Shotgun Ammo Selection for HD

[HS/LD]

After buying my new SG I am now looking for Shotgun ammo info.

Gelatin tests, recomendations etc.

For home defense puposes.

I am aware firearms tactical advocate the 2 3/4" #1 buckshot loads. Just looking for alternative sources of info.

Thanks again.
HS/LD

[Dave McC]

There's a few gigs of stuff on this in the Archives. Research, then feel free to ask any questions the Archives do not answer.

[Al Thompson]

HS/LD, running a quick search using "home defense" as a search parameter for thread titles only gave me 70 threads for your viewing pleasure.

Here's one of the most recent ones..

http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...t=home+defense

Have fun!

[Michael]

See if you can get some Hornady TAP law enforcement ammunition. 12 gauge 00 buck, light magnum configuration.

Hornady gaurantees this to pattern in any shotgun.

We've tested this in 6 inch AOW's, it patterns 18 inches at 25 yards. In my back bored 20 incher it patterns 5 inches at 20 yards, 14 inches at 45 yards, and 23 inches at 65 yards.

Needless to say this is what goes in my SG for the house.

[Dave McC]

Erick,any idea why 00 is minimal, according to Awerback and the forensic guys? Thanks...

[george miller]

someone told me that his house gun has #6 shot in it..rabbit load.says itll still blow a good sized hole in anything climbing through his window.i would go farther to suggest #4 buckshot for outdoors and indoors.you will have to try out various shot sizes yourself,compare recoil and penetration-my opinion is shotguns(shot loads) are basically limited to 30 yards.what works for some may not be comfortable for you.

[Skullboy]

HS/LD, what loads you use depend on how worried you are about overpenetration.If you line in a apartment or condo, the last thing you want is for projectiles to go through the walls into your neigbhours residence.When I'm outdoors camping etc, I usually keep "00" buckshot in the gun, with slugs in the sidesaddle.At home I keep #7 1/2 birdshot" handy" for house varmints.I don't want projectiles going through the walls and hitting the wife and kid.

Skullboy.

[Cowdogpete]

It's my non professional, unresearched opinion that any 2 3/4" or larger 00 loads or Slugs are suitable home defense loads.

Would you wnat to be shot by one? At defensive ranges you're going to make one hell of a hole in someone with any load. I seriously doubt they'll get up... if you can show me documentation of someone taking 9 32cal pellets to the chest and returning fire, then I'll look at ballistic differences in loads.

My $.02

[sjg26]

Try here for info:
http://66.34.242.201:80/briefs10.htm
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.

[Dave McC]

Thanks, Erick. I know the FBI used to use 4 Buck, but I'm ignorant of whether they still do.

I've doen a little shooting with 1 buck, the greater number of pellets seemed to be a good thing. In hindsight, I realize I was seeking the Golden Pellet.

[HS/LD]

I looked at the forum histories, read the International Wound Ballistics info, I even found hospital records from medical sites discussing the wounding characteristics of different shot.
(The pictures of the pellets of 12gauge #6 shot that had failed to penetrate all layers of skin at a range of 6 feet, the pellets were still visible stuck in the victims arm definitely made me think).

So I decided to go with these choices:

Home Defense:

2 3/4" 12 gauge 00 Buck Magnum 12 pellets Vel: 1290fps

2 3/4" 12 gauge 1 oz. Rifled Hollow Point Slug Vel: 1600fps

For when up in the Rockies (black bear, badger, cougar, idiots):

3" 12 gauge 00 Buck Magnum 15 pellets Vel: 1210 fps

3" 12 gauge 1 oz. Magnum Rifled Slug Vel: 1760 fps

Now all I need is someone to come and break in to the castle and we can find out just how well they will work

Regards,
HS/LD

[Dave McC]

Thanks, Erick. We did a few informal tests when one instructor tried to get DOC to go to 000, and some #1 buck found it's way into the range bag.

I don't recall seeing any big advantage on paper to any of these.

HS,those are hard kicking,heavy loads. If you can control them, and your shotgun "Likes" them, go for it.

[HS/LD]

BTW guys I really appreciate all your enthusiastic input into these questions and topics.

Dave McC I grabbed another 200 2 3/4" target loads and about 50-60 rounds of the 2 3/4" and 3" mag loads and shot the lot this morning. (Still no hiccups from the Winchester 1300)

I am experienced with pistol, subgun, and rifle, but pretty inexperienced with a shotgun. The kick of the 3" mag loads, while stout is not really that bad. Although I am 6' and 220lbs recoil is more to do with technique and mindset. No bruises yet!

Thanks again to you all for the input.

Regards,
HS/LD

[sm]

'nuther thought (s)
while testing use a pattern board at various ranges
if-n you can try shooting various materials(sheetrock, plyboard, old car doors, wood).

never hurts to know what a particular load will do at various ranges and encounters.

[Dave McC]

Good, HS. I suggest really grooving in the mount for any shotgunning, fast COFs with heavier loads demand good form to accomplish.

HTH....