Ammo HELP for Saiga 12

[cbrgator]

I am looking for 2 different types:
1. HD Ammo
2. Practice Ammo (for clay pigeons I guess, obviously low price is important here)

I just bought the Saiga 12 and it's my first shotgun. I didn't realize how clueless I was about shotgun shells until I went to Bass Pro today to check out the selection. So help me out with what to buy!!! Thanks!

 

[Geneseo1911]

HD- you'll want something between #4 buck and 00 buck. 00 is the traditional standard, but ballistic gel tests indicate #4 penetrates sufficiently while minimizing over-penetration through walls. 4 is hard to find, though. The Saiga's lack of any choke may demand premium, plated, buffered loads to create any kind of pattern, especially if you want to shoot any distance. I haven't gotten out to pattern mine yet.

practice/break-in- anything. My Saiga eats even 7/8 oz loads now that it has a couple hundred rounds through it. I have read that they have trouble with the Winchester bulk packs sold at WalMart. You'll want #7 or #8 birdshot to shoot clays with. I would recommend 1 1/8 oz loads until you get the rough edges smoothed out (only takes about a box). The cheapest thing you can find will be good enough.

Don't forget to adjust the gas valve when switching between heavy buckshot/slug loads and light birdshot rounds. Go to www.saiga-12.com and look around, too. They have a good forum and also sell some parts. I highly recommend the 5 round mags they sell if you need some extras.

 

[lipadj46]

Geneseo1911 pretty much covered it, stay away from the Walmart winchester packs, the Wally World Federal bulk packs are good. If you have trouble with the lighter loads even on setting 2 then then put at least 100 rounds of 00 buck or slugs through it to loosen it up. If you still have problems with lighter loads look at the number of gas vents and if there are only 2 then you need warranty work.

Here is the low down on the gas setting. Don't shoot heavy loads on setting 2.

http://forum.saiga-12.com/index.php?showtopic=262

 

[Frank4711]

I bought a case of these BP Baby Magnums, see size chart, free shipping and 200 in a case...$82.28. Slightly larger than a #2 shot..... https://www.bandpusa.com/Shopping/p...uage=&osCsid=570785e9ac18bf2621ee7ff02d841506

 

[cbrgator]

Lawnman, is that for HD?

 

[_JT_]

What type of Slugs would you guys recommend for Deer hunting, and for just general practice at the range

 

[cbrgator]

What should I expect to pay for both practice birdshot and for legit HD ammo?

Also my gas port has the supposedly new 3 hole design. Will I have problems cycling low power loads?

 

[Geneseo1911]

My Saiga has three ports and cycles most anything. It gets better the more you use it.

The ammo most guys at the gun club use runs $51 /case, which would break down to be $5.10/box of 25. This is 1 oz stuff, which your gun probably won't cycle at first. 1 1/8oz loads will cost just a little more. Buckshot usually runs closer to $1 - $1.25/ round. I would suggest you buy your buckshot online, as you will be able to get it much cheaper if you buy in quantity.
http://www.natchezss.com/ammo.cfm?contentID=ammoGroup&ammoGroup=3&ammoSize=184&type=1&mfg=ZY
This is what I ordered, and is about as cheap as it gets. They are out of stock right now, but that should give you some idea as to price.

 

[lipadj46]

What type of Slugs would you guys recommend for Deer hunting, and for just general practice at the range

I just use the regular old Remington 2 3/4" rifled slugs in the green and yellow box. Don't use sabot slugs or any other slugs that require a rifled barrel.

 

[Frank4711]

cbrgator Yes Sir, should be fine for HD...

 

[Geneseo1911]

Please don't use birdshot for HD. It lacks the energy to penetrate sufficiently to stop a human at any range over a couple feet.
tacticalshotgun.ca had some good tests, but they seem to be down right now, so this is the best link I can find: http://www.shadonet.com/2008/01/choosing-between-birdshot-buckshot-or-slugs-for-shotgun-home-defense/

Numerous ballistic tests and shootings show that #1 buckshot is the minimum load with enough penetration to be effective for self or home defense.

that's .30 inch. I have seen ballistic gel tests of #4 buck (24 caliber) which also penetrated sufficiently. #2 birdshot is .15 inch. It would create a nasty looking wound, and let the BG know he's been shot, but wouldn't put him down. If you insist on using birdshot for HD, I suggest backing it up with buckshot in case you have a determined or high attacker.

 

[lipadj46]

What should I expect to pay for both practice birdshot and for legit HD ammo?

Well the Federal bulk pack at Walmart is $30 for 100 or something like that. Good low recoil 00 buck can cost $1 per round or so.