Poll: What 12 gauge round for home defense

[pokersamurai]

I've been reading a lot lately on the subject of shotguns for home defense, and not surprisingly one of the most argued topics is what load is the best choice for home defense. People are very polarized about birdshot vs. buckshot vs. slugs. So, I though I do a quick poll of INGO and see what rounds you all are using for home defense.

Vote and tell why you chose you specific load (feel free to post pics of your HD shotguns too ).

 

[Hookeye]

I just use left over hunting stuff....

foster slugs (low recoil)
mag #4 turkey loads
and a few #1 buck magnum yote loads

Have both 870 and 1100 magnums for HD (and hunting).

 

[FireBirdDS]

Bird shot loses energy quickly and will only penetrate skin deep, will sting your attacker like all get out and will only serve to further **** him off. 00 buck shot is like being hit with as many as nine 9mm bullets all at once. A center mass hit with buck will take out heart and lungs. Don't know much of anything about slugs as of yet, though I imagine that unless they expand and lose energy quickly enough, they'll blow right through and continue on (unless your attacker is major obese).

 

[PKendall317]

Bird shot loses energy quickly and will only penetrate skin deep, will sting your attacker like all get out and will only serve to further **** him off. 00 buck shot is like being hit with as many as nine 9mm bullets all at once. A center mass hit with buck will take out heart and lungs. Don't know much of anything about slugs as of yet, though I imagine that unless they expand and lose energy quickly enough, they'll blow right through and continue on (unless your attacker is major obese).

Also with slugs, you have to remember that that 1oz of lead won't stop moving until it hits something hard enough to stop it. It'll take out the bad guy, but it will also take out walls and possibly innocent bystanders. And that's even more problems you have to deal with.

I'd stick with 00 buck, I've even heard of some people using #4 buck but I don't know anything about that.

 

[chezuki]

Here's my 870 with XS Big Dot front sight and Knoxx Stock. Military 00 Buck: 1 in the chamber, 6 in the tube and 3 more on the side + 3 Federal L.E. 1oz slugs just in case.

 

[1911Shooter]

When I think of a home defense situation, I always feel there is going to be a high amount of stress and a lot of anxiety. So I feel that having a load that requires less pin point accuracy and that is also lethal is the best of both worlds. If I was looking for something that is only going to put 1 projectile in the air per 1 trigger pull, I wouldn't choose a shotgun. I just think that the entire purpose of a shotgun for home defense is the scatter effect. My last resort, out of all the rounds listed would be the less than lethal rounds. Something tells me that a good attorney could play on that the wrong way. If your life is in danger to the point that you need a gun you need to shoot to protect yourself and totally incapacitate the intruder, not slow him down. This of course is only my opinion, but it is a very good conversation starter.

 

[Slapstick]

In reality either bird shot or Buck shot is lethal at typical HD ranges unless you live in house with very very large rooms or hallways. Either has thier advantages and disadvantages. I load my HD shotguns with #4 buck, good penetration on the bad guy but typically will stay within your house, (neighbors appreciate these kind of things).

Never understood the less than lethal for defense, it has it's place with police but if someone enters my home without permission I'm fairly certain they aren't there to give me a hug.

 

[Bigtanker]

I have #4 buck in my hd shotgun. OO can go through somebody, as can a slug, then penetrate walls and still have enough energy to kill somebody else. But you STILL NEED TO AIM as the pattern at 25 feet is only about 6 inches. Maybe have a side saddle on your gun with some slugs in case the situation calls for it.

 

[pwoller]

I think it really depends on the size of your home. If your shooting down a hallway that is 50 feet long or one that is 10 feet long. Do you want to have to worry about shooting thru walls or not. ect.

 

[jb1911]

Who the hell chose bird shot? Nothing like a horribly wounded intruder coming at you and getting his blood all over your carpet and pajamas.

Better:

 

[Mwiseman6]

I've been reading about this lately. I've found that #1 buck is said to be the best balance between penetration without over penetration for HD. With 16 pellets it has the best chance to do maximum damage.

 

[IndyDave1776]

I haven't had time to test it from one of my shotguns or really to give it much thought, but Winchester has an interesting defense round featuring a foster slug in front and three 00 pellets behind it. In any event, I don't believe it would do a BG any favors!

 

[jb1911]

I've been reading about this lately. I've found that #1 buck is said to be the best balance between penetration without over penetration for HD. With 16 pellets it has the best chance to do maximum damage.

I endorse this post.

 

[T4rdV4rk]

When I think of a home defense situation, I always feel there is going to be a high amount of stress and a lot of anxiety. So I feel that having a load that requires less pin point accuracy and that is also lethal is the best of both worlds. If I was looking for something that is only going to put 1 projectile in the air per 1 trigger pull, I wouldn't choose a shotgun. I just think that the entire purpose of a shotgun for home defense is the scatter effect. My last resort, out of all the rounds listed would be the less than lethal rounds. Something tells me that a good attorney could play on that the wrong way. If your life is in danger to the point that you need a gun you need to shoot to protect yourself and totally incapacitate the intruder, not slow him down. This of course is only my opinion, but it is a very good conversation starter.

I hear you but check the spread at "across the room distances". Even with an open cylinder it really doesn't spread like you might think. Shotguns are very powerful which is one pro over something like an AR in 5.56.

 

[Drakkule]

Dragons breath, that way you cauterize the wound at the same time, and if they live through it, it's pretty easy to find a flaming suspect.

 

[Tactical Flannel]

What I've always had confidence in is the 00 buck for interior.
I use the Remington reduced recoil 12 ga 2 3/4" out of my Remington 870. For me, this load is the best compromise of penetration vs over penetration and still maintain the ability to stop the bad guy.

Stay safe

 

[1911Shooter]

I hear you but check the spread at "across the room distances". Even with an open cylinder it really doesn't spread like you might think. Shotguns are very powerful which is one pro over something like an AR in 5.56.

I understand what you mean but even a 6 to 10 inch spread makes a huge difference. No other round, for home defense use, leaves a 6 to 10 inch foot print. To me it is all about decreasing the odds for failure to hit.

 

[Ishootbullets777]

I would have to go with the Winchester super x 00 buckshot. It works very well.

 

[Slawburger]

00 Buckshot or #1 Buckshot. Nothing smaller than #1.

 

[Cannon762]

One mag of 00 buck, one mag of slugs. The Saiga 12 doesn't care what you're hiding behind.