|
|
11-07-2017, 03:21 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Montana
Posts: 595
Likes: 454
Liked 331 Times in 169 Posts
|
|
I have my shotgun. Now, what ammunition?
Moderator: If you think this query is in the wrong subforum, please put it where it belongs.
***
I recently bought an IAC Model 97 shotgun - that is, a reproduction of a Winchester Model 1897 12 gauge, 2.75-inch pump action shotgun. Having bought it for self defense and vermin control on my property and surrounding meadow, a problem has arisen that I didn't consider when I bought the shotgun.
I haven't fired a shotgun in 45 years. I have no idea what factory 12 gauge, 2.75-inch ammunition I should obtain. I'm not planning to use this pump action shotgun with its 20-inch barrel for sporting purposes - no bird hunting, no cowboy action competition. I ask for assistance to identify self defense ammunition for: Violent anti-social people; large predators and omnivores which have lost fear of human presence; and smaller nuisance predators and herbivores such as coyotes, crows, skunks, et al. I do not intend to buy massive quantities of each ammunition recommended. I'll pick up a few hundred rounds and combine familiarity practice with verifying the shotgun functions properly. Following the break-in period, I would buy a couple of hundred rounds of each ammunition. I'm anticipating that "each ammunition" would be no more than four or five distinct loadings.
Okay, what ammunition?
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
11-07-2017, 03:34 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Northern NY-AdirondackMts
Posts: 8,065
Likes: 13,017
Liked 13,503 Times in 5,099 Posts
|
|
I have a 9 shot Mossie and I load it to first fire 5 rounds of 00 buck and then 4 slugs. I live quite rural and might have to defend against 2 and 4 legged predators (up to and including bears!) I also have a gun belt loaded with more buck and slug rounds close to the gun.
I fell very well protected with that combo of course there are a couple handguns close by also!
Be advised buckshot kicks more than conventional shot rounds and slugs kick even more than Buck.
__________________
14 S&W Revs none with locks!
|
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-07-2017, 03:54 PM
|
|
Absent Comrade
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Upstate SC
Posts: 12,990
Likes: 17,229
Liked 41,504 Times in 9,146 Posts
|
|
Seeing your Montana locale, I'd assume that you won't be concerned with neighbors in range, then slugs or 00 Buck. The Buck from Federal with the FliteControl wad extends a tight pattern nicely.
|
The Following 8 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-07-2017, 04:00 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: West of St. Louis MO.
Posts: 529
Likes: 2,625
Liked 471 Times in 200 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by bigwheelzip
Seeing your Montana locale, I'd assume that you won't be concerned with neighbors in range, then slugs or 00 Buck. The Buck from Federal with the FliteControl wad extends a tight pattern nicely.
|
I use Federal FliteControl 00 buck in my Beretta 1301 Tactical. It has an 18" barrel and at 15 yards it still holds a pattern about the size of my fist.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-07-2017, 06:38 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Central Kentucky
Posts: 3,090
Likes: 11,426
Liked 5,133 Times in 1,952 Posts
|
|
I agree with buck shot, anything 00 to four 0000 should do. See what patterns best at anticipated range and stock up. Some say #7 -#8 shot for indoors close range. Which really makes a lot of sense, since the range will be close, a lot less over penetration.
How about a photo of that shotgun? I think I'd like to pick one up. My Mossberg 500 has been standing guard for close to 30 years now, it needs company.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
11-07-2017, 08:41 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 334
Likes: 285
Liked 367 Times in 167 Posts
|
|
Another vote for 00 Flite Control. Or #1 buckshot. I would not mess with trying to load it with different ammo, unless you are hunting. Buckshot should take care of most 2 or 4 legged varmints. Might be overkill for skunks and such, but will do the job.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-07-2017, 09:05 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 1
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
|
|
I understand #1 buck is probably best indoors; 00 or 000 and slugs outside.
|
11-07-2017, 09:09 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Occupied Colorado
Posts: 922
Likes: 45
Liked 753 Times in 344 Posts
|
|
Buck and slugs will penetrate numerous walls inside. Birdshot not so much. Outside, slugs will pack more punch at greater distances, as birdshot will disperse dramatically depending on the choke, if any.
You thought this would be easy, didn't you?!
For bear, I'd think slug. Skunks, etc., maybe buck. And distance, yeah, with skunks...distance.
__________________
Fight socialism. Never stop.
Last edited by RV4driver; 11-07-2017 at 09:10 PM.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
11-07-2017, 09:12 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Harlem, Ohio
Posts: 14,425
Likes: 23,428
Liked 26,305 Times in 9,120 Posts
|
|
All the recommendations for Buckshot and slugs are great for repelling Sasquatch and robbers hellbent on mayhem in your home. But for blasting vermin around the farmyard, $1-1.50 a round ammo is not necessary or for many applications, it is absolutely wrong! For rat sized problems at less than 30 yards (even 35 yards), I would recommend 7.5 shot Handy-cap Trap loads (1 1/8 ounce). This is good for raccoons in the gutters (second story), if the gutter means anything to you, just point about 4 inches above their heads and away from the gutter!
