Mossberg 590A1....defense ammo?

Shanester66 · September 17, 2009, 11:04 AM

Hey guys...just purchased my 1st shotgun and was wondering what you guys use for defense ammo? Maybe advice on range ammo too.
Thanks in advance for any help.

oneounceload · September 17, 2009, 11:09 AM

Think you'll find as more folks chime in, and if you read through past threads that good old 00 Buck is first with slugs a close second place. Depending on the rules of your range, practice rounds may vary somewhat.

And welcome to TFL

Kmar40 · September 17, 2009, 01:43 PM

I guess we need a thread on "What is the best self defense ammo for ____" for every type of shotgun.

Try reading the Baikal thread and viewing the links provided for the 6000 other threads that covered this.

Or maybe just use the search button.

Shanester66 · September 17, 2009, 02:52 PM

I was actually looking for more brand related info then type but thanks.

hogdogs · September 17, 2009, 03:21 PM

No brand specifics will suit for every use. Many brands make a nearly identical load for each type use. Regular 00 buck or low recoil 00 buck in any brand is what I would feed to intruders...
Brent

JerseyDrez · September 17, 2009, 05:27 PM

After reading all of those penetration test articles, I am a bit hesitant in using a shotgun as home defense...especially since I have 3 other family members in the house.

Everyone goes back and forth on self-defense loads, but for target, just shoot whats cheap. I usually use Sellier and Bellot 00B, because it comes in packs of 25 shells for around $10...good ammo for fairly inexpensive. It beats buying those little packs of 5 shells for 6$, eff that.

Lee Lapin · September 17, 2009, 05:58 PM

Depends on what you want for patterning and penetration. More than ever, you can tailor your defensive shotgun's performance by your ammo choices these days. For open patterns, try S&B, Rio Royal or other inexpensive, soft lead pellet, unprotected buckshot loads. For medium patterns, the standard buckshot loads from major manufacturers (Federal, Remington, Fiocchi) should do. For really tight patterns, there's a good chance Federal Premium or LE loads, or Hornady TAP FPD, all of which feature the FliteControl wad, will deliver for you.

Whatever you decide to use, run the gun HOT (about 15 rounds as fast as you can shuck 'em should do it) and make sure it's still running the ammo you chose without getting sticky.

Then load the magazine with the buckshot of your choice, stuff some slugs in the Sidesaddle or butt cuff, and you'll be good to go. For practice/training, whatever birdshot runs well in the gun and is cheap will do.

lpl

Kmar40 · September 17, 2009, 06:46 PM

Quote:

I was actually looking for more brand related info then type but thanks.

Sorry, I came in a little too hot on that landing.

I don't think one could know ahead of time. Your gun may like one brand or another. I've seen some guns that shoot a drastically different pattern with different loads. You won't know until you test it.

therealtwitch · September 17, 2009, 07:01 PM

as with any gun and ammo there will be MANY opinions. for what its worth mine is loaded with 2 3/4 federal flight control 00 buck.

inSight-NEO · September 17, 2009, 09:17 PM

Personally, I prefer Federal LE Low-Recoil 00 Buck (9 pellet) for HD. For range use, I simply use the non-LE variant of this same load. Both are 2 3/4" loads.

I have considered trying #1 or #4 Buck, but have yet to try either.

therealtwitch · September 17, 2009, 10:40 PM

i have wanted to try the low recoil stuff but never seem to find it in stock at the story when I am there. I hear good things though

Cruncher Block · September 17, 2009, 10:52 PM

Defense: whatever 00 buck patterns best. Right now, it's Remington 8 pellet reduced recoil. I also have some Federal standard load flitecontrol but I haven't patterned it yet.

Range: whatever is cheap and safe. For pumps, birdshot works for practicing basics of sighting, form, and handling (think reloading while staying on target). Run some buckshot as well just to be sure your technique holds up with full-power loads.

ADB · September 18, 2009, 02:16 AM

Quote:

After reading all of those penetration test articles, I am a bit hesitant in using a shotgun as home defense...especially since I have 3 other family members in the house.

If there's any chance that your shots are going to be backstopped by an inhabited room, don't take the shot. Period. Buckshot will go through walls. Even birdshot will go through walls with incredible ease and remain fatal on the other side.

The closest thing to being truly safe against overpenetration is a handgun loaded with Glaser safety slugs. Even with those you should exercise caution.

GeauxTide · September 18, 2009, 07:27 AM

One of the most hotly contested subjects in the time I've been on the forum. Almost as diverse as the personal preference in the firearm selection process. My own preference is 7.5 or 8 shot dove loads in the gun with five 00 on the external mag.

zombieslayer · September 19, 2009, 07:57 AM

I like to load mine up with a couple 3" magnum OO bucks (15 32cal lead shots!?) and then four rounds of 1oz slugs. I could keep one in the chamber for even one more round, but dont feel the need to. But shoot a few types, you'll see that at HD distances, pretty much any type of 12ga ammo is going to cause Major Damage!!! hell, #4 highbrass turkey load would be more than suitable fo home protection, imho

Bill DeShivs · September 19, 2009, 01:22 PM

Remington has a new home defense load that is a duplex load of #2 and #4 shot. I guess Remington doesn't know anything about using shotguns for H/D........

