HD shotgun ammo recommendations and what choke size?

[Prion]

Hi, wondering what you would recommend for an HD load and accompanying choke size. I have a Benelli M2 currently loaded with 2 3/4 #6 w/ a full choke. Thanks.

 

[wnycollector]

I currently use fiocchi 00 low recoil buck in my maverick 88 w/cyl choke. I like the fiocchi since in patterns well in my shotgun from ~15 yards (the longest distance in my home).

EVERY shotgun patterns differently. Go out a buy a few different brands and shot sizes of buck (e.g. 4, 1, 00 and 000) and see what patterns best in YOUR shotgun.

 

[nathan]

I have a improved cylinder choke . Patterns great with Winchester Slugs and 00 bks.

 

[Fred Fuller]

Reliability is a more important consideration in defensive ammo than shot size, especially in a semiauto. The gun HAS to run with whatever ammo you decide on, or you have to keep looking.

Every situation is different, and the situation will dictate what is best. Personally I would prefer not to use anything smaller than #4 buck in a defensive gun, if overpenetration was a concern.

We load Federal LE-127 00 buckshot in the magazines of the several 870s here. They have CYL or ImpCyl chokes, the Federal loads with FliteControl wads pattern incredibly tightly. Sidesaddles are loaded with Brenneke KO slugs in case greater range or more penetration is needed.

I'd use a more open choke (no more constriction than Mod) with larger shot, but that's just me...

hth,

lpl

 

[NG VI]

I think mine is IC choked, no threads for replacement, I like the Winchester Ranger Reduced Recoil 9 pellet 00 load. It feels fine, and I'm sure it is quite sufficient for people.

 

[kmrcstintn]

mossberg 500, 12 ga, 28" field barrel, modified choke, plan on locating a true 'security barrel' or having a longer barrel cut down, HD load is still being researched & decided on*

*being a hunter & using my shotty for multiple purposes has me using stuff like #7 shot for trap & small critters, #2 steel and #BB steel for waterfowl, #5 shot for turkey, #00 buckshot or slugs for hunting camp defense, sabot slugs in the rifled barrel & regular slugs in the field barrel for deer/bear hunting

 

[riverdog]

Low recoil 00 Buck from a name you trust (I have both Federal and Fiocchi) with an IC choke should work just fine.

 

[Hungry Seagull]

I use any slug in the box I can get to at the moment. Wins, Rems, Federal.

Brennekes are my favorites with Federal a close second.

I tend to stay with HD ammo good for 50 yards or less.

Even a box of generic buck and ball for multipules... if that ever happens it's going to be a bad day all around.

The wife has her specific battle plan with her gun as I have with mine and we have divided the entire house into areas for specific purposes. One room is the Alamo, that room door does not open for anyone except LEO with proper challenge or by me after code challenge with proper counter.

Tatical is for shooting, Full loads and Magnums are for fun.

 

[husker]

side by side 18-1/4 barrels no choke 0 or 00 buck. strickly for the house i live in. my girls struggled to load the pump and or auto. so i went to the bubble barrel for its easy loading and just point aspects

 

[wnycollector]

my girls struggled to load the pump and or auto.

My wife is in the exact same boat. She LOATHS my pumps! I keep a 16ga SxS coach gun loaded with #1 buck. It points easy for her and she likes the "idiot proof" aspect of a SxS!

 

[Hungry Seagull]

My spouse was a bit lazy with the pump. After a USMC style short sentence verbally issued badly... she no longer is lazy with that pump. Maybe she is angry with me and wants to be sure I hear that CLACK! either way, Im happy.