For most medium 4 legged problems (Like fox, coyote, and big rodents) I
would say #4 birdshot, Field or Express loads at the same distances.
If you gun has the choke of Skeet or Improved Cylinder (and sometimes no choke at all) you can engage small and medium wildlife problems out to 50 yards with Goose loads. My similar guns have no choke so Steel shot is no problem. I use #2 on many problems with pretty good success. Most waterfowl loads are engineered to spread as little as you gun can allow (that has to do with the way the shot is buffered, and the type of wad used). 2.75" shells in steel will cost a lot more that target or express loads, but nowhere like Buckshot or slugs!
The Target ammo is good for practice and sport shooting but won't prepare you for the recoil of the higher performance shells.
Ivan
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-07-2017, 09:22 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: NC, Yadkin County
Posts: 6,217
Likes: 25,660
Liked 8,546 Times in 3,196 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Naphtali
Violent anti-social people; large predators and omnivores which have lost fear of human presence; and smaller nuisance predators and herbivores such as coyotes, crows, skunks,
Okay, what ammunition?
[/SIZE][/FONT]
|
00 Buck will kill them all including mice and starlings. Larry
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
11-07-2017, 09:40 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: PRNJ
Posts: 6,744
Likes: 477
Liked 16,747 Times in 3,307 Posts
|
|
Fiocchi 12LE00BK
Reduced recoil
works fine
very inexpensive
__________________
Buy American
Vote Responsibly
Last edited by bushmaster1313; 11-07-2017 at 10:16 PM.
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-07-2017, 10:41 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Kentucky, USA
Posts: 7,470
Likes: 2,830
Liked 6,261 Times in 2,170 Posts
|
|
My first suggestion is for the OP here go to the friendly local walmart and buy a few boxes of target grade ammo. Then maybe a box of each OO and slugs. Some of them only seem to come in 5 shot boxes, so more than one of those. Then he needs to shoot the gun to see how much he really likes recoil.
As he goes along, he's going to need to test some goose loads, like #2 and maybe even in short magnums. Keep in mind you can get a slip on recoil pad...
__________________
Dick Burg
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-07-2017, 11:40 PM
|
Absent Comrade
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Louisville, KY, USA
Posts: 19,336
Likes: 53,737
Liked 38,387 Times in 11,802 Posts
|
|
I've long thought that #4 buck is a versatile choice. It's what I load in my old Stevens side-by-side.
__________________
Oh well, what the hell.
|
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-08-2017, 12:33 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2006
Location: U.P. Mi
Posts: 2,061
Likes: 8,962
Liked 1,270 Times in 693 Posts
|
|
If you want a single load to do it all, 00 buck is about the best you can get. Works on 2 legged predators and most 4 legged also. For small vermin # 6/7 will work just fine depending on the range. I would pick up a box of slugs, 9 pellet 00 buck, # 4 buck, #6, #7-7.5 and try them all at ranges you expect to use them. I have all listed above, plus others, different needs, distances, critters!! Try them all and find what works best for you. Be Safe,
__________________
I BACK OUR BLUE
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-08-2017, 12:42 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Denver area
Posts: 6,240
Likes: 20,266
Liked 13,093 Times in 4,169 Posts
|
|
OO buck is poor bear medicine. Those in the know use slugs in a 12 ga as bear protection
For smaller predators, #4 buck can be useful, as can #2 shot (lead shot, nothing else: you’re not hunting migratory waterfowl).
You won’t need much ammo for these: 50 rounds each will last a very long time.
Lots of trap loads and some #5 shot for hunting flushing birds.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
11-08-2017, 12:47 AM
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2010
Location: North Central Florida
Posts: 5,947
Likes: 24,644
Liked 6,195 Times in 2,575 Posts
|
|
00 is definitely always a good defensive choice-but I read about Chief Watson (Patches) who walked point for his Seal Team in the Delta. They liked #4-27 25 caliber pellets. It pretty much covers the water IYGMD.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-08-2017, 12:48 AM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 816
Likes: 1,123
Liked 1,549 Times in 556 Posts
|
|
It all depends on the range and the varmint:
--- Slugs and 00 Buck for bear and for distances greater than 35 yds on coyote, cougar, etc.
--- #4 Buck up to 35 yds on coyote, raccoon, opossum and two-legged vermin.
--- BB, #2, #4 for a punch of more pellets from 5-20 yds on smaller pests.
