Shotgun distance?

[DontBurnMyFlag]

Im thinking of getting a mossberg 500 18". what can I expect in distance with this gun. 35 yards at best for neutralizing attackers? Ive used 12 gagues with a 22 inch barrel and 28 and they shot pretty far. Does anyone recommend anything, or another type of gun?

 

[Darkmind]

Max efective range for normal 12 gage is

100 yards for slug / unrifled

50 yards for 00 buck



But thats military terms.

 

[MrMurphy]

For defensive shotgun use, unless you've got a Vang Comp barrel job (and even then) realistically 25 yards is max with buckshot.

100 yards with slugs.


On my Nova SP with supertight patterning Hornady TAP buckshot, I'd be comfortable taking a shot at 30 yards and keeping them all on the body, but that's the farthest. Slugs, 100 yard shots are easy.



Shotguns are very close range cannons. Think 15 yards max normally.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Pattern buck until the tightest brand emerges. Pattern that, when the patterns exceed 15" you're just past max distance for that shotgun, load and choke.

Why 15"? Measure your thorax at the armpits.

As for slugs, whatever distance keeps them in 6" or so offhand.

 

[lbmii]

A link to Buckshot pattern photos is below, Some of the photos are of patterns 16 yards but most are at 6 to 8 yards.



http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=83909

 

[Double Naught Spy]

You could try some Zanoletti Double Impact shot shells that are 3" shells with 2, 1 oz shot cups. The first opens nearly immediately and starts spreading. The second is not supposed to open until about 100 yards. I know in pattern testing, the second shot cup is still intact at 50 and makes a nice little clean hole in the cardboard like a slug.