Shotgun self-defense ammo, what do you use ?

[svanni]

Let me know.

[Fronty Owner]

#4 buck or larger

before someone tells you bird shot, check out www.theboxotruth.com

[Gunlovingvet]

Slug first 00 Buck the next 4

[Redleg]

00 buck. Better chances of getting the job done with numerous .32 cal. projectiles over just one. Plus, you can skip them off hard objects.

[Gunlovingvet]

the slug just makes a nice hole in the door to start the show...

[wannadiesel]

00 Buck 9 ball reduced recoil in mine.

[Equalizer_2]

Birdshot is underestimated from what I have gotten. I know a shotgun instructor from Gunsite that is a retired SEAL that says birdshot is amazing at short ranges. I have blown 3-4 inch holes in solid core doors from 10-15 yards with birdshot. #4 Buck is a good choice for shots 3+ with the first two shots being birdshot. That way if the first two don't stop them the next ones will.

The boxoftruth.com is an interesting site though.

[wannadiesel]

Any 12 gauge shotgun shell is devastating at inside the house distances. The pattern is so small at close range that it does not really matter what size shot you use, it is going to tear a big hole in whatever you hit. Hell, even the wad is potentially lethal inside 25 feet!

I lean away from slugs due to penetration issues, and also the greater potential for a miss. My choice of 00 buck 9 ball was arrived at because a police officer friend gave me a leftover box from a qualification session. I don't think it really matters much what ammo you use, it's all gonna be pretty effective if you hit your target. :)

[dieselcarpenter]

I keep my Mossy 890 with a choice between Hornady TAP 00 buck and some Federal #4 and one or two #8, usually keep an #8 ready on top followed by 1 or 2 #4 and the rest 00, figure Ill give them a chance to start. ;)

But I would probaly keep all #4 or 00,

#4 is a huge deadly clump at close quarters, 00 will cut through most the walls in my house, its a toss up, If I had a large side saddle I would keep 2 slugs on baord for anytyhing long or dense.

Long story short keep options open inm most situations.

Obviously in an apartment slugs and 00 will be a bit much, #4 wouyld be my max choice.

in a more open setting having the several choices + a good starter load is key, remember in most self defense, the fight will start and end with whats in the gun!! ;)

[Tattooz]

Any 12 gauge shotgun shell is devastating at inside the house distances. The pattern is so small at close range that it does not really matter what size shot you use, it is going to tear a big hole in whatever you hit. Hell, even the wad is potentially lethal inside 25 feet!

I lean away from slugs due to penetration issues, and also the greater potential for a miss. My choice of 00 buck 9 ball was arrived at because a police officer friend gave me a leftover box from a qualification session. I don't think it really matters much what ammo you use, it's all gonna be pretty effective if you hit your target. :)


Funny when I was buying 00 buck the guy asked me for what I said Home D, he said that with tear the **** outta the walls, I told him if I was pulling the trigger in the home i didnt care about the walls :)

[Fronty Owner]

also, bear in mind that a shotgun still needs to be aimed.
you not gonna step into a room with the BG and automatically put a killing shot in him.
expect about an inch or so per 10 yrds depending on choke.

[n2moto]

I can't see a need for any high priced ammo in a shotgun for HD. If you hit somebody with a slug or buck it's over just as well as the high priced spread.

One ounce of lead at 1600 fps hitting a light skinned animal doesn't need anything fancy added to it.

[Redleg]

Only drawback to buckshot is you risk hitting your TV when he's running down the driveway. He'll probably drop it anyway, so it's a wash...

[Gunlovingvet]

LOL never thought of that Redleg.

[n2moto]

I can't see any reason to using bird shot in a defense situation unless that's all you have.

If you are going to use lethal force then use lethel force. If you are in danger you want the person to stop what they are doing and stop instantly that is why you are using lethal force.

If you shoot them with bird and they survive now you have a witness on the other side of the event and it could make your situation cost more in legal fees.

What do you load your SD handguns with, hollow points or FMJ or Lead?

[wannadiesel]

I can't see any reason to using bird shot in a defense situation unless that's all you have.

If you are going to use lethal force then use lethel force. If you are in danger you want the person to stop what they are doing and stop instantly that is why you are using lethal force.

If you shoot them with bird and they survive now you have a witness on the other side of the event and it could make your situation cost more in legal fees.

What do you load your SD handguns with, hollow points or FMJ or Lead?
Have you shot birdshot at anything at "hallway" range? At 20 feet it's gonna "neutralize the threat."

[n2moto]

What is the advantage of using bird shot over buck shot?

[Gunlovingvet]

I think Claymores down each hall would be the ticket~~

[Fronty Owner]

What is the advantage of using bird shot over buck shot?

a leather jacket.

[ofcmarc]

8 pellet Reduced Recoil 00 buck. 8 pellet paterns better than 9 pellet.

