What Is A Good Home Defense Shotgun Ammo???

[S&WM&P40]

So far i have this 12 Gauge Federal Vital Shok Buckshot, 2-3/4", 00 Copper Plated Buck, 9 Pellets, 1.107 oz., 1325 fps, 5 Rounds and this Ammo 12 Gauge ALS Slug Tactical Entry Package of 5, 525 Grain, Hollow Point Slug produces an extremely large wound channel despite its low muzzle velocity of only 1100 fps. This virtually eliminates over penetration and collateral damage beyond the target. This entry slug is ideal for shotguns utilized in close combat and urban terrain, such as apartment complexes and office buildings, and these same characteristics also make it perfect for home defense. Are there any more??

[toreskha]

I have 2 3/4" 00 at 1200 fps from Remington. It's "managed recoil", which supposedly cuts down on the kick that it delivers to the shooter. I don't know this for sure, since I haven't shot any of the PD ammo yet, but it feeds just as reliably as range shells. Recoil is important with the pistol grip, and it just reduces another variable in a potentially bad situation.

The main concerns with 12 ga buckshot are going to be overpenetration and reliability. Actual kill power is inherently already taken care of.

[Ryan H]

I use birdshot because it is much less liable to penetrate through walls. There are other people in my house than just me, so I take things like that into consideration... Honestly though my mossy is loaded 24/7, I will always go straight for a handgun first.

[tattedupboy]

It depends. If you live by yourself in a house, any kind of ammo will do. If you live in an apartment like me, slugs and birdshot would probably be the best kind. If other people live with you, again, use either slugs or birdshot.

[Glock Fan]

I like 00 Buck Shot. Standard load has 9 pellets. Not really worried about OP. Did some field tests on various construction materials. If I maintain my safe shooting zones, then the probability of injury to innocents is very minimal.



gf

[Ryan H]

I'd sure hate to rely on "safe shooting zones" in a gun battle though... you never know where/what position you're gonna end up in while pulling that trigger. I'd much rather use something that in the event I miss my target, it goes through way less walls/materials...

Also, slugs have quite a bit more penetration than buckshot does in my experience of blasting random objects with a 12 gauge.... in fact I've found very few objects the trusty 2.75" slug doesn't slam itself completely through.

[Glock Fan]

Originally Posted by Ryan H

I'd sure hate to rely on "safe shooting zones" in a gun battle though... you never know where/what position you're gonna end up in while pulling that trigger. I'd much rather use something that in the event I miss my target, it goes through way less walls/materials...

Also, slugs have quite a bit more penetration than buckshot does in my experience of blasting random objects with a 12 gauge.... in fact I've found very few objects the trusty 2.75" slug doesn't slam itself completely through.

Unless you live alone, you'll have to figure out what directions will be safe to shoot in. Even if you don't live alone, you'll still have to consider what would happen if you miss. Will a shot go through a window and possibly injure a neighbor? Will a bad shot end up hitting a passing car? This is all part of planning a proper home defense strategy. While serving in the military we maintained our zones of fire when entering hostile areas and clearing buildings.

Something to consider......



gf

[festus]

I am currently researching the tungsten "hevi-shot" loads for home defense. They are dense, fast and pack one heck of a wallup. In an indoor defense environment these may be the ticket...I need to do a little more research first.

[Glock Fan]

Originally Posted by festus

I am currently researching the tungsten "hevi-shot" loads for home defense. They are dense, fast and pack one heck of a wallup. In an indoor defense environment these may be the ticket...I need to do a little more research first.

Tungsten is good stuff, though it's kind of expensive for it to be practical for me. Sort of like "Corbon" ammunitnon.

I'll stick with my 00 buck shot for now. It does the job and is still in use by many LE agencies.



gf

[Jes]

Before anyone here uses slugs thinking they will not penetrate because they are hollowpoint, you might want to take a look at this site: The Box O' Truth #3 - The Shotgun Meets the Box O' Truth - Page 1

12ga buckshot actually penetrates drywall less than just about any handgun and WAAAAY less than slugs.

If you are worried about overpenetration use 00buck or drop down to a #4 tactical shot. Birdshot may or may not work especially if your attacker is determined. If it can't kill a goose, what makes you think it will stop the BG.