I have very little experience with shotguns. Most all of my shooting has been with handguns. I have purchased a Mossberg 500 12 ga. with a 20" barrel for H.D. It came with the pistol grip, but I have replaced that a full stock. Can someone tell me what the best H.D. load would be for this gun ?
Best 12ga load for S.D. ?
- Thread starter MR.G
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Dave McCracken
Moderator In Memoriam
There's lots of choices, research the archives here and on TFL to see beaucoup input.
Short answer, there is NO easy and quick answer that's the best choice for all situations.
Right now, buy ammo(The cheapest field loads you can find), use up,repeat. That's usually shown here as BA/UU/R. You have a ways to go before that 500 can be safely and effrectively used.
Good move,trashing that PG. Kudos!.
And, some basic lessons from a QUALIFIED instructor can save you cash and time. Second choice, read these archives over and over.
Last Choice, a split between Action Movies and gun shop commandoes..
HTH....
Short answer, there is NO easy and quick answer that's the best choice for all situations.
Right now, buy ammo(The cheapest field loads you can find), use up,repeat. That's usually shown here as BA/UU/R. You have a ways to go before that 500 can be safely and effrectively used.
Good move,trashing that PG. Kudos!.
And, some basic lessons from a QUALIFIED instructor can save you cash and time. Second choice, read these archives over and over.
Last Choice, a split between Action Movies and gun shop commandoes..
HTH....
sm
member
Pattern board at distance with various loads. Of course having shown smarts by ditching the PG , I have no doubt you'll try various loads , get instructions as Dave mentioned.
Have fun, be safe, and share the experience. Congrats!
Have fun, be safe, and share the experience. Congrats!
12-34hom
Member
Home D.
#1 buckshot. end of story.
12-34hom.
#1 buckshot. end of story.
12-34hom.
Al Thompson
Moderator Emeritus
Check your backstops. Folks in an apartment have different needs than folks on a farm. I live in a house and use #2 birdshot for a first up round as I have neighbors in several lines of fire.
At close range (sub 10 yards) the #2 shot works OK with no danger of pass throughs.
At close range (sub 10 yards) the #2 shot works OK with no danger of pass throughs.
Lord Grey Boots
Member
Lots of choices. Lots of knowledgable folks recommend #4 shot.
I'd go with a reduced recoil load.
I'd go with a reduced recoil load.
Mannlicher
Member
Dave MC. has said it plain and simple. Buy a LOT of shotgun ammo, and shoot it all up. Then do it again. Vary your selection. See what shoots best for you , and what you can shoot best. Settle on a good load, based on what works for you, and what is best for your home situation. Stock up on lots of it, and keep practicing.
After doing that for years, I settled on #1 Buck in the Mossberg 590, with slugs in the slots in the stock.
After doing that for years, I settled on #1 Buck in the Mossberg 590, with slugs in the slots in the stock.
Mr. G you can have a lot more fun with a shotgun than just keeping it in a closet for home defense.
I have the same shotgun as you. I highly recommend purchasing the optional 28" barrel, take it to the range, and play the clay games.
There is nothing like blowing up a clay disk to smithereens to release tension.
Also, playing the clay games will familiarize you with your shotgun and make you more proficient with it for home defense.
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