Which size shells for home defense?

[FunnerGunner]

Couldn't turn up much in search so I'm wondering what you guys think? This would be for a shockwave if that matters.

 

[amm5061]

12ga #4 buck.

 

[DitchDigger]

2-3/4”

 

[eboos]

FMJ, because hollow points explode in deer. Oh wait, we are supposed to want that now.

 

[SDG]

12ga #4 buck.

This, but I would add an osi adapter and go with mini shells if using a shockwave.

 

[Kevin_NH]

For HD, I'd want the full payload of #4 buck in a 2¾ shell, despite the reduced tube capacity.

This, but I would add an osi adapter and go with mini shells if using a shockwave.

Opsol Mini Clip?

IIRC, recent production Shockwave 12 gauge has a new elevator which will feed short and standard length shells without needing adaptors for the minis?

 

[xtry51]

I agree with #4 buck 2-3/4 as the smallest. I wouldn't go below that.

As a note it is worth measuring the longest LIKELY shot in your house, setting up a target at that distance and practicing to learn exactly what your gun patterns at those short distances.

 

[cams]

Just rack that pump and yell out “C’mon mannn!”

 

[eboos]

Ladies and gentlemen: bullets are bullets. In close contact they reek ha-vok on the body

Edit: in 2 years someone will resurrect this post and call me an idiot and I will not remember why I said this.

 

[StevieP]

This:

S12PDX1 Defender Shotshell Ammo | Winchester Ammunition

The S12PDX1 Defender shotshell ammo features a black oxide high-base head and three pellets of Grex buffered 00 plated buckshot.

winchester.com

 

[AHM]

12 Gauge Archives - The Box O' Truth

The 12 gauge shotgun is a big and powerful close combat firearm, appropriate for "instinctive fire," and is known as one of the more deadly short range firearms. It is commonly used for police forces and bank and values security companies. One of the most famous models for the 12 gauge shotgun...

www.theboxotruth.com

 

[Mtn_Guy]

First round… second round a bit harder hitting

 

[cams]

Throw 3 boxes worth of 12G down the hallway in the dark and hope he slips on one of them and busts his ass. Physically toss your family out the top story window and remind them to do PLF’s on the way down. Set. Good.
Now light cigarette, grab flex cuffs and bundle intruder before dragging him outside nude, beaten and crying.

 

[AHM]

Throw 3 boxes worth of 12G Legos down the hallway in the dark and hope he slips on one of them and busts his ass.

FTFY.

 

[paul73]

I agree with #4 buck 2-3/4 as the smallest. I wouldn't go below that.

As a note it is worth measuring the longest LIKELY shot in your house, setting up a target at that distance and practicing to learn exactly what your gun patterns at those short distances.

Dunno why #4, #00 is more effective against flesh and solid objects.

 

[eboos]

Dunno why #4, #00 is more effective against flesh and solid objects.

Over penetration can be an issue.

 

[looser38]

Dunno why #4, #00 is more effective against flesh and solid objects.

If you live alone in the house, and you don't have any neighbors within 1/4 mile, sure.

 

[MisterHappy]

.88 magnum.

Go big, or [don't] go home

 

[SDG]

For HD, I'd want the full payload of #4 buck in a 2¾ shell, despite the reduced tube capacity.

For the most part I agree. My wife is significantly more accurate with Federal #4 Buck shortys so that is what would be in hers. Either way I wouldn't be using a shockwave to begin with though. I don't think the minor advantages to maneuverability outweigh not having a stock on a shotgun, especially using full power SD/HD loads.

Opsol Mini Clip?

IIRC, recent production Shockwave 12 gauge has a new elevator which will feed short and standard length shells without needing adaptors for the minis?

Good to know. are they putting them on regular shotguns or just the shockwave.

 

[FunnerGunner]

For HD, I'd want the full payload of #4 buck in a 2¾ shell, despite the reduced tube capacity.


Opsol Mini Clip?

IIRC, recent production Shockwave 12 gauge has a new elevator which will feed short and standard length shells without needing adaptors for the minis?

Yes this shockwave was feeding the mini shells fine

 

[FunnerGunner]

This:

S12PDX1 Defender Shotshell Ammo | Winchester Ammunition

The S12PDX1 Defender shotshell ammo features a black oxide high-base head and three pellets of Grex buffered 00 plated buckshot.

winchester.com

never seen those before

 

[5 DOLLAR FOOT LONG]

Say it in slugs

 

[dingbat]

Dunno why #4, #00 is more effective against flesh and solid objects.

In addition to the over penetration thing that eboos brought up, once your shot has enough mass to penetrate to the required depth at the ranges you’re using it, smaller shot will have a larger combined cross section which will shut down a threat faster.
Lay an ounce of #4 on the table next to an ounce of #00. The #4 will cover a greater area.

Personally I load #1 for HD, bu it’s a low recoil load too so it needs a little more mass/shot to get appropriate penetration.

 

[watchman]

I thought it was buckshot followed by a slug prepared in advance

 

[Marty McFly]

00 buck or slugs. If you shoot something you are prepared to destroy it

 

[cams]

Shockwave at 3am half asleep and still buzzed…

 

[Wickedcoolname]

When it comes to shells I'd go with either quohog or periwinkle.

 

[gerrycaruso]

In a Shockwave I'd stay with 2 3/4" and use #4 buckshot.

 

[Marty McFly]

Shockwave at 3am half asleep and still buzzed…
View attachment 542866

Note to self. Use the loop on the foregrip

 

[Marty McFly]

In a Shockwave I'd stay with 2 3/4" and use #4 buckshot.

S&b 12 pellet copper coated 00 buck.

It'll make a grown man cry. Mostly the shooter