buckshot or slug?

Lokpyrite · November 5, 2010, 12:41 AM

I'm trying to decide on how to keep my new shotgun loaded. I'm thinking that the first round should be 00 buck, then a slug followed by 3 more shot rounds. The reasoning is that after the first shot the BG may try to take cover and the slug might help with that.

If you think I may need to do otherwise please tell me why as I'm always interested in disenting opinions.

Rampant_Colt · November 5, 2010, 12:47 AM

Avoid loading different types of shells in the magazine because you'll never be able to tell what's next when the adrenaline is pumping. That's mall ninja nonsense.

Use one type of shell in the magazine and keep spare slugs in the side saddle to top-off the mag as needed.

zippy13 · November 5, 2010, 12:57 AM

Quote:

The reasoning is that after the first shot the BG may try to take cover and the slug might help with that.

But, if it's two BGs, then you'll want double shot.

Also, in my jurisdiction, a BG who takes cover may no longer be considered a threat and therefore I can't shoot him until he makes another threatening move. If I do, I may have have a difficult time explaining differential loading practices at my trial without looking bloodthirsty. Don't try to over-think your loading, IMHO, you're best served tactically and legally with a uniform loading.

Lokpyrite · November 5, 2010, 07:11 AM

Thanks for the responses.

Ludarue · November 5, 2010, 07:36 AM

I don't understand why people over think these situations. My friend also has two different types of rounds in his shotgun. I asked him why and he gave me some bull crap about what the intruder might try to do or what it might do to him or something. IDK I stopped listening after a bit. LOL. Anyways, 00 buck is a good bet for dead as long as you think you can hit them when you need to. Keep it simple.

.284 · November 5, 2010, 08:38 AM

I have to agree with what's been said already. Most defense situations are so close that buckshot will barely start to open up to a decent size pattern anyway. Let's say you have to dispatch a bad guy at 7 yards/21 feet, is the pattern going to be much bigger than the size of a ripe cantelope????? Ask yourself this question, would I want to get hit with buckshot a point blank range?

thesheepdog · November 5, 2010, 09:10 AM

I have my shotgun loaded with slugs and buckshot. Is it necessary? I don't see the harm if you're profecient with it.

Ludarue · November 5, 2010, 09:19 AM

Quote:

I have my shotgun loaded with slugs and buckshot. Is it necessary? I don't see the harm if you're profecient with it.

I don't think that there is really any harm behind it, I just don't see what the purpose would be?

thesheepdog · November 5, 2010, 09:32 AM

Quote:

I don't think that there is really any harm behind it, I just don't see what the purpose would be?

As far as purpose, it depends on application. For me-at least a year ago-I lived at a ranch house on some acreage and if a BG came to the property, I would more than likely be making some longer range shots (basically unloading a tube until the BG goes down).
Sometimes buckshot lacks for range and penetration so a backup slug will help insure a penetrating shot (in the event the BG is in a car, or behind a barrier, shooting back at you).

Some will ask: "why have a slug since it will penetrate walls?"

My response is that you don't know what will happen, and if you know your house well, over penetration will not be an issue.

Ludarue · November 5, 2010, 09:42 AM

Ah, I see. I was thinking mostly with in home defense since here in Ohio you wouldn't get away with just shooting a BG outside unless they threatened you first.

thesheepdog · November 5, 2010, 09:50 AM

Buckshot is fine, and required; you can't have just slugs loaded in your 12 unless you live by yourself and overpenetration isn't an issue.

That's what you need to confirm "Will slugs cause more problems than good?"

Buckshot alone will get the job done, but depending on where you live and what your house is like; a half and half load may be helpful.

Rampant_Colt · November 5, 2010, 11:33 AM

Alternating shells in the magazine is folly considering how easy it is to top-off the magazine using a side saddle with your "Plan B" shells. Makes absolutely no sense at all to me..

natman · November 5, 2010, 11:40 AM

Trying to forecast scenarios about what conditions will be present for each shot is foolish. Load your HD gun with 00 buck and be done with it.

thesheepdog · November 5, 2010, 01:18 PM

Personally, I think buckshot is the way to go. Unless you're shooting BG's with level VIII armor, you don't need slugs.

dakota223 · November 5, 2010, 02:20 PM

4 shot to self defense buckshot. 00 and slugs will penetrate walls at 3 am in the morning with a missed shot. Can you gaurantee a family member isnt on the other side of that interrior wall?

Rampant_Colt · November 5, 2010, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dakota223

4 shot to self defense buckshot. 00 and slugs will penetrate walls at 3 am in the morning with a missed shot. Can you gaurantee a family member isnt on the other side of that interrior wall?

