Shotgun ammo question

[Mastrogiacomo]

What is the lightest load for the Remington 870 8"? I want something to make practice at the range as pleasant as possible with this gun. I was told stay away from 2 3/4" but that seems to be just about everything. How is "Managed Recoil Express Buckshot?" What should I be getting for low recoil, pleasant shooting and what is the cost per box? Thanks.

Laura

 

[The Bushmaster]

Laura...Try Winchester Dove and Quail in 7's or 7 1/2's. Remington 870 8"??? Could that be 3"?? Chamber-wise speaking.....

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

Their (Remington's) webpage says 3" chamber. I just want something that won't take my arm off when shooting. I'm a small person but then I don't want my father to get knocked over either. One of the disadvantages about buying this is that I've never had a shotgun so I know nothing about the ammo loads or what to expect.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Aah...That clears it up. 3" chamber. Good. It should say 3" chamber on the barrel also. If you are buying factory rounds I still recommend Winchester Dove and Quail in 7's and 7 1/2's. These last two numbers are the size of the shot in the shell. They tend to be light field loads just as it says "Dove and Quail". I would say here, "Try-em, you'll like-em". But you might not. I use them in a Browning BSS 2 3/4 chambering and they hardly have any recoil at all.

 

[redneck2]

Something like Winchester AA Trap Loads should be perfect. If you're shooting clays, that's what they're made for. Get 7 1/2 or 8 shot.

You can compare against the field loads that were suggested. Recoil is pretty much strictly a function of total shot weight and velocity (in any given firearm). Faster and/or heavier = more kick

You mentioned buckshot. NEVER use buckshot where you'll be shooting up, and there is population anywhere near. Light shot like 7 1/2's or 8's will go at the most maybe 100-150 yards or so. 00 buck will carry a long ways. You'll have some REAL upset people if you use buckshot at the trap range. In fact, if they see you using anything other than trap loads at an organized shoot you'll get escorted out in a hurry (safety).

I understand you already have the gun. If this is still too much recoil, and there is a chance of changing, I'd consider an autoloader (Remington 11-87) and maybe stepping down to a 20 gauge if the 12 is more than you want. Just going to the semi-auto cuts recoil 40%

 

[LHB1]

Hi Laura,
1. What gauge is your Remington shotgun? 12 ga? 20 ga? Obviously you must buy shells in that gauge.

2. The 3" means the gun is chambered for shells no longer than 3". In other words, you can shoot 3" Mags or 2 3/4" regular shells. Since you want minimum recoil, DEFINITELY buy 2 3/4" shells as recommended above. The lightest loads are generally labeled Quail or Dove loads. In 12 gauge, this means 1 or 1 1/8 oz shot. In 20 gauge, it means 1 oz shot. Don't worry too much about whether they are size 7 1/2 shot or 8's etc. These loads will be more than adequate at close ranges for self defense regardless of shot size.

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

The Home Defenders by Remington are both 12 gauge with a 3" choke so I just want something controllable. I'll be getting the 26" 870 for myself later on and I'd like that in wood. My father prefers everything in synethetic and/or black. Since he's in no condition to be beaten up by the gun, and neither am I, I want to make as user friendly as possible. I'll be checking out the managed recoil and get a recoil buffer for the gun too. Thanks again.

 

[SASS#23149]

when you're shopping for ammo,their is 2 ways of 'rating' it.the old way is dram equivelent,which is an approximation of what the load would be if it were a blackpowder load.the smaller the de number,the less recoil.
Most mfgrs. are now marking be boxes as fps...feet pre second of the shot charge.the lower that number,the less recoil,in general.
The size of the shot seems to have some bearing on the recoil too,so the smaller the de or fps and the smaller the shot size(bigger number = smaller size)the less felt recoil.again,in general.The gun and shooter can vary the equation.
so,look for shells(12 guage that is)around 1145fps,and size 7 1/2 or 8 shot..8 is smaller and has more bb's in it.

 

[BluesBear]

The lightest loads

From Remington

#STS121 Premier STS target load. 2¾ dram 1 oz of #7½, #8, #8½ or #9 shot.

#GC121 Gun Club Target Load. 2¾ dram 1 oz of #8. You can often find this cheap at Wal-mart or other discount stores.


From Winchester

#AAL12 AA Lite Handicap. 2¾ dram 1 oz of #7½, #8, #8½ or #9 shot.

#AA12FL AA Low Recoil/Low Noise 2½ dram .913oz of #8 shot This is the lightest 12 gauge ammo made.


From Federal

#T114 (plastic) & #T172 (paper) Extra Lite/Low Recoil loads with 1.125oz of #7½ or #8 shot.


You can also try the Aguila 1¾" Mini-Shells. The advantage is that you can stuff 7 in a standard Remington 4 shot magazine.