I got an old savage .410 Pump..

[InnerVision]

I'm not very familiar with the different.410 loads, but I'm wondering what would be the best choice for home defense..Slug? Buckshot?

*I already have a 12g pump that I have 00 Buckshot for, and I understand that it's the ideal gauge for HD..But I don't intend to use the 410 for hunting so I'd rather just load it with the best loads for a second HD Shotgun.

Thanks.

 

[gp911]

I like the 3" (5 pellet) Federal 000 buckshot. It patterns well in my .410s and from what I've seen it do to various target media (water jugs, dirt, various old junk) I think it would pretty much ruin an attacker's day. You'll want to test it first obviously, for all you know it won't feed reliably in your pump, might pattern weird, etc. The 2-1/2" (3 pellet) version is pretty comparable in performance in my experience, doesn't seem to hit as hard but I still wouldn't want to get hit with it!

 

[rule303]

If you are just using it as a backup HD piece, you could probably trade it for another 12. .410 pumps are hard to find used.

 

[InnerVision]

If you are just using it as a backup HD piece, you could probably trade it for another 12. .410 pumps are hard to find used.

I'd rather not sell it. Like you said, .410 pumps don't seem to be something you see for sale everyday. Plus my dad gave it to me. So, I'd rather just clean it up and keep it.

But just for curiosity sake, how much do you think it's worth?

It says: " Springfield Model 67F" "Savage Arms Corporation" Westfield Mass USA

 

[msnden]

Well, it is better than no gun, loaded with buck it would work.

 

[Diggers]

I think that .410 is worth around 200 to 300 bucks.

Go with buckshot, I would stick to simple 00 or 000 buck loads. With the Judge and other .410 revolvers on the market there has been a lot of .410 defensive ammo created in the last few years. Some of it is fancy junk but the straight buck shot loads seem pretty good. (I seen some with #4 buck too)

Using this new .410 ammo in the long barrel of a shotgun gives 12 to 15 inches of penetration in water jug tests. That is the same penetration a 12 gauge achieves. The difference is obviously fewer pellets in the .410 shell.

If a person is shot in the chest from HD distances with a .410 with 000 buck they are going down, possibly with total through and through wounds. People can't seem to get past the idea a .410 is a weak gun. Its NOT, it just has fewer pellets. 3 000 pellets in a 2.5 inch shell 5 000 pellets in a 3 inch shell.

There is a variety to choose from out there. http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ItemListing.aspx?catid=7800

 

[jeepnik]

You might consider going to slugs. You aren't going to get any real spread at typical HD distances, and a slug will certainly do more damage than the relatively few buck shot pellets.

 

[T Bran]

Before using slugs check out the weight they seem pretty lite to me under 100 grains if memory serves.
T

 

[Dave McCracken]

410s will work, if you do your part.

In your shoes, I'd get a variety of those 00 and 000 loads. Pattern them at the longest possible distance of a shot in your home and pick the one with the least spread. Buy lots of that.

 

[rcmodel]

and a slug will certainly do more damage than the relatively few buck shot pellets.

No, it won't.

A .410 slug weighs 87 grains in a 2 3/4" shell, or 109 grains in a 3" shell.

Three 000 Buck in a 2 3/4" shell weigh 210 grains.
Five 000 Buck in a 3" shell weigh 350 grains.

rc