[rstarlin23]

Just purchased my first pump shot gun for home defense. Im wanting to know whats the best self defense ammo to get? Brand? I need to know the exact name and everything because I will be getting it today. Thanks

[cgersty]

Im a hunter so I keep some winchester super x high brass #6 in my shotgun, im sure others will chime in with their suggestions, but this is just what I keep in mine.

Gersty

[Gripsmeister]

Doesnt matter the manufactor. 3 inch 00 buck and 00 buck only. Serious stopping power serious damage plenty of power. Accuracy isnt much of an issue point in geleral direction pull the trigger and tear it up. If you want you can run slugs but aiming is an issue in the dark.

[davemccarthy707]

Originally Posted by Gripsmeister

Doesnt matter the manufactor. 3 inch 00 buck and 00 buck only. Serious stopping power serious damage plenty of power. Accuracy isnt much of an issue point in geleral direction pull the trigger and tear it up. If you want you can run slugs but aiming is an issue in the dark.

I am going to disagree with you here and this is why. Have you ever tried 00 buck at 10-15 feet? It shoots a hole almost identical to a slug. Saying you only have to point the firearm in the general direction is misleading. You have to aim, it's just not as critical as say a handgun.

[aandabooks]

That's why you've got five more in the tube. Eventually you'll zero in on the bad guy. I can't imagine doing anything more than messing my pants on even a close miss from a load of 12 gauge buckshot coming my way. So rack it and repeat.

[tCan]

Originally Posted by aandabooks

That's why you've got five more in the tube. Eventually you'll zero in on the bad guy. I can't imagine doing anything more than messing my pants on even a close miss from a load of 12 gauge buckshot coming my way. So rack it and repeat.

Have to agree with dave here, that's a terrible strategy. And you can't make accurate followup shots if you're dazzled by the recoil. Spend some time with the gun, shoot a couple dozen hand thrown clays a couple times a year to keep yourself familiar with shouldering and firing the weapon. It'll cost you about $100 a year to do this.


Shoot your clays with #8 shot and shoot the bad guys with 00 buck or some other specialty load designed to cause massive trauma. (Do know that the 00 will kick harder, so be aware)

[RufusTFirefly]

Don't know if there is such a thing as 'the best', but FWIW, for bedside, I'm keep an alternating load of #4 and 00 in my -88

Rufus

[303tom]

I keep No 4 field in my 97, 6 of em.

[Boyerracing343]

I got 6 3'' Winchester 00 buckshot rounds waiting in the shotgun within arms reach of the bed. I also got a box of slugs and 50 more rounds of 00 buckshot sitting near by.

[axxe55]

Originally Posted by tCan

Have to agree with dave here, that's a terrible strategy. And you can't make accurate followup shots if you're dazzled by the recoil. Spend some time with the gun, shoot a couple dozen hand thrown clays a couple times a year to keep yourself familiar with shouldering and firing the weapon. It'll cost you about $100 a year to do this.


Shoot your clays with #8 shot and shoot the bad guys with 00 buck or some other specialty load designed to cause massive trauma. (Do know that the 00 will kick harder, so be aware)

you and dave are on point here. a lot of people ask the same old question, over and over. what's the best ammo for a shotgun for hd? most of these people go and buy a gun, load it up and stick it in the corner and hope they never have to use it. well my philosophy is take it and shoot it, and try different types of loads. set targets up at different distances and find out how it patterns with different loads and different distances. then you will know how it patterns. every shotgun is going to be a little different in how it patterns and the recoil will be different with different guns and loads. when you find something you like and will suit your needs, practice with it from time to time to stay familiar with it. when an occasion should arise that you might be in need of said firearm, maybe you will be ready for it.