What Is The Best 12 Gauge Shotgun Load for Home Defense?

Me ^ | November 5, 2001 | NoControlling LegalAuthority

[NoControllingLegalAuthority]

I would like opinions on the best shotgun shell load for use in a 12 Gauge Shotgun when being used for home defense. I have heard of using bird shot, buck shot and slugs - standard or magnum loads. I have heard of progressive loading such as first round-bird shot, second round-buckshot, third round-slugs.

Considerations seem to include whether you want to blow the door or wall down in the process of stopping the intruder.

[CigarChef]

AKA Hooch or Hut Busters. Candy Cane loads were layers of dimes and carpet tacks...due to wet conditions, we sealed the crimp with nail polish. The Ithaca 37 with a duckbill muzzle attachment and pistol grip would only work with NAV issued #4 buck and useless as t*ts on a bull past 6-7 yards depending on vegetation.

[JewishRighter]

I love this guy:

[JewishRighter]

Sorry, let's try that again:

[StoneColdTaxHater]

Bird shot.....point in general direction of soon to be dead person and squeeze trigger

[JewishRighter]

Sorry, let's try that again:

[Gaffer]

Nice,
I've got one with a Knoxx, Spec Ops double recoil reducing action that takes all the kick out of it... Holds 8 +1 rounds, to boot....

[Gaffer]

I've got that, except mine is not OD/parked....

[freedomlover]

Within the first 5 to 10 yards it really doesn't matter, so I use birdshot. Also I strongly suggest people go to a range to see how small the pattern is at that range.

Also for those who talk about "sweeping" a house with short barrels etc IMHO you are morons. If you go after a perp in YOUR house you are asking for trouble. If it comes to it I wait in a room behind a closed door with my family behind me. You know your house, and will likely be able to hear them coming. Screw the "rack" sound - the first thing a perp is going to hear is an explosion as soon as they try the door.

[IndyTiger]

A Remington 870 pump with double-ought buckshot is what I have.

[dljordan]

"At the likely ranges inside a house, it has the same punch as lead or steel bird or buck. At longer ranges it won't kill, but the perp will never, ever forget you shot him, either."

Leave him alive so he can sue you? I don't think so.

[dljordan]

"That would be nice if you wanna piss me off if you wanna stop me you better get a barrel of deer slugs"

If you get shot from ten feet with No. 6 shot you're not going anywhere. It will tear you up really badly and the hydrostatic shock is going to out you down.

[brazzaville]

Good morning.
"What say Ye?"

My Remington 870 has two dove and quail loads followed by five OO buck rounds.

A threat that isn't persuaded by the smaller shot will get the buckshot and the door will get replaced later.

Of course I live in a sparsely populated area and don't have to worry about messing up the neighbor's apartment.

Michael Frazier

[Osage Orange]

Well...what did you end up going with?

[Dr.Zoidberg]

I am really getting tired of the "cycling round scares the intruder" bit. In a real home defense situation I definately want suprise on my side and in my home it will always be. I know the layout by heart and can travel in utter darkness. Couple this with good marksmanship skills and a 357 and my odds go considerably. "cycling a round " while an intruder is IN your home could just as likey get your backside loaded full of lead.

Finally, someone with a wee bit of sense.

The first and last indication said goblin should get that you're onto him is a concussive boom and searing pain that lasts just a second (or two at the most).

A warning is for belligerent family members only.

[Johndavid24]

If your not sure what a 12 gauge will do at the distance you might use it at , do some testing for yourself.
Up close any bb shot acts like a slug (pretty much), just keep in mind whats behind the wall or door ,a slug will go through many walls, small shot ...1 maybe 2 walls. Too many variables, do some testing

#6 to 8 shot should be good for most....imo

[E. Pluribus Unum]

You do realize you responded to a six-year old post?

:)

[bmwcyle]

The price is right.

[Tijeras_Slim]

[Fiddlstix]

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