Best 12ga HD load? Search not working...

Status
Not open for further replies.
G

Gunner23

Member
Joined
Oct 22, 2006
Messages
64
I tried to do a little reasearch about this on Google, but I wanted to get some of your opinions. I tried using the forum's search function, but it keeps giving me some jazz about "bad gateway" blah blah blah, so I wasn't able to come up with anything.

So far, from what I've read, the general concensus seems to be 2 3/4" #1 buckshot is the round of choice, due to excellent stopping power without the overpenetration you'd get with 00 buck, as well being friendlier on your shoulder as opposed to magnum 3" loads.

I'm leaning toward Federal Power-Shok 2 3/4 #1 Buckshot - I'd like to get some other opinions though. What do you guys have loaded in your guns for HD?
 
Federal offers a line of Tactical buckshot for police and self defense use. This same load is offered in the power-shok line. It is low-recoil for better recovery and reduced penetration. The load number on the box is H132 00. It is however, 00 Buck.
 
Well as I don't have a whole lot of experiance with shotgun ammo in any flavor, is 00 buck an absolute no-no, or can it be effectively used inside a home without blowing half of your wall away?
 
00 = .33 cal pellets, typically 8-12
1 = .30 cal pellets, typically 16
4 = .24 cal pellets, typically 27

As the shot size decreases, each individual ball has less momentum and will penetrate less. Naturally you can fit more of the smaller pellets in the same space. I dont think you would find a huge difference in performance as far as damage to your house. 00 will penetrate a bit more, but 4 will leave more holes.
 
I have Federal #4 Buckshot (2 3/4"; 27 pellet; max dram load; 1325 fps of muzzle velocity); it is labeled Power-Shok in the 'new' dark blue, silver, and black packaging; I hope to find a 'low recoil' load in #4 eventually...no one seems to carry it...:scrutiny:
 
The Box o' Truth was very informative, thank you! Sounds like 00 is the load of choice if you own your own home and don't have to worry about killing the people in the next apartment.

Almost any shotgun load is going to tear up your house if you miss. Practice a lot and don't miss.
Click to expand...

I don't plan on missing. In fact, I plan on blasting the **** out of any jackass who tries to enter my home. My primary concern here was overpenetration. But, to penetrate the BG far enough to ensure a lethal hit, I guess you have to be willing to penetrate a wall, too.
 
Every body that has posted on this thread has said 00 or #4 i use 000 buck 3 inch mags is that to big?
Click to expand...

I think that might be a *little* bit of overkill from what I've read. Unless you were being sarcastic, in which case I'll shut up. lol
 
Anything capable of stopping a badguy is going to be able to penetrate typical drywall as well. Arrange bookshelves (loaded solid), heavy furniture, decorative interior brick or stone walls etc as backstops to protect areas behind your 'fatal funnel,' and shoot something effective. IMHO 3" Maggie numbs are overkill for HD and slow your shot-to-shot recovery, size of buckshot used at ranges measured in feet means very little, really. Still, larger size buckshot (000, 00, etc) is more likely to overpenetrate human targets especially at close range. Any buckshot will do close in, but buckshot is a poor choice for 'out yonder' a ways, then you need slugs, remember that buckshot runs out of penetration before it runs out of pattern. The theoretical/numerical "advantages" of #1 buck depend solely on how well it patterns out of your gun/barrel/choke, absolutely nothing theoretical about pattern paper- go shoot some and see how your gun does with various loads. Go with what brand/load/shot size patterns best for YOUR needs in YOUR gun and forget the blahblahblah in the gunrags/on the errornet.

Remember there are no hardware solutions to software problems, the shooter matters more than the gun or ammunition.

Stay safe,

lpl/nc
 
Very good points, Lee. I realize that I need to spend some time getting properly acquainted with my new gun, and I intend to follow Dave's patterning recommendations as soon as I possibly can. I'll try out some different loads and see what happens. I was just trying to base my starting point on some loads that have largely been effective for other people...there are alot of choices out there, I just wanted to narrow the field slightly. :)
 
A couple things....

Maggie Numbs kick more and take you longer to get back on the next target.

2 3/4" loads are plenty.

Practically any shotgun load packs more than enough energy to neutralize a perp. The trick is proper insertion. That's 10% hardware and 90% software.

00 is hardly ever a bad choice for defensive use. So is 1 buck.

While the gun shop commandos will praise spread, it's not what we want We want ALL the energy to enter the perp's CNS. That takes a tight patterning load and ahem, expertise.

Try this for gaining that expertise in the real world.

Measure your longest possible shot opp in your domicile. Add a yard for GPs. Pattern at that distance and pick the 2 3/4" load of 00,0 or 1 buck that shoots the tightest.

Next, see how well you can put that load into a 4" target at that distance using your shotgun and load. A standard clay target will do, or just draw circles on your patterning paper.

When you get to 100%, do it faster. Get the time under one second consistently. Once that happens, start moving the targets around. Try low light, or running in place first until you can feel your heart beat.

Add a second target. Get those times down and note how the shotgun feels like a body part rather than a tool. Also note you're having fun.

If your shotgun takes choke tubes, stick in your tightest and repeat the first exercise. Note results.

At this point, you're fairtomiddlin' deadly. No gadgets, gizmos or Internet Warrior guidance. No worrying about best buck load, just being the best buck shooter you can be....
 
Reduced recoil 2 3/4 " 00 buck works very well.Easy to handle .About the best choice available.
 
I'm still thinking that the Federal Tactical 00 2 3/4 is a great option, although I can't seem to find anyone who has it in stock...:confused:

Thanks for the great tips, Dave. I'm going to follow those instructions verbadem when I get all set up, and hopefull get really good at those drills.

Oh, and Comancho....got that article bookmarked already - thank you though :)
 
3" Magnums do not offer higher velocity or wider spread - only more pellets in the same area.

I would rather have lower recoil and an extra round(s) in the tube that 2 3/4 allows.

miko
 
Every body that has posted on this thread has said 00 or #4 i use 000 buck 3 inch mags is that to big?
Click to expand...

I guess it's fine...as long as you don't intend on shooting them more than once...or if the burgler is actually a polar bear.:D
 
I sometimes stuff mine with S&B 2.75" OO- cheap stuff but I like the 12 pellet payload. It may be too long for some guns, so try it before you rely on it.
 
I use FED 2 ¾ #1 Buck.

In my Benelli with the MOD choke it gives very good patterns. I’ve also used the Fed 2 ¾ OO reduced recoil, but really didn’t notice that big of a drop in recoil and the #1 patterned better.

Chuck
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

5
  • Locked
20 Gauge Buckshot for HD
2
Replies
27
Views
4K
Youngster
Y
M
  • Locked
What is "lower recoil" buckshot? And should I use it for HD?
Replies
7
Views
2K
Trifler
T
C
  • Locked
12 gauge reduced recoil #1 buckshot loads?
Replies
20
Views
4K
Jorg Nysgerrig
J
D
  • Locked
12GA hardened, plated 00 buckshot
Replies
8
Views
1K
DBR
D
S
  • Locked
Which gas piston on the FN SLP?
Replies
5
Views
2K
Pete409
P
Back
Top