical slugs (next four). I also keep slugs in the side saddle and more 00 buck in the Speedfeed stock tubes. I figure if I'm in a hurry it makes sense to only have to grab one item - all the ammo I should need is already attached.
I prefer to be able to shoot through walls, should the need arise.

Posted: 3/30/2002 5:36:21 PM EDT

[#13]

in my opinion what kind of person can take any 12ga load at close range? I keep mine with 00 federal buck had 000 but shot it all and wanted to test the 00. I think the 000 is better one less pellet but bigger ones!

Posted: 3/30/2002 5:37:42 PM EDT

[#14]

and if that doesn't do the job did I mention mini 14 loaded with 20rounds of fmj

Posted: 3/30/2002 6:39:36 PM EDT

[#15]

3 inch magnum copper platted BB turkey load.

For Turkey's trying to harm the family.
20-30 yards no probs. Wall board will slow it down enough to keep the neighbors happy.

Posted: 3/30/2002 8:56:33 PM EDT

[#16]

If I have said it once I have said it a 100 times - you have to pattern your gun to know what to use.

My Vang 590: either PMC or Fed low recoil tac 00 with 2 more rounds of 00 on the sidesaddle and 6 more of full power slugs in remaider of saddle and in stock.

Shotguns are truely amazing, however thanx to movies and t.v. they are largely mis- understood as to there true capabilities.

Pattern your gun.

Posted: 3/30/2002 8:58:09 PM EDT

[#17]

When I used buckshot I used #1 buck (16 .30 caliber shot).Now I use CHOKE ammo (six 00 inside a tri-pedal wad with two OO on top sealed inside some sort of clear resin)It shoots like a slug up to 125 yards and the penetration is alot less than any slug.I've seen alot of shotgun shootings and most of the time they work but there were a few times due to drugs or alcohol they didn't.(Slugs and Buck)Nothing is 100%.

Posted: 3/30/2002 9:37:37 PM EDT

[#18]

Quoted:
When I used buckshot I used #1 buck (16 .30 caliber shot).Now I use CHOKE ammo (six 00 inside a tri-pedal wad with two OO on top sealed inside some sort of clear resin)It shoots like a slug up to 125 yards and the penetration is alot less than any slug.I've seen alot of shotgun shootings and most of the time they work but there were a few times due to drugs or alcohol they didn't.(Slugs and Buck)Nothing is 100%.

Where can we find some of the CHOKE ammo ??

Posted: 3/30/2002 9:42:36 PM EDT

[#19]

I keep 00 buck loaded and slugs on the side saddle. I also have a box of #6's on the dresser. Why #6?...well, I have no idea. That is just what is on the dresser. Maybe some day it will be replaced.

medcop

Posted: 3/30/2002 9:54:58 PM EDT

[#20]

I have Mossberg 590A1 w/ bayonet mounted. Dont need no shells and aint gonna worry about shooting my neighbor thru the wall. Just poke the intruder and its over. Hehehe, I'm only kidding about the bayonet, I don't own one. I use Federal tactical 00 buck 2 3/4in on my 590.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - What 12-gauge load for home defense?

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