[Landlocked Pirate]

I'm wanting to stock up on buckshot (along with other ammo) to keep on hand for the "uprising", and I have a few questions for some of the forum experts.
First, I have no experience with TACTICAL buckshot loads but from what I've read I understand that they typically pattern better and penetrate deeper than regular loads because of the plated shot, full-length shotcups, etc., and my question is this: Is the tactical stuff necessarily that much superior to regular unplated lead 00 buckshot for defensive and combat usage, and would I be handicapped using the regular stuff (assuming, of course, that it patterns decently in my guns)?
Also, I'm thinking that combat shotgunners in WWs I & II used regular lead buckshot loads, and maybe even in Vietnam, but I'm not positive about this. Does anyone know for sure?
Thanks.

[Scorpiusdeus]

I'm wanting to stock up on buckshot (along with other ammo) to keep on hand for the "uprising"

For the "uprising" I think regular buckshot will do just fine. Are you on the email list?

In WWII and Vietnam I'm pretty sure they used regular Buckshot. Of course there are the stories about using dimes or some such, but I wasn't in either of those wars. You can probably stock up on more regular vs "tactical" given price and all.

I guess you'd also have to consider your surroundings, rural or urban.

You do have a tactical wheel barrel don't you?

[CWL]

You have to separate weapons used for warfare and self/home defense.

Warfare has it's own rules (or lack of) where missed shots downrange don't matter as much as in a self defense situation. Better quality buckshot does have its purposes.

My guns are for sport or for self defense, in the case of my 12ga SD guns, I get great and repeatable patterns using my specific shotguns and Federal reduced-recoil 00 buck. My shotgun trainer has us trained to be able to make reliable headshots at 15 yards (I have personally patterned mine out to 17 yards). This is specifically for a worst-case scenario of a BG using a family member as a hostage/shield. -Now you may not think this necessary for your gun & shot combination, but I feel much more confident knowing the exact performance capabilities of my shotgun and ammunition choice.

[Trifler]

The most interesting defensive shotgun round I've seen thus far is Low-Recoil Plated Buckshot. You get the Low-Recoil benefits while the plating improves range and penetration so supposedly you can get your cake and eat it too. The plating may have the added benefit of reducing the airborne dispersal of lead when the gun is fired. So far Federal and Fiocchi are the only ones I've seen making this combination.

[Landlocked Pirate]

Scorpiusdeus,
At this time my wheel barrel is bone stock, but yes, I do plan on tricking it out soon :D.

CWL,
I certainly see the need for tight-paterning precision loads for LE hostage rescue sort of thing. I guess my thoughts were leaning toward the probably-will-never-happen-but-want-to-be-prepared-for-anyway SHTF scenario. And going back to the "what they used in WWII" question, I figure if Marines used regular buckshot in the South Pacific, then it probably ought to do for my purposes.

Thanks, y'all.

[Landlocked Pirate]

Trifler,
The Federal and Fiocchi loads you mentioned, or for that matter any other of the fine tactical loads, aren't available around here, and I would have to order them. But right now my local Walmart has Federal bulk boxes (15 to a box) of unplated 00 buck for $7.22. I'm buying up a bunch but I haven't patterned or even shot any yet. If they pattern well I figure (hope) they'll do for my purposes, and if not, then I've still got a lot of cheap range ammo.

[Man With A Gun]

I carried a shotgun in Vietnam. The garrison load was 00 buck. I had my brother send me a case of #1 Buck remington shells. They worked well.

The SAS carried Browning A5 autos with a Burma Load of large shot surrounded by smaller (I think #2 or #4 ) shot which worked well also,

I saw, but did not use, some flechett rounds loaded with lead or steel darts. Wicked stuff. I have seen these advertised for sale to the public recently for "home defense".

[Landlocked Pirate]

Man With a Gun,
Good info. Thanks.

[Loyalist Dave]

The Federal reduced recoil loads do give you a tighter pattern at long range than cheaper all lead rounds. The more pellets in the target, the more damage. The more damage, the better the chance for a one shot stop. I personally prefer #1 buck outside, #6 game loads inside where I dont want the pellets going room to room.

LD

[marley]

Make sure the reduced recoil will work if you are using a semi auto. My benelli does not like the federal reduced recoil tactical loads. YMMV patrick

[Dave McCracken]

Balrog, best thing is to try out some different loads and see what your shotgun likes. Stick with 2 3/4" loads. Contrary to ye Net Ninjas, they're not from The Land Of Nerf.8 or 9 pellet wil do fine.

I've decent results recently with Federal Tac and their Classic, both in 00. The Tactical was tighter.

Best results ever came with "Old" Estate R/R.

And, while 1 buck has some things going for it and 4 buck has it's advocates, 00 is still the best answer, IMO.

HTH....