Superhouse 15 · September 19, 2009, 01:43 PM

I'm a big fan of the Flite Control loads from Federal. Truly amazing patterns from SD type guns. The discontinued the low recoil OO civillian load, but still list it as LEO only. Send them repeated emails about it, I do, and it worked for the Nyclad.

bartenderfloyd · September 19, 2009, 04:48 PM

I use winchester 00 low recoil. I like the way they shoot out of my 500. I keep the Remington 000 around too but shooting that stuff is like firing a cannon.

inSight-NEO · September 20, 2009, 01:38 PM

Quote:

I'm a big fan of the Flite Control loads from Federal. Truly amazing patterns from SD type guns.

I agree.

Quote:

They discontinued the low recoil OO civillian load, but still list it as LEO only.

This is news to me. Is this a recent development?

This confused me as almost every reseller I shop at (whether brick and mortar store or online store) carries the standard (or "civilian" as you call it) low recoil 00 Buck variant. The "Federal Premium Home" website also continues to list the Low Recoil 00 Buck as an option. In addition (and on occassion), you can also find the "LE" version being sold at AmmunitionToGo.com.

If nothing else, I hear Hornady offers a solid Low Recoil round as well (the TAP series I think...not sure).

Quote:

After reading all of those penetration test articles, I am a bit hesitant in using a shotgun as home defense...especially since I have 3 other family members in the house.

I hear an awful lot about this stuff and IMHO, almost any effective round can prove quite penentrative. Sure, some penetrate more than others and its not bad to err on the side of caution. But, you also dont want to end up on the side of the fence where "ineffectiveness" may reside. Either way, I guess based on general consensus that #1 or #4 Buckshot are good, less penetrative rounds should you decide to stay with in the Buckshot family. Then there are the proponents of various Birdshot loads. Then, there are folks like me who prefer the Low recoil 00 Buck loads (coming in at around 1140 fps..give or take).

Its ironic that you voice hesitancy about using a shotgun for HD vs. say, a handgun. I say this because I know of several individuals who have chosen to use a shotgun for HD exclusively due to their concerns about various handgun loads being far too penetrative. So it goes...

In either case, I honestly believe the best precaution against "overpenetration" is practice, familiarity (with the weapon used, the ammo contained within and your surroundings) and avoiding "wild" or "blind" shots at all costs. Also, closely tied to my previous statement, Im of the mind that unless an assailant (or probable assailant) is within plain sight, completely identifiable and within plausible range, there is absolutely no reason a weapon should be fired.

Any bullet/round, regardless of caliber, can result in disaster if the weapon firing it is not wielded in a responsible manner. To put it another way; no round, no matter how "safe," will make up for carelessness.

September 17, 2009, 05:27 PM	#6
JerseyDrez Senior Member Join Date: August 26, 2009 Location: Hmmm? Posts: 510	After reading all of those penetration test articles, I am a bit hesitant in using a shotgun as home defense...especially since I have 3 other family members in the house. Everyone goes back and forth on self-defense loads, but for target, just shoot whats cheap. I usually use Sellier and Bellot 00B, because it comes in packs of 25 shells for around $10...good ammo for fairly inexpensive. It beats buying those little packs of 5 shells for 6$, eff that. __________________ "I don't know what situation you'd be in where you'd be facing a bad guy and he'd have the time to notice your laser shaking and evaluate you as having low confidence. "

September 17, 2009, 05:58 PM	#7
Lee Lapin Senior Member Join Date: September 7, 2004 Location: SE NC Posts: 1,239	Depends on what you want for patterning and penetration. More than ever, you can tailor your defensive shotgun's performance by your ammo choices these days. For open patterns, try S&B, Rio Royal or other inexpensive, soft lead pellet, unprotected buckshot loads. For medium patterns, the standard buckshot loads from major manufacturers (Federal, Remington, Fiocchi) should do. For really tight patterns, there's a good chance Federal Premium or LE loads, or Hornady TAP FPD, all of which feature the FliteControl wad, will deliver for you. Whatever you decide to use, run the gun HOT (about 15 rounds as fast as you can shuck 'em should do it) and make sure it's still running the ammo you chose without getting sticky. Then load the magazine with the buckshot of your choice, stuff some slugs in the Sidesaddle or butt cuff, and you'll be good to go. For practice/training, whatever birdshot runs well in the gun and is cheap will do. lpl __________________ Mindset - Skillset - Toolset. In that order! Attitude and skill will get you through times of no gear, better than gear will get you through times of no attitude and no skill.

