20 gauge defensive load recommendations

Servo77 · March 18, 2006, 04:34 PM

OK< the point of this thread is not to discuss whether or not a 20 is adequate for HD. It's not to convert me to 12 ga. (I have 3). I t is a question about 20 gauge for my wife.

I purchased a 20 gauge for my wife because she is interested in going deer hunting this year (YES!). I am glad she is interested because it means she will be interested in shooting, which will improve technique...etc. Actually, when I came home with the gun, she was genuinely excited!! THat is definately good!

Anyway, since I have a shotgun now that she is comfortable with I want to pick up some defensive ammo for her. I believe that in a home defensive situation, a shotgun is much better then a pistol (if available). Anyway, I have lots of 00 buck in twelve, but cannot find any 00 in 20 gauge. I found some 00 and 000 in .410, but the best I can find in 20 is #3. Will this be enough? I don't want to use slugs because of overpenetration issues (my sister lives next door).

Any recommendations for brand and shell?

Dave McC · March 18, 2006, 06:01 PM

Most buck for the 20 gauge is #3. There are some #2 loads, but they're scarce.

A 20 gauge loaded with 3s is an excellent weapon in trained, capable hands.....

Death from Afar · March 18, 2006, 06:41 PM

Pattern the gun and see what it likes. YOu might have a better pattern with BB's.

226 · March 18, 2006, 09:16 PM

...

hpg · March 19, 2006, 04:58 PM

I like #4 Buck in my 12ga. hpg

ArgieFAL · March 19, 2006, 06:27 PM

My wife is a big 20g fan. She shoots light loads, even for the 20g. She shoots 12g too, but it throws off her meter.

For home defense she goes with "bird shot" but I think she has or has considered #3.

Argie

gordo b. · March 19, 2006, 11:33 PM

My wife's HD gun is an Ithaca 37 ultra light Deer Slayer. I keep it 'cruiser ready' with Federal plated #2 3" buck. That load kicks in a less that 6 pound gun, but I'm sure she wouldn't notice it if she had to use it!

http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...=167969&page=2

banditt007 · March 21, 2006, 01:57 AM

Someone has got to make #1, 0, or 00 buck in the 20 gauge, right?!

that would be my choice

Diggers · March 21, 2006, 02:33 AM

Just for you info, I read on a post a while back that even 4 buckshot will go through a number of walls. There were some tests done, some what less than scientific but just the same, it will go through the wall and room behind that wall at least.

March 19, 2006, 04:58 PM	#5
hpg Senior Member Join Date: September 14, 2002 Location: in the Bluegrass State Posts: 1,610	I like #4 Buck in my 12ga. hpg __________________ NRA member Semper Paratus

March 18, 2006, 04:34 PM	#1
Servo77 Senior Member Join Date: August 20, 2005 Location: Southeast OH Posts: 905	20 gauge defensive load recommendations OK< the point of this thread is not to discuss whether or not a 20 is adequate for HD. It's not to convert me to 12 ga. (I have 3). I t is a question about 20 gauge for my wife. I purchased a 20 gauge for my wife because she is interested in going deer hunting this year (YES!). I am glad she is interested because it means she will be interested in shooting, which will improve technique...etc. Actually, when I came home with the gun, she was genuinely excited!! THat is definately good! Anyway, since I have a shotgun now that she is comfortable with I want to pick up some defensive ammo for her. I believe that in a home defensive situation, a shotgun is much better then a pistol (if available). Anyway, I have lots of 00 buck in twelve, but cannot find any 00 in 20 gauge. I found some 00 and 000 in .410, but the best I can find in 20 is #3. Will this be enough? I don't want to use slugs because of overpenetration issues (my sister lives next door). Any recommendations for brand and shell? __________________ "Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?!"

March 18, 2006, 06:01 PM	#2
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	Most buck for the 20 gauge is #3. There are some #2 loads, but they're scarce. A 20 gauge loaded with 3s is an excellent weapon in trained, capable hands.....

March 18, 2006, 06:41 PM	#3
Death from Afar Senior Member Join Date: November 7, 2004 Location: Living the dream in Christchurch, NEW ZEALAND Posts: 1,635	Pattern the gun and see what it likes. YOu might have a better pattern with BB's. __________________ "Beware of the Man with one gun...he probably isnt into guns enough to be safe with it".

March 18, 2006, 09:16 PM	#4
226 Member Join Date: May 7, 2005 Location: USA Posts: 99	...

March 19, 2006, 06:27 PM	#6
ArgieFAL Junior member Join Date: March 15, 2006 Posts: 11	My wife is a big 20g fan. She shoots light loads, even for the 20g. She shoots 12g too, but it throws off her meter. For home defense she goes with "bird shot" but I think she has or has considered #3. Argie

March 19, 2006, 11:33 PM	#7
gordo b. Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2002 Location: Peoples republik of Calif. Posts: 961	My wife's HD gun is an Ithaca 37 ultra light Deer Slayer. I keep it 'cruiser ready' with Federal plated #2 3" buck. That load kicks in a less that 6 pound gun, but I'm sure she wouldn't notice it if she had to use it! http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...=167969&page=2

March 21, 2006, 01:57 AM	#8
banditt007 Senior Member Join Date: March 19, 2006 Posts: 694	Someone has got to make #1, 0, or 00 buck in the 20 gauge, right?! that would be my choice

March 21, 2006, 02:33 AM	#9
Diggers Senior Member Join Date: May 1, 2005 Posts: 366	Just for you info, I read on a post a while back that even 4 buckshot will go through a number of walls. There were some tests done, some what less than scientific but just the same, it will go through the wall and room behind that wall at least.