What 12ga ammo for home defense?

I guess the 12 count is either "un-00" a little smaller or it is the 3 inch...
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Brent,

Way back when there were "magnum" versions of 2 3/4" 00 buck loads. I still have a few stray Federal shells in such a configuration. They were 12 pellet 00 loads in a 2 3/4" hull, but loaded at lower velocities IIRC. Not sure if there are still any such loads produced, but I know they existed at one point in time. Now it seems as if you see 12 and 15 pellet 3" loads, 15 and 18 pellet 3.5" loads, but all the 2 3/4" loads I find are 9 pellet (or less).

RR
 
Remington, Winchester and Federal all still make a 2 3/4", 12 Pellet 00 Buckshot load. They are all what hogdogs refers to as "un-00", running arouns .317". SAAMI is pretty loose on Buckshot specs, 00 is .33", +/- .015". They run them small so they will stack by 3s inside a shotcup.

DC
 
What do y'all use? I have a 500 with a 18in. No clue what to use for HD. Currently have Remington SPBBX2
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Despite what folks here may say, BB shot is going to have a devastating effect at home defense ranges. Especially if it is harden with copper plating, or in one of the tough Tungsten alloy non-toxic versions.

You might want to switch to using ammo that is exclusively BB shot, though, and not a duplex load that also includes #2 shot.

#2 shot is devastating on small game like fox and coyotes at close range. But BB shot would be much better suited for shooting a human being.

.
 
If one insists on bird shot , you may want some back up. More work but effective.

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Anything heavy is going to knock the snot out of someone. I wouldn't trust birdshot with my life, but if I drained a full mag tube's worth into a bad guy at 15 yards or less. I highly doubt they'll keep coming. This being said, 00 buck and slugs are all I would consider, and 00 buck first.
 
Lance: the penetration tests I've seen indicate birdshot is not able to reliably reach the vitals (especially through an intervening arm etc) outside of near contact range. Do you have evidence or life experience that contradicts this?
 
buy what you like

IN my opinion that depends what is the longest line of sight
in the house,if its only 30 or 40 feet mayby 60 feet yes feet
not yards im talking average house not mansions. birdshot
and mod choke your good . or 3inmagnum goose load thats bird shot
 
Federal #4 Reduced load Tactical buckshot in my 870. Haven't tried it in my new Moss 930 SPX yet but if I remember correctly it cycled OK in my last auto. ( M1 Super 90 )
 
KC9LDB-
I would first ask where you live. If in a rural area with no neighbors across the street, I'd choose slugs. If in an urban envrion, 00 buck. If you choose shot, keep in mind that you may need the penetration offered by buckshot. While any birdshot work well up close on an unprotected body, if the BG is behind light cover, wearing heavy clothing such as a leather jacket, etc., birdshot will probably not do the trick and reach his vitals.

Back in the day, I patterned six Remington 870s for my department. Despite having consecutive serial numbers none patterned exactly the same. Choose what type of ammuntion suits your purpose, and then buy several different brands and pattern them in your shotgun. Purchase more of whatever works best.
Denny
 
I use #1 buckshot. Either Remington or Winchester, 16 pellet. I can't believe I'm the first one to say that (maybe I missed someone). Unfortunately it's tough to find plated, hardened #1 buck. At least the winchester is buffered.

Anyway, I use it because I live in a condo. Even with the smaller buck, I better not miss should i ever have to fire indoors.
 
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