September 17, 2009, 09:17 PM	#10
inSight-NEO Senior Member Join Date: November 7, 2008 Posts: 608	Personally, I prefer Federal LE Low-Recoil 00 Buck (9 pellet) for HD. For range use, I simply use the non-LE variant of this same load. Both are 2 3/4" loads. I have considered trying #1 or #4 Buck, but have yet to try either. __________________ Guns are similar, for instance, to automobiles; in the hands of the sane and responsible, they are generally harmless. In the hands of the insane, careless or malicious, they both become deadly. Blame the person, not the means....mechanical/inanimate objects have no mind of their own.

September 18, 2009, 07:27 AM	#14
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,423	Welcome One of the most hotly contested subjects in the time I've been on the forum. Almost as diverse as the personal preference in the firearm selection process. My own preference is 7.5 or 8 shot dove loads in the gun with five 00 on the external mag.

September 19, 2009, 01:22 PM	#16
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,978	Remington has a new home defense load that is a duplex load of #2 and #4 shot. I guess Remington doesn't know anything about using shotguns for H/D........ __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

September 17, 2009, 11:04 AM	#1
Shanester66 Junior Member Join Date: July 11, 2009 Location: Coopersburg, PA Posts: 5	Mossberg 590A1....defense ammo? Hey guys...just purchased my 1st shotgun and was wondering what you guys use for defense ammo? Maybe advice on range ammo too. Thanks in advance for any help. __________________ Shane Stagg NRA Member USCCA Member NAFC Life Member

September 17, 2009, 11:09 AM	#2
oneounceload Junior member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: N. Central Florida Posts: 8,518	Think you'll find as more folks chime in, and if you read through past threads that good old 00 Buck is first with slugs a close second place. Depending on the rules of your range, practice rounds may vary somewhat. And welcome to TFL

September 17, 2009, 01:43 PM	#3
Kmar40 Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2009 Posts: 668	I guess we need a thread on "What is the best self defense ammo for ____" for every type of shotgun. Try reading the Baikal thread and viewing the links provided for the 6000 other threads that covered this. Or maybe just use the search button.

September 17, 2009, 02:52 PM	#4
Shanester66 Junior Member Join Date: July 11, 2009 Location: Coopersburg, PA Posts: 5	I was actually looking for more brand related info then type but thanks. __________________ Shane Stagg NRA Member USCCA Member NAFC Life Member

September 17, 2009, 03:21 PM	#5
hogdogs Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 31, 2007 Location: Western Florida panhandle Posts: 11,069	No brand specifics will suit for every use. Many brands make a nearly identical load for each type use. Regular 00 buck or low recoil 00 buck in any brand is what I would feed to intruders... Brent

September 17, 2009, 07:01 PM	#9
therealtwitch Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2007 Location: Mesa, Az Posts: 358	as with any gun and ammo there will be MANY opinions. for what its worth mine is loaded with 2 3/4 federal flight control 00 buck.

September 17, 2009, 10:40 PM	#11
therealtwitch Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2007 Location: Mesa, Az Posts: 358	i have wanted to try the low recoil stuff but never seem to find it in stock at the story when I am there. I hear good things though

September 17, 2009, 10:52 PM	#12
Cruncher Block Member Join Date: December 11, 2008 Posts: 63	Defense: whatever 00 buck patterns best. Right now, it's Remington 8 pellet reduced recoil. I also have some Federal standard load flitecontrol but I haven't patterned it yet. Range: whatever is cheap and safe. For pumps, birdshot works for practicing basics of sighting, form, and handling (think reloading while staying on target). Run some buckshot as well just to be sure your technique holds up with full-power loads.

September 19, 2009, 07:57 AM	#15
zombieslayer Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 3,198	I like to load mine up with a couple 3" magnum OO bucks (15 32cal lead shots!?) and then four rounds of 1oz slugs. I could keep one in the chamber for even one more round, but dont feel the need to. But shoot a few types, you'll see that at HD distances, pretty much any type of 12ga ammo is going to cause Major Damage!!! hell, #4 highbrass turkey load would be more than suitable fo home protection, imho

September 19, 2009, 01:43 PM	#17
Superhouse 15 Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2007 Location: Sunny Florida Posts: 844	I'm a big fan of the Flite Control loads from Federal. Truly amazing patterns from SD type guns. The discontinued the low recoil OO civillian load, but still list it as LEO only. Send them repeated emails about it, I do, and it worked for the Nyclad.

September 19, 2009, 04:48 PM	#18
bartenderfloyd Member Join Date: August 2, 2009 Location: New York Posts: 21	I use winchester 00 low recoil. I like the way they shoot out of my 500. I keep the Remington 000 around too but shooting that stuff is like firing a cannon.

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