Table of Content
Handguns also require skills that many users won’t achieve. Even targets as close as the end of a 20-foot hallway may still be safe from the inexperienced shooter. If you prefer a lead hollow point slug, a number of ammunition makers do produce these rounds. Not only are lead hollow points ideal for defense but 20-gauge slugs exceed the muzzle energy and velocity of all but the large magnum handgun rounds. Thus, reduced velocity and energy compared to a 12-gauge is hardly something to be concerned about.
I couldn't agree with you more that, for a smaller, lighter, or more frail person, being confident with their .410 would be better than them being afraid of their own 12 gauge. There you have it…our recommendations for the best shotgun ammo for home defense and target shooting. “Number 1 buck is the smallest diameter shot that reliably and consistently penetrates more than 12 inches of standard ordnance gelatin when fired at typical shotgun engagement distances. A standard 2 ¾-inch 12 gauge shotshell contains 15 pellets of #1 buck.
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I've harvested a few turkeys using Winchester Long Beard XR #6, as this load has a decent muzzle velocity of 1,200 FPS. For the most part, the home defense shotgun category is dominated by a 12-gauge shotgun. It is the gold standard of shotgun versatility and what everyone uses.
See how you fare in court if you kill someone who was only pocketing a cell phone and some jewelry. So in your possible fantasy-driven, Death-Wish style scenario, you may be right and you'll pop the ninja-style attacker first. But in most cases, the goal is NOT to engage unless there's no other choice. Nowadays you'll end up in prison but at least you'll be able to tell everyone around "the yard" that you got him first, right? By the way, how many responsible gun owners do you think would grab a poorly maintained pump shotgun on the brink of suddenly failing when they fear someone is in their home? Most gun owners I know use and maintain their guns in top condition which almost guarantees reliability.
Ammo Types
While the best shotgun shells for hunting depends on what animal you're hunting. While I understand what you are saying that anything will work if it is what you have, that is really missing point. The article specifically addresses arguments for intentionally choosing a 20ga over other options, specifically other gauge shotguns.
If the proven deep penetration and lethality of a buckshot round is good enough for them, it will certainly serve your home defense needs. However, take this factor into consideration when thinking about REAL stopping power. Each time you pull the shotgun trigger with a “standard” 12-Gauge load of #00 buckshot load, it fires nine .33-caliber pellets.
Best Shotgun Ammo: Home Defense & Target Shooting in 2022 Reviews
I personally prefer not to bring a baseball bat to a gun fight. Also best to have a lower rail spotlight which illuminates the target. I have a 4 1/2" Monstrum that is very comfortable as a foregrip on my ATI 12GA. There were postgrips also. If it's lit it's hit. Hi, I'm Eric Hung and I got into guns when I was around 25 and started with YouTube videos, scouring forums, and eventually taking a bunch of classes.
Thankfully, the aftermarket support for the M4 is massive and it’s easy to make upgrades if you want. The Masa Tactical M4 is a good example of a tricked-out home defense tactical shotgun. Beretta’s integrated BLINK gas system means this gun cycles 36-percent faster than other semi-auto shotguns. This directly translates into the ability to lay down more lead on your target. The huge benefit the semi-auto gives you is significantly less recoil and a much higher rate of fire.
What is Shotgun Fit & How Important Is it?
I tested the patterns of a variety of shotshells at 10 and 7 yards. The Remington Express XLR No. 5 shot produces patterns about 9 inches across, which is certainly not hall-filling. XLR buckshot was not readily available in my area, but both Remington and Winchester No. 3 buckshot delivered patterns around 6.5 inches.
Let's get to announcing the best 12ga shotgun shell types and uses. My 20 is loaded with Federal 3" magnum #2 shells. 18 copper plated .27 caliber pellets per shell. I wouldn't use anything smaller than #3 for home defense. If the shotgun is stored locked up, how can it be accidentally knocked over?
If you're not concerned with overpenetration or penetrating through walls, you might as well use a rifle like an AR-15. A rifle will offer far greater magazine capacity than any shotgun, while also being lighter recoiling. In this guide, I'll cover the best home defense shotgun ammo. I'll also walk you through everything you need to know and explain how we chose our picks. If shotguns aren't the most popular type of firearm for home defense, they at least seem to be the most recommended.
No shooting necessary is the only good outcome--stealth ninja SEAL Ranger Jedi Recon tactical bullshit aside. You aren't John Wick, and you aren't shooting it out with an army of Kamikaze assassins. For more on choosing the right shotgun ammo, check out the Brownells Daily Defense video below. So try a bunch of them out and see what shoots and patterns best in YOUR shotgun. Not the best or many choices, but the minimum of what we would consider as a good shotgun defensive round.
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