12 ga loading that most resembles 20 ga

[Dr_2_B]

Hey, the search results I pulled up could stand updating. If you had a 12 ga and wanted to load it with home defense loads that would give it milder recoil closer to that of a 20 ga, what mfg and loading would you choose?

This would be for home defense use in a pump shotgun. My favorite loadings are #4 buckshot up to #1 or 0 buckshot.

Thanks all

 

[rcmodel]

Any of the reduced recoil, or low recoil 00 buck loads.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/58...2-3-4-buffered-00-buckshot-9-pellets-box-of-5

They will kick similar to a 20 ga, if not less.

Because 20 ga guns are typically lighter then 12 ga guns and just naturally kick more with similar velocity loads


rc

 

[Ash]

The problem is that the 20 will have higher velocity over reduced 12 loads which will give you more pellets but at a lower velocity. The only real difference between the various gauges or bores is pellet numbers when they come out the barrel (and recoil, of course). They all generally come out the same velocity if the brass is the same (obviously a magnum will come out faster in most cases).

But for home defense, that is not likely going to be all that big of a deal.

 

[oneounceload]

You could always reload a 7/8 or even a 3/4 oz load. I reload a 3/4 oz load from targets for both 12 and 20; for HD, all I would have to do is swap pellet size

 

[Dr_2_B]

I reload a 3/4 oz load from targets for both 12 and 20; for HD, all I would have to do is swap pellet size

Oh that would go over well with the prosecutor.

I'm totally yankin your chain here.

 

[oneounceload]

Sure it would; those aren't any uber-zombie slayers. Replace #8s with #4 buck. At 1210 fps, they are easy on the shoulder

 

[MikeJackmin]

I've had good luck with reduced-recoil slug loads. Much easier to manage and still plenty powerful. Of course, they might not be useful to you if overpenetration would be a problem.

 

[Arizona_Mike]

Low recoil can come in both lower velocity and/or lower weight. I suspect Herters 3/4 oz 2 1/4" 00 should be similar to 20ga.

Mike

 

[Uniquedot]

(obviously a magnum will come out faster in most cases).

Actually you have to know what you're buying if velocity vs pellet count is what you're after. Traditional 2.75" magnum loads were about 110 fps slower than high velocity field loads and about the same as standard field loads while being only slightly faster than light target loads. 3" magnums were slower than target loads.

The "magnum" as well as the extra recoil came from the heavier shot and large slow burning powder charge. It was easier to continue to use dram equivalents rather than velocity on the packages as that way no explanation was needed as to why magnums were slower.

Manufacturers have in recent years started using less shot in magnum loads to actually gain more velocity, but if you purchase traditional loadings you are trading velocity for pellet count.