Gunfighter

M.W. · Joined: 12 Jul 2007 Posts: 136 Location: inside the loop

Most of us think of the weapons brands and mindsets required to effectively operate our various systems. Another critical component has to be the ammunition we use. (I will start a thread for pistol ammo in the Pistol Fighting section also)
Shotgun ammo is super versatile to say the least and there are many different use situations.

We are lucky enough to have Brian as a world class Shotgun instructor/operator and get his valuable opinions so I thought we could start a discussion of the various types of shotgun ammo everyone uses,LE,home defense,etc.

As a Citizen Warrior,I have two levels of shotgun strategies for now - (1)Home defense (see the thread on the Dedicated Home Shotgun for the 12ga. Mini-shells information)
(2) The "looters in the streets" scenario - This too involves the Winchester 1300 pump shotgun,combat tricked out(though as soon as I can I want the Benelli M4) and set up with the following ammunition loads.

For the last few months I have been working with a unique 12ga. shell made in Italy and been very pleased with the results.
http://dkgtrading.com/centurion/cenintro.html (standard lengths/SAAMI pressures,etc.)

It is the Centurion 2 3/4" Multi-defense load.

I have found that at ranges from point blank out to about 18-22 yards the 8"-12" pattern is quite acceptable. (Beyond this I think is more slug territory)
In my opinion, this cup set configuration is superior to standard 00 buckshot for the simple reason that there is a .65 caliber/394 grain roundball slug that is hits in the middle of the 6 - 1B pellets spread.
This adresses the "doughnut" effect problem as the pattern expands of standard buckshot shells. http://www.dkgtrading.com/centurion/cenbuck.html
**Note- I have tried the Federal Flitecontrol and like it OK,but it's pattern is so tight that,like Brian has mentioned, a miss is quite possible it seems at very close ranges for all but highly skilled operators.**

The Multi-defense load traveling at 1300 fps hits with the impact of 6 -.30cal balls and the equivilent of more than 2- .40 cal 180gr. bullets all at the same instant on the target. http://www.corneredcat.com/Ammunition/caliber.aspx#Shotguns
As long as it is wide and for close to medium ranges, roundbuck ammo dumps all its energy at the point of impact for enormous knockdown power. It is for this reason and at close ranges that round buck is what is used in last ditch stopping of big game animals by the guides in Africa. http://shop2.mailordercentral.com/bpicart/prodinfo.asp?number=0376900
If a wounded and charging 2000lb. Cape Buffalo can be dropped then no amount of drugs can make a hopped-up thug stand up to a ball slug either.
Also,the other pellets allow for impact points even with a partial miss.

Lastly,for rifled slugs my preference is the Federal or Winchester Low Recoil.

You can get the Multi-defense loads - Tried to fix link 1/14/08
http://ammunitiontogo.com/catalog1/product_info.php?pName=50rounds-12gauge-centurion-law-enforcement-multidefense-buck&cName=12-gauge-buckshot (it is imported so may be await to get some of it,contact them directly and ask)
as well as other types of ammo from the dealer we all use - www.bigdogammo.com
We like John for our .223 ammo,pistols,and shotgun rounds because he is as good as his word and his prices are fair...not the least always,but he HAS the ammunition in stock. Lots of websites show less prices but are out of stock all the time,lol...what good is that?

Liam · Joined: 10 Jul 2007 Posts: 86

I think the most important aspect of choosing ammo for shotgun is knowing what pattern it will shoot at which distance. This goes for shooting Trap, Skeet, Sporting Clays, live wing shooting, or any defensive situation.

Semper_Fi

Good info and links.

Guntrainer · Joined: 09 Nov 2007 Posts: 19

I have trained for several years with Remmie Low Recoil Buck, but have lately been using the more energetic Federal Tactical Buck and Slug. Pretty good stuff for pumps. Good patterning, manageable recoil, and positive functioning.