20 gauge shotshell source?

[politicalgeek]

I had no trouble finding game loads and clay loads for my new 20 gauge. What about buckshot? Any good online sources? The few I found had very little selection. I have not had much luck at some of the stores around town. Ohio Valley in Lancaster called another store and have 4-5 boxes of #3 being shipped for me. Eventually I will add a pump 12 as my main house gun, but for now the 20 gauge single shot serves just fine.

 

[yesit'sloaded]

I have an easier time finding slugs for my 20 than buck. I'm with you on it being hard to find. At least you don't have a 28 gauge.

 

[mnrivrat]

I generaly find the stuff at gun shows. I've stocked up over the years and have a few hundred rounds including some older federal # 4 buckshot in 3 inch.

 

[politicalgeek]

Eventually the 20 will be a hunting gun, so ammo won't be hard. And 12 is the jack of all trades.

The gentleman at OVO said that since most LEOs use 12 GA for their riot/patrol guns, the public follows suit. Basic laws of supply and demand. He made an interesting comment, stating that he believed a 20 was far better for a house gun, his reasons were less kick and more accuracy. Thats a debate for another thread. He suggested cheaper than dirt, but all they had was #3...so if I like what they sell me this week and the 3 works well, I'll consider cheaper than dirt.

 

[mnrivrat]

The most available buckshot for the 20ga. is the #3 in a 2&3/4" shell . While the buckshot sizes are limited for this ga. the 3 buckshot load has about twice the muzzle energy as a .357 Magnum , and that makes it a pretty good choice for HD. I use the 20ga. for all needs including HD, and hunting everything except waterfowl.

My personal opinion is that the 12ga. guns handle poorly in comparison, and the recoil from those magnum loads that everyone seems to think is needed, is less than pleasant ,and mainly not necessary for most tasks.

 

[MCgunner]

You don't have one up there, I'll bet, but Academy Sports and Outdoors in Texas stocks 20 gauge #3 buck. I have a stash, pick up a box now and then when I'm over there just because, or slugs. I don't shoot a lot of 'em, just like having a good stash. I mostly hunt with the gun, but it's a great survival/self defense tool if you're prepared.

 

[yesit'sloaded]

Or load your own.

 

[politicalgeek]

Thats the plan...when I have the space...

 

[bhk]

Try www.MidwayUSA.com

 

[Roswell 1847]

I fired a few rounds of 20 Ga buckshot from an olds stevens I'd picked up for twenty bucks back in the seventies.
I didn't make any scientific tests just blasted a few dead trees with it.

I have no doubts at all that a load of no.3 buckshot within HD distances would drop any man alive.

PS
They kick like Bruce Lee if fired in a lightweight single barrel, perhaps more than the equivalent 12 ga loads for that matter.

 

[MCgunner]

They're not bad at all recoil wise in my Spartan coach gun and slugs are much lighter than 12 gauge. I had an NEF single shot for the kid, kicked worse than my 12 gauge Winchester 1400. It was too light.

 

[xtra870]

i usually get mine from walmart (there cheap alright) Big5 a sporting goods store or a gun shop we have here

 

[TooTaxed]

Our local WalMart has a full selection of shotgun ammo, including 20-ga slugs and buckshot...and even some 28-ga.

 

[politicalgeek]

The two wally worlds I tried didn't have any, neither did Gander Mountain. I just picked up the stuff ohio valley had sent up. 5 boxes of 20 GA #3 buck, remington express w/ the polyethelne filler to improve the pattern. 19 dollars and change, I think that is pretty decent for what I have seen it going for.

 

[scout26]

A pound of Blue Dot, Federal 209 primers, some #3 or #4 Buck, Federal Top Gun or Winchester AA 2-3/4" hulls, Remington SP20 wads, a reloading scale and a funnel. Figure $70-85 for everything out the door to make ~ 250 buckshot shells (hulls you should be able to find for free at any local trap or skeet field.) Buying the same number of factory rounds ~$175.

Federal Hulls
http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/RecipeDetail.aspx?title=Buckshot&gauge=20&weight=18-4's&weightdis=2%203/4&shellid=404&gtypeid=6&loadid=2563


http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/RecipeDetail.aspx?title=Buckshot&gauge=20&weight=24-3's&weightdis=2%203/4&shellid=404&gtypeid=6&loadid=2564

Winchester Hulls
http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/RecipeDetail.aspx?title=Buckshot&gauge=20&weight=18-4's&weightdis=2%203/4&shellid=411&gtypeid=6&loadid=2566

 

[TooTaxed]

SCOUT 26, good data! Most people don't realize how much they can save by reloading...and it's easy and fun. You get extra satisfaction from shooting your own reloads.

 

[ArmedBear]

Wal-Mart

And it's hard to save money on reloading these days. If you're a serious shooter, you can save money. Top-notch reloads are a lot cheaper than STS's. But if you just want to shoot some, Wal-Mart bulk loads cost you no more than components for reloading.

Don't know about buckshot. I have one box of TAP in 12 in case the SHTF; bought it the day they waxed that filth founder of the Crips Dookie Williams. Threatened riot never materialized.