Picking the correct ammo

Depends on the intended use.

The 12ga #8 shot are typical field loads. About perfect for shooting at clay targets or smaller game animals like dove and quail. They would be OK on tougher animals like squirrel or rabbit, but a larger shot size is usually considered better. #8 shot has a lot of very tiny pellets in each shell. The smaller the number the larger the shot size, but you have fewer pellets. I like #6 for bigger small game. Number 7 1/2 is a decent compromise

Slugs are usually reserved for big game hunting, large predator defense and in some cases personal defense from 2 legged predators.

A 180 gr 30-06 bullet will certainly work and sometimes you've got to use what you can find. The heavier bullets are normally used for larger game like elk, moose or bear. For deer 150 gr would probably be a little better choice with 165's being a good dual purpose choice. The 180's will work, but you'll get a little more recoil than necessary. Given the option I'd prefer a lighter bullet unless the 180's were needed. It sounds like you just want to shoot targets.

The 240 gr FMJ 44 magnum loads are a good all around plinking or informal target shooting choice. Not what you'd want to hunt with. 44 magnum is one of those rounds used in both rifles and handguns. For the most part ammo is interchangeable, although there are some loads designed to work better in one or the other.

Please take time to learn the correct terminology first. Bullets are single projectiles that are fired by a gun, usually from a cartridge, which is what what you are calling a bullet. Cartridges for shotguns are usually referred to as shells.

Did you order cartridges for your .30-06, or just bullets?

You opened a can of worms! You're going to get so many different replies that your head will probably pop off your shoulders!

I would say let's keep this simple and ask if you plan on hunting or going to the range or both? That's still going to get numerous replies.

Let us know what you plan on doing most and guys can help you narrow it down to a few different types of ammunition to use.

Ammo is really expensive right now for people looking to get into shooting. So the more you can narrow it down the better.

ejm said:

Gun - Ruger carbine 44 magum “rifle”
Ammo - Precision One 44 Magnum Ammunition 240 Grain Full Metal Jacket (I only found the bullets under handgun, yet this is a rifle)

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I ordered a real heavy Filson garment a while back. It was in the "Men's Shirts" section of the Filson catalog, yet I wear it as a jacket.
That 44 Magnum ammunition you ordered doesn't care whether it's fired in a handgun, rifle or carbine. There's lots and lots of rifles and carbines out there that are chambered for ammunition that was originally developed for handguns, and it's listed in the "Handgun Ammunition" sections in the ammunition catalogs. Now whether or not the ammo you ordered will function reliably (it probably will) in your Ruger carbine, you'll have to find out for yourself.
Edited to add: there's also plenty of handguns out there that are chambered for ammunition that was originally developed for rifles and carbines. I myself used to have a handgun (a Ruger Blackhawk) that was chambered for 30 Carbine ammo.
One more thing: just because it says, "22 Long Rifle" on a box of 22 rimfire ammo, it doesn't mean that ammo can only be used in rifles. In fact, I'd almost (but not quite) wager that there's been more 22 Long Rifle ammunition fired in handguns than in rifles.

"BULLET: That part of a loaded cartridge which is accelerated down the gun barrel by the propellant gases. Once in motion, a bullet is referred to as a "projectile"; note that a bullet is a component part of a cartridge, however, a cartridge is not a bullet."
"AMMUNITION: One or more loaded cartridge (See also: BULLET and CARTRIDGE)"
"CARTRIDGE: A complete round of self-contained ammunition consisting of a primer, propellant powder, bullet, and cartridge case. "Bullets" are the projectile and a component of the cartridge."
Speer Handloading Manual Number 15
Copyright 2018 Vista Outdoors
Second Printing 2020

Rifled slugs are made for smooth cylinder bore shotguns. If your shot gun has choke tubes make sure to get a cylinder bore choke tube.
My ruger 44 carbine works fine with same ammo I use in my pistol.

Glossary:
Bullet - a single projectile fired from a rifle or pistol.
Slug- a single projectile fired from a shotgun.
Cartridge- consists of a case, usually brass, a primer, powder and a bullet.
Magazine- where cartridges are carried. can be a separate one, such as the detachable magazines for your 742, or integral to the gun, such as a standard Mauser magazine. Can also be tubular such as on your 870.

