What is a good 20 gauge load for RV defense in a O/U.

Buck or slug will do

If you can find turkey loads, 5s, 4s,2s or #3 buck

Bird shot may be all you can find, but definitely not 1st choice for defense.

Slugs 1st choice, effective, inexpensive, and If you really look available. 2nd and last recommendation is #4 BUCK shot, under 20 yards. Do not use birdshot for SD.
If you are stymied check out chamber adapters, match what is available with what ammo you can find. Under 25 yards they are effective.

What chokes do you have?
Full isn't great with slugs.

I would think that anything from #5 turkey loads to #4buck would be pretty darn efficient inside an RV.

I've seen campgrounds where the campers are pretty close together. I'd be a little uncomfortable with slugs.

1 buck 9 pellet Nobelsport 20 guage is in Stock available at Ammoland , Rio brand is also available elsewhere and I have tested it and it holds good groups and about as effective as a 12 guage imho . You can certainly use buckshot in modified and full chokes. Inside an RV #6 or heavier bird shot will give a rat hole into vitals with #6 and #4 or bbs are better

Normally I suggest buckshot, any size you can find and like. But at the close ranges inside RV some of the bigger birdshot pellets would probably do and be less of a problem for other campers. Right now you've got to buy what you can find. Not a lot of options out there at the moment.

I wonder how many RVs in takes to stop a 20ga slug?

#4, 5, or 6 in the 1 oz load. 4 preferred.

When hunting upland game with a 20 ga O/U I carry a couple of rounds of #1 buck in my hunting vest, just in case I encounter a threat.

#3 Buck 2 3/4"
#2 Buck 3"

I can say, I believe

Seedy Character said:

#3 Buck 2 3/4"
#2 Buck 3"

I can say, I believe

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20 pellets of #3 buck would leave a mark. It gets my vote.

Bill M. said:

The title covers my question. Want to buy 1 small box of whatever. Not going to shoot or pattern it. Just keep it in case an occasion arises. I have bird shot. The gun was picked for other reasons but it is going to have to do double duty.

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Are other campers around like in an RV park or are we talking secluded/alone in bear country?

If we're talking RV park, I was thinking BB self defense loads.

If secluded away from other RV'ers #4 buck & only maybe slug if secluded away from other RV'ers & in bear country.

danez71 said:

If we're talking RV park, I was thinking BB self defense loads.

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These were my exact thoughts.

Bill M. said:

Not going to shoot or pattern it.

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Then it really doesn't matter, does it?

OP:

Please, pattern your chosen load. You owe it to yourself, your loved ones, and your RV park neighbors.

For a load suggestion, #3 buck is a good choice for such a close in environment. The Rio royal 9 pellet load (also called the c20 game load) is another good choice.

Buy a few 5rnd boxes, or a 25rnd box of the Rio, take 5 rounds, pattern 2 rounds 3-5 yards, 2 at 7 yards, and 1 at 10-12 yards.
This will at least give you a snapshot of what to expect from your load choice, at some basic distances.

This requires very little effort, and can be done in 10 minutes.

~ Leo

Buy a handgun in 9,40, 45, 38.... Learn to shoot it and then carry it everywhere.

Sistema1927 said:

When hunting upland game with a 20 ga O/U I carry a couple of rounds of #1 buck in my hunting vest, just in case I encounter a threat.

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Somebody hunting around you is going to appreciate that one of these days.

Kleanbore said:

Buckshot outdoors would be extremely risky in such a campground. When we camped, I carried a pistol and had "backstop" imprinted in my consciousness.

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Remind me to camp several spots down from you.

Kleanbore said:

I'd prefer to have a pistol shooter who pays attention to what is behind the target to someone whose buckshot spreads in a campground.

Same as being downrange from a police officer using his shotgun when he should use his pistol.

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Who said anything about shooting?

#3 buck in one barrel and a slug in the other, fixed so that the buck shoots first. From the gist of the post, it would seem that the OP isn't camping in an RV park but rather out by himself. Therefore making collateral damage a moot point. Myself, I'd want a handgun as at least back-up, but I understand the legal constraints in some states prohibit such.

Mac