Any load suitable for self-defense will penetrate common building materials.
If you knew that there's a family member in a room behind the bad guy and you're only separated by drywall, would you really risk taking a shot and rely solely on the projectile to not hurt or kill someone in case of a miss?

Common sense..

therealdeal · November 5, 2010, 05:54 PM

3inch 15grain 00buck so I can clear a path without reloading from the bedroom, down the stairs, thru the kitchen, and to the driveway to meet the police. just kidding- I wouldn't leave the safezone w/my family unless I had to. I definately prefer the mentioned buck for my mossberg but slugs are pretty cool too. My friend was big on them growing up.

ONLY PART EDITED: I MISTYPED; I MEANT 15PELLET.

TMackey · November 5, 2010, 06:46 PM

8 rds of 2 3/4 00 buck for me.

Vermonter · November 5, 2010, 06:51 PM

I like the buckshot slug combo rounds. That way you get some spread and the slug to follow. In my home our bedroom is actually under ground on two sides. There is no concern due to over penetration in the most likely shooting areas. Vermont houses are built weird.

headbangerJD · November 5, 2010, 08:34 PM

K.I.S.S.

asavo757 · November 5, 2010, 08:36 PM

are talking about in the house where your kids are sleepinin in the next room. If so through the slugs back in there boxes and load up the buck 00 will do the job and wont go through 2 layers of sheet rock and have enough energy to kill the kids in next room. slugs -the kids in the next house will have to duck for cover slugs great for game not great for hd

therealdeal · November 6, 2010, 12:32 AM

Quote:

I like the buckshot slug combo rounds. That way you get some spread and the slug to follow. In my home our bedroom is actually under ground on two sides. There is no concern due to over penetration in the most likely shooting areas. Vermont houses are built weird.

I used to buy beers on sunday when I was younger in brattleboro, VT and my buddy was from Fairlee, VT(both on border). I remember some houses and mainly a business like this. VT had some questions marks for me back in the day. lol, but I respect their CCW law of having no law.

yeah Asavo, I dont mess with the slugs at home- I saw one go theu four seperate things before hitting a tree one time(another story from back in the day). lets just say my friend shot one in his grandpas home by accident out of the shotgun

hardhat harry · November 6, 2010, 06:05 AM

Winchester PDX1

Deja vu · November 7, 2010, 05:18 PM

PDX1 12 looks pretty good but I think its odd to have the slug behind the buck shot.

VUPDblue · November 7, 2010, 05:32 PM

I will agree with not "dutch loading" a HD shotgun.

November 5, 2010, 12:41 AM	#1
Lokpyrite Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2009 Posts: 367	buckshot or slug? I'm trying to decide on how to keep my new shotgun loaded. I'm thinking that the first round should be 00 buck, then a slug followed by 3 more shot rounds. The reasoning is that after the first shot the BG may try to take cover and the slug might help with that. If you think I may need to do otherwise please tell me why as I'm always interested in disenting opinions. __________________ The more people I meet the more I'm beginning to root for the zombies.

November 5, 2010, 12:47 AM	#2
Rampant_Colt Senior Member Join Date: March 17, 2006 Location: Parts Unknown Posts: 1,478	Avoid loading different types of shells in the magazine because you'll never be able to tell what's next when the adrenaline is pumping. That's mall ninja nonsense. Use one type of shell in the magazine and keep spare slugs in the side saddle to top-off the mag as needed. __________________ member of an elite paramilitary organization: Eagle Scouts

November 5, 2010, 07:11 AM	#4
Lokpyrite Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2009 Posts: 367	Thanks for the responses. __________________ The more people I meet the more I'm beginning to root for the zombies.

November 5, 2010, 08:38 AM	#6
.284 Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2009 Location: davison, michigan Posts: 665	I have to agree with what's been said already. Most defense situations are so close that buckshot will barely start to open up to a decent size pattern anyway. Let's say you have to dispatch a bad guy at 7 yards/21 feet, is the pattern going to be much bigger than the size of a ripe cantelope????? Ask yourself this question, would I want to get hit with buckshot a point blank range? __________________ Guns have only two enemies, rust and politicians! Deer are amazing creatures....so please don't burn the sauteed onions and I'll pass on the steak sauce, thank you.

November 5, 2010, 09:10 AM	#7
thesheepdog Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2010 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 1,996	I have my shotgun loaded with slugs and buckshot. Is it necessary? I don't see the harm if you're profecient with it. __________________ Krav Maga/Judo Qualified Rifleman/Marksmanship Instructor/Lic. Medic "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit" Romans 8:1

November 5, 2010, 07:36 AM	#5
Ludarue Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 181	I don't understand why people over think these situations. My friend also has two different types of rounds in his shotgun. I asked him why and he gave me some bull crap about what the intruder might try to do or what it might do to him or something. IDK I stopped listening after a bit. LOL. Anyways, 00 buck is a good bet for dead as long as you think you can hit them when you need to. Keep it simple.

