410 for defense use

[Guvnor]

Yea im working on saving up for a 20 gauge semi auto, but money is tight right now so I have to work with what I got.

Thanks for all the replies.

 

[UnclePete]

It's maybe important to remember that each pellet will travel with the same kinetic energy as if fired by a 12 bore. Anyone with the misfortune to be hit will not be complaining the gun's too small.

If you have anywhere available to shoot it, the .410 is a real fun gun that doesn't bite back, I hope you use it and enjoy it.

 

[suemarkp]

Actually yes...I recently saw these on the shelf at a gander mountain, and sportsmans guide and cheaper than dirt also sell them. They are a 2-3/4 inch steel shell with five pellets of #4 buck. You would need to have a 3 inch chamber to use them. Apparently they are made in russia for the Saiga 410 semi-auto shotgun.

Seems like a good compromise between power and penetration. Problem is the indoor ranges around me dont allow steel cased ammo so I have no way to test them out if I bought them.

Those Golden Bear buckshot are actually #1 Buck and not #4 Buck -- the Russians don't seem to know our sizes. Given a limitation of 5 pellets, I'd take five 000 rather than five #1 Buck.

I really wish someone would make a 410 shell in a small buckshot or large birdshot loading. Whatever gets 3 pellets in a triangle with the triangles stacked high enough for 18+ pellets. Should be somewhere between #2 and B depending on how thick the wad is. I've experimented with making my own using BB in 444 Marlin cases. Would probably work in a 410 hull too, but haven't got the MEC 600Jr up and running yet.

I'd also avoid slugs in 410. They have high energy because they are so fast. But the slug is light (about 100 grains) and .375 to .400 diameter depending on wad design. Too much of a risk of under penetration and fragmentation for me.

 

[Bud Tugly]

Brenneke makes a 1/4oz slug for the .410. I've never tried them or seen a test, but they have a reputation for making very high quality slugs.

I think I saw them listed on the Midway website.

http://www.brennekeusa.com/start.html

 

[AgentAdam]

Those Berenekke slugs will give you a penetration problem unless that's what your looking for. They are heavier and more solid built. Supposed to be pretty accurate though.

 

[tactikel]

I recommended a 20 ga. pump as a S/D weapon for a woman co-worker. Now I regret I did. I got her some 2 3/4" slugs and 3" buckshot. (at the time I couldn't find 2 3/4" buck). That 20ga. kicks as hard as my 12. So she prefers to shoot birdshot in it. Not what I would recommend. I wish I had sold her on a .410 pump.
Yea, I know ammo is rare and expensive, but I think it's a better H/D gun for a woman.

Have her practice with target loads, only use the hi-vel loads for SD. She will be amped up and never notice the recoil if, god forbid, she has to use them.
7/8 oz skeet loads with a good recoil pad (and a shooting vest if possible) should be easy for her to handle.