This year has been un-Godly with the number of raccoon and opossum here, and I've dispatched at least a dozen of each around my buildings in the last three months. I had been using 12 ga. #4 Buck in an 870 with a Streamlight. Deadly, but the balls skipping off the ground were raising Cain with the siding on the pole barns! (You usually get only one shot at the critters, and I hate to let 'em get away scot-free, so I've patched a few holes here and there. ) I rummaged through my stash of 12 ga. shells and found an old box of Federal #4 steel shot duck loads. The last five opossum expired instantaneously at 15-20 yds, and a sixth, just two nights ago, had to be kicked off the porch, literally, and bit it at 5 yds.
So, I've switched to lighter loads for shorter distances and leave the heavy stuff for longer ranges and larger vermin.
Just relating a lot of personal experience. Hope this helps you in your choices.
[FLAPJACK: Just an aside for you. Jim Watson, and most of the SEALS toting shotguns, used an Ithaca 37 with a duckbill attached to the muzzle for a WIDE horizontal spread. Quite effective, but the duckbill "choke" tended to have a fairly short life span.]
Last edited by ExcitableBoy; 11-08-2017 at 12:59 AM.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
11-08-2017, 01:22 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 177
Likes: 693
Liked 257 Times in 106 Posts
|
|
90% or the time I use #4 shot but I have 00 and slug close by. Coyotes will go down with #4. 5 years ago we bought an abandon farm and I have dispatched more undesirables than any other time in my life. But the number 1 mandatory accessory is a weapon mounted light, mine is a stream light TLR-1 HL amounted on a retired Ohio Highway Patrol 870.
|
11-08-2017, 10:27 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Eastern Washington
Posts: 4,913
Likes: 3,226
Liked 6,813 Times in 2,543 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by amazingflapjack
00 is definitely always a good defensive choice-but I read about Chief Watson (Patches) who walked point for his Seal Team in the Delta. They liked #4-27 25 caliber pellets. It pretty much covers the water IYGMD.
|
During my military time, I "worked" (talked) to a lot of "elite" Army personnel. All were Southeast Asia vets. Choice, by far, of most for shotguns was #4 buck. You might load a slug in case of a surprise bear encounter. However, that kid in Alaska recently killed a "charging" (lol) bear with birdshot.
|
11-08-2017, 11:19 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,770
Likes: 3,338
Liked 4,269 Times in 1,042 Posts
|
|
For home defense, 00 buck shot is hard to beat (9 pellets of caliber 9mm, going at nearly magnum velocities).
I can also recommend number 4 buckshot.
Don't bother with 3 inch shells.
|
11-08-2017, 03:14 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Kentucky, USA
Posts: 7,470
Likes: 2,830
Liked 6,261 Times in 2,170 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by BearBio
that kid in Alaska recently killed a "charging" (lol) bear with birdshot.
|
We hear a lot of repeat comments about bird shot. At very close distances it acts as a solid. Try it sometime on an old solid door. One hole, sometimes not so big even. I agree that at longer distances it lacks the cohesiveness needed for bigger critters. The advantage of lighter recoiling loads is that you might get a second shot in. Surely not a third, Yogi and his family tend to move at a pretty good clip, right at you.
__________________
Dick Burg
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-09-2017, 02:40 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 17,799
Likes: 7,843
Liked 25,705 Times in 8,685 Posts
|
|
For home defense I use #4 Buck. It has more pellets than 00 (but smaller in diameter) and will penetrate a little less presumably (which is a concern inside). Still, the #4 buck will do anything necessary to 2 legged animals within the confines of a home and is still devastating. Some use #1 buck - and that will act more towards the 00 buck performance.
At normal HD distances, we're really splitting hairs here as any 2 3/4" Buck Shot load would work just fine - I just try to fine tune. I do NOT use Magnums for HD.
|
11-09-2017, 02:52 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Montana
Posts: 595
Likes: 454
Liked 331 Times in 169 Posts
|
|
For my purposes I'm sensing consensus favoring #4 buck and about #6 cartridges with the Federal buckshot load being perhaps replacement for standard #4 buck.
Questions that makes sense to ask although those who know answers may find it amusing. Are specialty shotshells available that mix buckshot and smaller standard shot available? If they are, which, if any, provide a single cartridge solution for me?
|
11-09-2017, 09:33 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2003
Location: DUNNELLON, FLORIDA USA
Posts: 11,111
Likes: 1,691
Liked 16,314 Times in 4,238 Posts
|
|
2 3/4" #4 Buckshot
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
11-09-2017, 09:41 AM
|
|
Absent Comrade
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Upstate SC
Posts: 12,990
Likes: 17,229
Liked 41,504 Times in 9,146 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Naphtali
... large predators and omnivores
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Naphtali
For my purposes I'm sensing consensus favoring #4 buck .....
