Best 12 Gauge self defense shells?

[Cpo1944]

I recently purchased my first shotgun (a 12 gauge pump Mossberg 500) for self defense use in my house. I have a large collection of handguns and rifles and reload for them but don't know jack about shotgun ammo. In the past I have shot a friends pump with 00 buckshot but as I have a bad shoulder it really hurts with that load. I am looking for a good knockdown load that won't be so harsh on my fragile shoulder any suggestions. I don't know a lot about the different shot sizes and assume I need to look for something with less ft-lbs of energy.

Good choice.I especially like the Moss`s top mounted safety.
In a extreme emergency you won`t notice the recoil so for defense, load good powerful stuff, but for practice go light.

you will be very surprised when you pattern your gun -birdshot at 10-15 feet will only spread out to about a 9 inch pie plate size circle

there is a video on youtube showing the penetration on different layers of drywall with shotguns.
You can also load various types of shells in one loading. A shotgun is very versatile.
I like having a tactical flashlight on mine. I absolutely want a positive ID on my target before I shoot.

 

[Lt JL]

Federal LE127 00 and 127RB slugs are police favorites. I have seen the results on deer and dogs, but not on people. I trust those loads enough to use them at home in an 1187. john

 

[white cloud]

jeff quinn told me to try pulling forward with the left hand and pulling back with the right sort of like you are trying to pull the shotgun in two. this with the right recoil pad works wonders. also consider tactical buckshot loads. these have a little less recoil that the standard hunting 00 buck loads.

as an aside, i was getting ready for turkey season and tried the 3.5" 2oz of number 5s. amazing recoil! too much for this wimp.

 

[photoman]

I've never shot ~any~ load in a pump 12 gauge that I would consider useable with a "fragile" shoulder.

Do some research on shotguns and I think you'll find they are a special purpose weapon with a narrow mission. Low light, moving target scenarios are where the shotgun excells. Beyond that, you're better off with a good carbine. Your shoulder would like an AR much, much better than a pump 12 gauge.

 

[MotorCityGun]

I like having a tactical flashlight on mine. I absolutely want a positive ID on my target before I shoot.

What kind of tact light did you end up getting?

 

[MotorCityGun]

870 Pump. 20 inch/8 shot extension.
First 2 up are 7 & 1/2 Birdshot.
Next 3 are #4 Buck.
I don't load it up all the way except for riots.
Some live with hurricanes & tornados,
I live with earthquakes & riots.
Welcome to LA.

I've loaded mine where every other shell is either #2 or 1oz slug. The thought is, first slow 'em down with #2, then take your time with slug...repeat, as necessary. I load my Moss 590 8/1 capacity (the first 1 in the chamber is #2), ALL the way in order to create an overwhelming "force multiplier", if/when needed. Welcome to the Motor (Murder) City.

 

[Hovnnes]

There are a couple of ultra light recoiling trap loads Winchester has on the market. You might try them out. An ounce of lead is still an ounce of lead.

 

[Psycho]

Rack or not to rack?

Why would you bother having a home defense weapon in your home that is unloaded. Realize that prior to "racking" your shotgun you have a CLUB in your hands (unless of course you rack a live round out onto the floor, the round that could mean the difference between winning and loosing).Should I have to employ my shotgun for home defense, the first clue that an intruder will have is a flash of light from the unburned powder of the first round sent their way (light travels faster than sound)

 

[OLDFED]

Practice shooting from the hip...gun held tight against your side and pushing forward with your non-trigger hand. Also, get a sidesaddle to create more weight and give yourself the extra shells. This point-and-shoot method has always worked for me. I have both 12 and 20s in the home. If you must shoot from the shoulder, go for the 20.

 

[enfield]

12 gauge #1 buck has a following for SD - more pellets than 00 and less (but still adequate) penetration.

My HD shotgun is loaded, round chambered, safety off.

Birdshot is for birds.

 

[enfield]

There are a couple of ultra light recoiling trap loads Winchester has on the market. You might try them out. An ounce of lead is still an ounce of lead.

Except when it's birdshot.

 

[Cpo1944]

What kind of tact light did you end up getting?

I don`t remember the brand light on the shot gun and I cant check it either , because I lent/gave my gun to my best friend to use as a anti pirate defense. He is cruising in the Caribbean on a sailing yacht. It came from a gun shop in Moorehead City NC so I presume it`s a good one.I am not expecting to get this one back,So I guess I`d better start looking for another 12 gauge.

I have another light which I mounted on my S&W M-57 and it is :

LED Lenser # 701203

I bought it at either Lowes or Homedepot it cost about $50 and so far it has been great ,very bright and able to withstand the recoil of lots of .41 magnums and for that cheap a price I don`t think you can beat it.

 

[Lost Lake]

Pirates in the Caribbean? Maybe back in the 1700's. Okay, 1800's too. Now they are in Somalia where there is no government to control the waters. Scary stuff for us cruisers.....

 

[Hovnnes]

Except when it's birdshot.

The OP has a problem with heavy recoil. At very close quarters the terminal differences between buck, 7-1/2bird shot and a 7-1/2 light trap load would likely be a non issue.

 

[Cpo1944]

Pirates in the Caribbean? Maybe back in the 1700's. Okay, 1800's too. Now they are in Somalia where there is no government to control the waters. Scary stuff for us cruisers.....

My friend is in the Bahamas and he is concerned about remote/lonely anchorages .
There has been trouble there and he felt justified to go there armed.He is also a very accomplished small plane pilot and he is very cautious/prudent without being too PC, so ,
If my gun gives him peace of mind I am satisfied.

 

[Lost Lake]

My friend is in the Bahamas and he is concerned about remote/lonely anchorages .
There has been trouble there and he felt justified to go there armed.He is also a very accomplished small plane pilot and he is very cautious/prudent without being too PC, so ,
If my gun gives him peace of mind I am satisfied.

Hmmm... I'm a pilot also! Coincidence? Maybe!

I have no problem being armed.... Maybe not pirates, but some anchorages have hoodlums anyway. In fact, many do. Boats aren't exactly fortresses! I hope he never has to use the weapon and his rum punch never runs dry!

 

[Cpo1944]

Hmmm... I'm a pilot also! Coincidence? Maybe!

I have no problem being armed.... Maybe not pirates, but some anchorages have hoodlums anyway. In fact, many do. Boats aren't exactly fortresses! I hope he never has to use the weapon and his rum punch never runs dry!

Me too. He also is a fanatical Lobster diver,and semi fitness nut.
For a 60 ish year old man he can dive deep and often -
*** makes me sick!!!

 

[enfield]

The OP has a problem with heavy recoil. At very close quarters the terminal differences between buck, 7-1/2bird shot and a 7-1/2 light trap load would likely be a non issue.

At 'very close quarters' an ax would be more effective than bird shot.