[Fronty Owner]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ievbU3xIYGQ

[billethorse]

My choice of 00 buck 9 ball was arrived at because a police officer friend gave me a leftover box from a qualification session. I don't think it really matters much what ammo you use, it's all gonna be pretty effective if you hit your target. :)

Hey Dave, I have a box of 00 buck, but how do I know if it's 9 ball? Break one open and count?
Thanks,
Mark

[raymond21]

Reduced recoil slug in my Mossberg 500A w/pistol grip. A lot less damage to the house than pellets flying every where (wouldn't want to damage the TV or the leather recliner).:)

[Billyram]

00 Buck because I'm going to take out what they're riding in too.
My Bennelli holds 9ea. 2-3/4" shells.
Billy

[wannadiesel]

Hey Dave, I have a box of 00 buck, but how do I know if it's 9 ball? Break one open and count?
Thanks,
MarkThat'd work. The only reason I know mine is 9 ball is because it says so on the box.

[n2moto]

Billet why don't you shoot it on paper and count the holes. That way you can see how many pellets and check the pattern.

[red rattler]

It's got 5 rounds of 00 buck in it.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rlevns/chainsaws047.jpg

[ofcmarc]

Red,

You got the ammo in the side upside down. Stick them in from the bottom and you can pull them out from underneath with out a hassle.

[red rattler]

Red,

You got the ammo in the side upside down. Stick them in from the bottom and you can pull them out from underneath with out a hassle.Yep sure is, I will turn them around right now. Thanks

[Fronty Owner]

Red,

You got the ammo in the side upside down. Stick them in from the bottom and you can pull them out from underneath with out a hassle.

Or maybe the slugs go in upside down and the buck shot in right side up to differentiate in feel during a lights out tactical reload.

[ofcmarc]

Or maybe the slugs go in upside down and the buck shot in right side up to differentiate in feel during a lights out tactical reload.

Even with them both the same way, you can easily tell between Slugs and Buck by feel. Also I only keep 2 slugs in the rear 2 holes of a sidesaddle. Then I don't even need to feel. I just know...


My .02

[Fronty Owner]

I have a butt stock saddle on my shotgun, I keep it loaded brass down with #6 or #8 depending on what Im hunting with.
I can pull one off with my index finger and thumb and load it easily.
keeps my left arm under the firearm and out of my vision.

[n2moto]

You might want to test fire your shotgun with the shells in with brass down. On hot days I've had them fall out and then had nothing.

[red rattler]

You might want to test fire your shotgun with the shells in with brass down. On hot days I've had them fall out and then had nothing.Another good point, That's why i put them in like that. Figured they can't slip through. This gun will only be used for home defense. It will not be carried unless it is around the house and i really hope i never have to use it.

[ofcmarc]

You might want to test fire your shotgun with the shells in with brass down. On hot days I've had them fall out and then had nothing.

I've sent hundreds of rounds through mine in 80*+ weather and never had that problem. Then again I shove mine in until the brass is in the saddle.

[Fronty Owner]

You might want to test fire your shotgun with the shells in with brass down. On hot days I've had them fall out and then had nothing.

I dont keep my stock saddle loaded all the time. if Im out shooting clays or the gun is stored, the saddle is empty.

[n2moto]

I understand unloading it if you are shooting clays. If you are counting on this gun for HD and you don't have the side saddle loaded why have it at all? When the bad guy knocks on the door an anounces Hello bad guy here are you going to fill it up or run with it empty?

If I wasn't going to keep it filled it I'd loose it.

With your brass up when you want to load your gun just roll it over on your shoulder and stuff them in. If you are only going to top off your tube that isn't a great way to load.

[Fronty Owner]

My shotgun isn't my primary HD gun. the XD is the choice for that.

My shotgun is for clays and birds.

[n2moto]

Red Rattler a sling on a HD gun is not a good idea. Try moving through out your house in the dark opening and closing doors, pieing corners etc. The chance of having your sling catch on something is high.

[Truckman]

I keep a 12 GA in the house and one in the camper, no plug and don't worry about what shot, just make sure to have something.

[XLR8R]

Funny when I was buying 00 buck the guy asked me for what I said Home D, he said that with tear the **** outta the walls, I told him if I was pulling the trigger in the home i didnt care about the walls :)

When we were remodeling the ranch house I used a .22 single shot to plink the mud-daubers flying around inside... only thing more fun than discharging a firearm off the front porch is blasting away inside while watching "24" DVDs! :D

Only drawback to buckshot is you risk hitting your TV when he's running down the driveway. He'll probably drop it anyway, so it's a wash...

Kudos for practical thinking... :)

I think Claymores down each hall would be the ticket~~

Phew!
I'm glad I wasn't the only one! :p

[n2moto]

http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot3.htm

Some light reading take it for what it's worth.

[Mcmopar]

Some interesting reading, and video

[soulezoo]

Right now I use 00 buck.

But am thinking of having first round slug subsequent rounds of that "Roman candle" or "Great Ball o' Fire" stuff. (all outside of course) Ought to be an interesting sight.