|
#4 may be fine for most things on your list, but I'd at least keep a sleeve of slugs on your stock for those large predatory omnivores.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
11-09-2017, 09:42 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Eastern Washington
Posts: 4,913
Likes: 3,226
Liked 6,813 Times in 2,543 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by rburg
We hear a lot of repeat comments about bird shot. At very close distances it acts as a solid. Try it sometime on an old solid door. One hole, sometimes not so big even. I agree that at longer distances it lacks the cohesiveness needed for bigger critters. The advantage of lighter recoiling loads is that you might get a second shot in. Surely not a third, Yogi and his family tend to move at a pretty good clip, right at you.
|
Capstick talked about killing a charging lion with a load of birdshot at VERY close range=basically decapitated the cat.
|
11-09-2017, 10:29 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: San Diego
Posts: 357
Likes: 48
Liked 262 Times in 117 Posts
|
|
i live in the city so the "varmints" i'm concerned about are the two-legged variety. That being said i keep 00 buck in my Mossberg. The longest shot in my house is about 30 feet so i have tested my shottie and loads at that distance at the range. 00 buck patterns about the size of a softball. No pistol grips....my gun wears wood furniture. The 18 1/2" barrel wears a Marbles tritium bead and a mag tube mounted laser zeroed at 30 feet. I keep 5 in the mag tube,chamber empty. To get into action i need to shuck in a round and simultaniously bump on the laser with my left thumb,left hand on the forend. The sound of the pump chambering a live round and the little light coming on will send most bad guys running and the ones that wouldn't run i might as well shoot....they are dumb as rocks
|
11-09-2017, 10:35 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: San Diego
Posts: 357
Likes: 48
Liked 262 Times in 117 Posts
|
|
here's my shotgun. I have changed out the syn furniture and PG to factory wood. The finish is battleship gray cerakote
|
11-09-2017, 04:56 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 3,021
Likes: 17,485
Liked 9,249 Times in 2,273 Posts
|
|
Something in the range of #4 Buck to BBs.
__________________
Isaiah 41:10
|
11-09-2017, 05:14 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 816
Likes: 1,123
Liked 1,549 Times in 556 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Naphtali
For my purposes I'm sensing consensus favoring #4 buck and about #6 cartridges with the Federal buckshot load being perhaps replacement for standard #4 buck.
Questions that makes sense to ask although those who know answers may find it amusing. Are specialty shotshells available that mix buckshot and smaller standard shot available? If they are, which, if any, provide a single cartridge solution for me?
|
There are slug and buckshot combo shells available... three 00 Buck behind a slug, I believe. Never used them, though. Otherwise, mixing the shot size per shell would pretty much be a home-brew reload. #4 Buck and BB would be quite interesting at 30-45 yds.
|
11-09-2017, 05:46 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: ohio
Posts: 533
Likes: 789
Liked 691 Times in 283 Posts
|
|
I have my shotgun. Now, what ammunition?
#6 1-1/4oz, #4 and 00 buck, slugger and Brenneke clasic magnums. That’s my survival or general use 12 gauge ammo. Turkey loads and sabot slugs Are specialty loads.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Last edited by peterGun; 11-10-2017 at 12:56 PM.
|
11-09-2017, 11:00 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Sante Fe Trail, Kansas
Posts: 5,350
Likes: 14,441
Liked 6,562 Times in 2,597 Posts
|
|
Slugs and double 00 can pent rate walls.
I've seen what number 4 buck can do to a person. It leaves them dead.
I bought a box of 25 in #4 buck and that is what I keep in my Win riot and Ithaca M37 riot.
I see you are not close to other houses. Double 00 would work. Remember the pattern does not open up immediately, one must aim up close.
|
11-10-2017, 01:34 AM
|
Banned
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Gods waiting room, W/C FL
Posts: 3,736
Likes: 3,334
Liked 4,549 Times in 2,011 Posts
|
|
GIT ER DONE WITH 3 TYPES.
#4 buck will handle most problems. Anything too big for the #4, go right to slugs. For rats/snakes & smaller stuff, a field load of #6's won't break the bank. Being able to hit your target matters more than the shot size IMO. Practice & pattern whichever you choose.
Last edited by nachogrande; 11-10-2017 at 01:40 AM.
|
11-10-2017, 12:39 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Eastern Washington
Posts: 4,913
Likes: 3,226
Liked 6,813 Times in 2,543 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by ExcitableBoy
There are slug and buckshot combo shells available... three 00 Buck behind a slug, I believe. Never used them, though. Otherwise, mixing the shot size per shell would pretty much be a home-brew reload. #4 Buck and BB would be quite interesting at 30-45 yds.
|
For a while, at least, there were turkey loads that had 2 size shot mixed. Usually a large size bird shot==maybe also some goose loads.
|
|
Posting Rules
|
|
|
|
|