November 5, 2010, 09:42 AM	#10
Ludarue Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 181	Ah, I see. I was thinking mostly with in home defense since here in Ohio you wouldn't get away with just shooting a BG outside unless they threatened you first.

November 5, 2010, 09:50 AM	#11
thesheepdog Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2010 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 1,996	Buckshot is fine, and required; you can't have just slugs loaded in your 12 unless you live by yourself and overpenetration isn't an issue. That's what you need to confirm "Will slugs cause more problems than good?" Buckshot alone will get the job done, but depending on where you live and what your house is like; a half and half load may be helpful. __________________ Krav Maga/Judo Qualified Rifleman/Marksmanship Instructor/Lic. Medic "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit" Romans 8:1

November 5, 2010, 11:33 AM	#12
Rampant_Colt Senior Member Join Date: March 17, 2006 Location: Parts Unknown Posts: 1,478	Alternating shells in the magazine is folly considering how easy it is to top-off the magazine using a side saddle with your "Plan B" shells. Makes absolutely no sense at all to me..

November 5, 2010, 11:40 AM	#13
natman Senior Member Join Date: June 24, 2008 Posts: 2,607	Trying to forecast scenarios about what conditions will be present for each shot is foolish. Load your HD gun with 00 buck and be done with it.

November 5, 2010, 01:18 PM	#14
thesheepdog Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2010 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 1,996	Personally, I think buckshot is the way to go. Unless you're shooting BG's with level VIII armor, you don't need slugs. __________________ Krav Maga/Judo Qualified Rifleman/Marksmanship Instructor/Lic. Medic "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit" Romans 8:1

November 5, 2010, 02:20 PM	#15
dakota223 Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2007 Location: ohio Posts: 202	4 shot to self defense buckshot. 00 and slugs will penetrate walls at 3 am in the morning with a missed shot. Can you gaurantee a family member isnt on the other side of that interrior wall?

November 5, 2010, 05:54 PM	#17
therealdeal Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2010 Posts: 627	3inch 15grain 00buck so I can clear a path without reloading from the bedroom, down the stairs, thru the kitchen, and to the driveway to meet the police. just kidding- I wouldn't leave the safezone w/my family unless I had to. I definately prefer the mentioned buck for my mossberg but slugs are pretty cool too. My friend was big on them growing up. ONLY PART EDITED: I MISTYPED; I MEANT 15PELLET. __________________ NRA Distinguished Life Member "Abraham Lincoln freed all men, but Sam Colt made them all equal." (post Civil War slogan) Last edited by therealdeal; November 7, 2010 at 01:36 PM.

November 5, 2010, 06:46 PM	#18
TMackey Senior Member Join Date: October 3, 2008 Posts: 319	8 rds of 2 3/4 00 buck for me.

November 5, 2010, 06:51 PM	#19
Vermonter Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2010 Posts: 962	hd loads I like the buckshot slug combo rounds. That way you get some spread and the slug to follow. In my home our bedroom is actually under ground on two sides. There is no concern due to over penetration in the most likely shooting areas. Vermont houses are built weird.

November 5, 2010, 08:34 PM	#20
headbangerJD Senior Member Join Date: February 1, 2009 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 322	K.I.S.S. __________________ In the end, shot placement is king, penetration is queen and "stopping power" is the court jester. Everything else is one man's opinion.

November 5, 2010, 08:36 PM	#21
asavo757 Member Join Date: May 3, 2010 Location: saylorsburg pa Posts: 39	are talking about in the house where your kids are sleepinin in the next room. If so through the slugs back in there boxes and load up the buck 00 will do the job and wont go through 2 layers of sheet rock and have enough energy to kill the kids in next room. slugs -the kids in the next house will have to duck for cover slugs great for game not great for hd

November 6, 2010, 06:05 AM	#23
hardhat harry Senior Member Join Date: August 27, 2010 Location: I've moved... Posts: 233	Winchester PDX1

November 7, 2010, 05:18 PM	#24
Deja vu Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2010 Location: Border of Idaho & Montana Posts: 2,584	PDX1 12 looks pretty good but I think its odd to have the slug behind the buck shot.

November 7, 2010, 05:32 PM	#25
VUPDblue Senior Member Join Date: December 18, 2005 Location: Central Indiana Posts: 1,981	I will agree with not "dutch loading" a HD shotgun. __________________ Silencers have NEVER been illegal !