[Don M]

Flechettes or 00 bucks kills the best at extended ranges. Flechette rounds speed out around 1920 feet/second. Lethal to 100 meters from a shotgun. Most loaded rounds have 19 projectiles/flechettes.

[blue3quarter]

I have 7 rounds of 00 buck in my 870. Friend of mine uses 00 and slugs mixed inhis 870. He says the 00 is to locate the BG and the slug is used to finish him off. I'd rather just use one type of ammo, makes it simpler for me. In a HD situation, I doubt I'd have time to think of whats loaded in it and what my nest shot might be.

[Boatnik]

This debate has been going on since the invention of the shotgun. Every argument has some merit but all arguments do not fit all cases. Out in the country where the nearest neighbor is a quarter mile away or more, slugs, buck shot or buck and ball are just fine. My nearest neighbor is less than forty yards away and has small kids. Also the longest range in the house is less than four yards when factoring in reaction time and distance. In my opinion any 12 gauge high brass game load will be a good choice for home defense. Besides, that is what I usally have on hand anyway. That training video was comparing number nine bird shot to buck shot and slugs. Number nine bird shot won't even dependably break a clay pigeon at seven yards.:D At least not with me.:rolleyes:

[smallfish]

I know a shotgun instructor from Gunsite that is a retired SEAL that says birdshot is amazing at short ranges. I have blown 3-4 inch holes in solid core doors from 10-15 yards with birdshot.

[annabelle]

My buddy had an old trailer house on his ranch.......we could punch holes from the outside skin all the way through the interior walls using # 8 bird shot. A solid core door was no challenge. I carry 00 buck and slugs, but bird shot will do in a pinch.

[Fronty Owner]

I know a shotgun instructor from Gunsite that is a retired SEAL that says birdshot is amazing at short ranges. I have blown 3-4 inch holes in solid core doors from 10-15 yards with birdshot.

lets go feral hog hunting sometime.. I wanna see how well that bird shot does against a 300 pound boar that would rather have you for dinner than you have him for breakfast.

[annabelle]

lets go feral hog hunting sometime.. I wanna see how well that bird shot does against a 300 pound boar that would rather have you for dinner than you have him for breakfast.

Kinda comparing apples to oranges.....do you think you will survive a blast of # 9 bird shot to the head at 7 yards?

[Fronty Owner]

Kinda comparing apples to oranges.....do you think you will survive a blast of # 9 bird shot to the head at 7 yards?

survive, maybe, but Im not looking for a crackhead to die in the hospital, Im looking to stop the thread in his tracks.
Feral hog is the closest thing to human that Im allowed to shoot.

[annabelle]

It is all about shot placement......I know men who have survived 10 rounds from a 9mm, another who survived 6 rounds of .357 mag at point blank range, another ( a cop) who survived ( initially...later died of brain swelling) of a shot to the forehead from a .38 spec. (from about 3 yards and shot did not penetrate the skull. Then, I know of a kid killed by A 5mm pellet to the head. (from a Sheridan pellet gun pumped only 3 times) Go shoot a pumpkin with # 9 bird shot and see if you think you would survive the same to the head.

[annabelle]

With all my support of bird shot ( it can be lethal) my shotgun is loaded with 00 buck shot and slugs.......I have a video which shows that a 12 ga. slug is the only reliable common round that will penetrate a car door. ( this even includes the .50 cal rifle).

[Fronty Owner]

With all my support of bird shot ( it can be lethal) my shotgun is loaded with 00 buck shot and slugs.......I have a video which shows that a 12 ga. slug is the only reliable common round that will penetrate a car door. ( this even includes the .50 cal rifle).
can be.
like you said, a pellet gun CAN be lethal.
buck shot is more likely to be lethal, especially when you throw in a coat or jacket.
to stop a drugged threat, you've got to bleed him out or take out the CNS. plain and simple, you've got to get to the deep organ and blood vessels to do damage. Bird shot will leave a nasty surface wound, but just doesn't get deep enough to do the damage required. you might get lucky and get some crush damage on the skull, you might get lucky and get and a single bird shot cut an artery, you might get lucky and they aren't that determined. You might get lucky and the police show up before you have to shoot.

[MarineOne]

The primary concern is stopping the threat, so I actually have triple aught for my 870.

I'm not worried about floors, walls, windows, etc. because a trip to Lowe's or Home Depot solves that problem.




Kris

[red rattler]

Got seven rounds of 00 and #3 buck loaded, I don't intend for there to be a survivor if their in my house. Like mentioned i'm not worried about the walls, Rather be patchin walls than burying my wife from an intruder. We have no children at home so not worried about killing someone in next room. I hope and pray it never happens but when if it ever does i hope i get off the first shot.

[arigatou]

I have been using it mounted brass # 6 or # 8 depending on what the import and export of hunting. I can pull my index finger and thumb, it is easy to load.