Your #8's are a good Skeet load.
I found 180 grain and up pound the 742 more than necessary. A steady diet of them will cause the bolt head to engrave the lugs into the upper receiver and create the 'jam-o-matic" they are often reviled as. Correct ammo for the 742 would be 150 or 165 grain and about 2600-2700 fps. (feet per second velocity)

Is that a Ruger semiauto .44 Mag. Carbine? Those rounds will be fine in it. Or if it's the 77/44 bolt they'll be fine for it also.

entropy said:

Please take time to learn the correct terminology first. Bullets are single projectiles that are fired by a gun, usually from a cartridge, which is what what you are calling a bullet. Cartridges for shotguns are usually referred to as shells.

Did you order cartridges for your .30-06, or just bullets?

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Really? He said he was new. A little slack would be nice.

ejm said:

MK - Sorry for the can of worms. At this point I am just going to the range, not hunting. It was hard to find Ammunition, so I just bought what I found. Knowing I only planned on shooting targets. I just want to make sure I wont damage my guns. The shotgun confuses me when it come to the slugs, can I use any 12 guage slug with the Remington 870 express mangnum that's 2 3/4 to 3" that is marked on the gun?

.308 - Thanks for the info on the .44 I think I did good with what I ordered for target practice. When I am ready to hunt I will be sure to pick everyone's brain on the best grain and bullet manufacture.

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FYI, one of the best online ammo vendors from my experience is www.sgammo.com. They used to be one of the lowest priced but low prices are hard these days. But their speed and shipping is still outstanding. I’ve used them for years.

ejm,
If you're shooting slugs in a smoothbore, as was said, use rifled slugs. If your shotgun has a spare rifled barrel, buy slugs for rifled barrels. Be sure to use the correct choke or remove the choke from the barrel.

Don't worry about the can of worms, it was meant for everyone that replies to the thread. They need to remember that you're getting back into shooting and looking for help with choosing the correct ammo.

Mk-211 said:

You opened a can of worms! You're going to get so many different replies that your head will probably pop off your shoulders!

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That's probably true, but the first response, from jmr40, gives you just about everything you need to know.

Why did your order slugs? What are planning on doing with them??

@ejm, welcome to THR. You've gotten some good input already. You've already experienced that this is a tough time to get back into shooting; ammunition is somewhat scarce and much higher priced that it used to be. Many of us hand load (or reload) our own ammunition (assemble a cartridge from a brass case, primer, powder, and bullet) to save some on the cost, but it's been a challenge for us, too, as components have been hard to find. I only mention it because that aspect of the hobby requires the precise use of terminology.

I'd just reiterate @jmr40's point about 180 grain .30-06 ammo being heavier (with more resultant recoil) than you need for target shooting at reasonable distances. When you can find it, jump on some 150 grain ammo. No need to beat yourself up. The .44 Mag ammo you have should do well.

Again, welcome to THR!

There is nothing wrong with encouraging a shooter - new or otherwise- to learn and use proper terminology.
The use of improper terminology leads to miscommunication, miscommunication leads to mistakes.

Not a lot of room for mistakes in the realm of firearms.

ejm said:

The shotgun confuses me when it come to the slugs, can I use any 12 guage slug with the Remington 870 express mangnum that's 2 3/4 to 3" that is marked on the gun?

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Just in case you missed it, the quote below was posted:

Englishmn said:

Rifled slugs are made for smooth cylinder bore shotguns. If your shot gun has choke tubes make sure to get a cylinder bore choke tube.
My ruger 44 carbine works fine with same ammo I use in my pistol.

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So, for a regular smooth bore barreled shotgun you want a rifled slug.

If you happened to have an extra barrel that is rifled, you wouldn't want to use a rifled slug in it as they would work against each other.

Looks like you got good answers above.

For the 30-06, for just target shooting, you might want 150gr rounds for a bit less kick.
You ought to be able to use M2 Ball equivalent 150gr FMJ rounds.
If you wanted to split the difference and use the Remington 168gr BT ammo, that would be ok, too (if about $2/round)

Now, in .308 or .223--the question would have been more of a stumper.

Lots of good advice above, but the 2nd post, by @jmr40, pretty much answered all your questions. Looks like you made good choices, now have fun!

Welcome to THR, hope you'll stick around.

Where are you shooting at? Some indoor ranges dont allow bird shot and some won't allow buck shot

Marlin model 60 are known for crudding up and malfunctioning a good cleaning will usually fix them.