Self defense shotgun loads

[Cowbaby]

If you are going to use it in your house, bird shot is lethal @ any distance indoors with little chance of collateral damage.

At 1yd when an armadillo is between your legs, a heavy dove load of 7 1/2 will break an armadillo clean in half.
Don't ask me how I know this. ;7)

 

[Oklahomabassin]

Any luck finding some?

 

[kwaynem]

Any luck finding some?

Dave has some just need to get with him (Spdguns)

 

[Moparman485]

For home defense, Remington XLR #4 shot. For hunting, Black aces tactical high velocity slug. For general purpose defense or “patrol” as it were, federal flight control 00 buck. If you search in the ammo forum on here, you’ll find a lot of gel testing I did on slugs, birdshot, and buckshot. Here is the one I use for home defense.

 

[lilcountry]

First round up would be a slug - It can be ejected if not needed. Behind that would be 000 buck.

 

[ssgrock3]

If you are going to use it in your house, bird shot is lethal @ any distance indoors with little chance of collateral damage.

pattern your gun at across the kitchen or living room distance. I haven't done it since I was a kid and am curious. close up, it would be hell of someone but they open up fast in a short barrel shotgun imho

 

[Moparman485]

pattern your gun at across the kitchen or living room distance. I haven't done it since I was a kid and am curious. close up, it would be hell of someone but they open up fast in a short barrel shotgun imho

I tested various 8/7.5s and 8/7.5s have very very low penetration at even 10yds compared to the #4 (not #4 buck to be clear). That’s why I stopped using 7.5s and went to the #4s I posted above. However, at house distances, while not “definitely lethal” 7.5/8 will rain hell on an intruder and likely cause an extreme amount of shock trauma and deterrence, while also not being likely lethal to other inhabitants in adjoining rooms and such

 

[Moparman485]

Here is one of the 7.5 gel tests. Almost none penetrated beyond 5 inches at 10yds in 20% gel. So the “lethal” factor is a bit over stated. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t wanna get hit with it, but for single shot drop ability, I opted for #4s.

 

[Two Gun Warrior]

Flacette rounds

 

[KurtM]

Anyone who thinks a flechette round is good round for anything has never fired one at anything. You would be far better off with 8 shot than a flechette.