Best home defense shotgun ammo?

I load my 870 with the first two shots of Winchester or Remington 1oz slugs just in case I need to shoot through a barrier or into a car. Slugs will also put some major hurt into a human body. After that comes 00 buck in a couple of flavors. Usually a low recoil law enforcement type and even full power 00 buck.

Thing is, you never ever know what situation you might be in. You will just have to be conscious of your surroundings and where you are pointing the muzzle. To me, the risk of over penetration comes second to stopping the immediate threat. Where I live I can afford that. If you live in an apartment or have close neighbors, then your choices may differ.

But, as stated earlier, for my uninvited guests I serve the best.

Birdshot smaller than BB is NOT adequate for defense against human targets, unless it's absolutely the only thing you have on hand. I can't recall how many times I've posted it here, but a firsthand, short-range encounter with a rabid coyote and birdshot convinced me for all time that birdshot is not effective for defense.

Buckshot is what you need; in 12 gauge, 00 through #1 will be just dandy. The "reduced recoil" law enforcement loads are a good choice. And you don't need 3-inch magnums, as they just are tougher on the shoulder and only throw a few more pellets downrange. For 20 gauge, buckshot loads are available from #1 down to #4, any of which should be OK.

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Originally Posted by KBSR

I load #6 shot & #7 shot for the first two rounds, followed by #4 Buckshot. Using buckshot indoors is problematic, if you have loved ones sleeping on the other side of the wall you are shooting towards. Bird shot will encourage your subject to "put some yonder" between himself and that gun, and RIGHT NOW!!!

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I've got the family in the house, so my shotgun loading is similar to the above.

00 Buckshot is a proven man stopper. Dont mess with what works.

For a little education try The Box O' Truth - Ammo Penetration Testing

i keep my rem 870 home defense 12 gauge loaded with 6 remington 00 buckshot 2 3/4'' and their 6 big brothers 3'' 00 buckshots in the side saddle!

#1 Buckshot

Best blend of penetration vs number of pellets

Birdshot is for little birds

Anything that will reach the vitals will go through interior walls, which are nothing but glorified cardboard

If an assailant is inside your house, the time for warning shots, "owie" birdshot, etc is over - he needs to be stopped, and stopped hard

If you are worried about over penetration you need to think not only about the size of the shot but also about its spread. I use only Federal Flite Control buck because at inside the house ranges, it will have the smallest spread. This year I switched to the newest Federal load - the #1 buck reduced recoil load.

See this write up on Box of Truth: The Box O' Truth #56 - Federal Flight Control #1 Buckshot - Page 1

Thanks for all of the responses. Very interesting and helpful.

I have decided to go with a first round of #4. If that doesn't stop them or generate an immediate and rapid retreat then I am filling out the tube with reduced recoil #1 buckshot to finish the job.

Merry Christmas everyone!!

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Originally Posted by gasmitty

Birdshot smaller than BB is NOT adequate for defense against human targets, unless it's absolutely the only thing you have on hand. I can't recall how many times I've posted it here, but a firsthand, short-range encounter with a rabid coyote and birdshot convinced me for all time that birdshot is not effective for defense.

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Originally Posted by 10thmtn

Birdshot is for little birds

Anything that will reach the vitals will go through interior walls, which are nothing but glorified cardboard

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- I agree 100%. I waterfowl hunt and birds don't always die immediately when hit with smaller shot. I also can't tell you the amount of times I've butchered a bird and find that the shot has barely penetrated the feathers and skin.

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Originally Posted by Hodad

Thanks for all of the responses. Very interesting and helpful.

I have decided to go with a first round of #4. If that doesn't stop them or generate an immediate and rapid retreat then I am filling out the tube with reduced recoil #1 buckshot to finish the job.

Merry Christmas everyone!!

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I think you've made an excellent choice, and should you fail, it won't be for inadequate equipment. Good luck, and lets hope you never have to test your setup first-hand.

good info.,

The Firearms Tactical Institute reports;
"Number 1 buck is the smallest diameter shot that reliably and consistently penetrates more than 12 inches of standard ordnance gelatin when fired at typical shotgun engagement distances. A standard 2 ¾-inch 12 gauge shotshell contains 16 pellets of #1 buck. The total combined cross sectional area of the 16 pellets is 1.13 square inches. Compared to the total combined cross sectional area of the nine pellets in a standard #00 (double-aught) buck shotshell (0.77 square inches), the # 1 buck shotshell has the capacity to produce over 30 percent more potentially effective wound trauma. In all shotshell loads, number 1 buckshot produces more potentially effective wound trauma than either #00 or #000 buck. In addition, number 1 buck is less likely to over-penetrate and exit an attacker's body."

An Indepth Guide to 12 Gauge Shotgun Ammunition

Best home defense shotgun ammo?




We should really defer to Joe Biden on this one guys.

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Originally Posted by bubbatime

You asked for the best load? Here it is, end of discussion.

Federal low recoil 1 buck buckshot

G T Distributors Product Detail

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^^^^ this

Federal Flight Control #1 Buck.

From Dr. Roberts:

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The new Federal #1 buckshot, 15 pellet, 1100 fps "Flight Control" load (LE132-1B) offers IDEAL terminal performance for LE and self-defense use and is the best option for those who need to use shot shells for such purposes.

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http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=99583

-john

# 1 buck reduced power loads.