12ga Ammunition - Explain please?

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boxjeff

New member
I'm looking to stock up a bit on 12ga ammunition for my smooth-bore Mossberg 500. Unfortunately, I'm not all that failure with shotgun ammunition.

What is the differences between types of amo, such as 00 buck in comparison to the other buck shot available? What is the best type of home protection load and what are slugs for?
 
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Those are few good links that should provide a complete overview of SG ammo.

Generally speaking, #00 buck is used for personal defense ammo by all LE Agencies as well as many civilians at home including myself.

That being said, educate yourself on the potential ramifications of over penetration (depending on your dwelling arrangements). Of course, this applies to all guns.

Slugs are used mostly for hunting purposes or by LE when the need calls for a 50-100 yard perp shot.

I suggest reading the aforementioned links and then practicing with a diversity of ammo.

-Cheers
 
In a nutshell..

for game hunting, shot size will range from #2 to #8.

#2 is for turkey, goose and large long distance birds, over 30 yds. large shot means there will be open areas in the pattern
#8 is for small game & birds, it has best density for short ranges less than 30 yds.

Buck shot ranges from "OO" [ 0.33" dia] to #4 [0.24" dia]

Find a shotshell reloading manual for more info.

As indicated before, what is the home situation: in-city, suburbs, or rural???
That will indicate what shot to consider.

I tend to like both the "OO" and the #4, lead off with the #4 and follow-up with "OO" . I also use the same for deer hunting is some HEAVY cover.

Hope this helps.
 
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