What size of shotgun shell is the best compromise for cost and utility?
November 25th, 2009 by eranio
I just purchased a Remington 870 Express. I won’t use it very much, so I only want to keep a single type of ammunition. I’ll mainly have the gun for home defense, but maybe occasionally use it for pheasant hunting or shooting clays. What is the most economical size/type of shot for 2 3/4" shells, which would be a fair compromise for all of my purposes?
Oh…it’s a 12 gauge in case you wondered.
Posted in best shotgun
November 25th, 2009 at 8:26 am
You can use number 7-1/2 shot for shooting clays and in home self-defense.*
November 25th, 2009 at 8:26 am
The bird shot you use for hunting can be very affective for home defense at close range.
November 25th, 2009 at 8:26 am
Shells loaded with # 8 shot will probably fill the bill, and you can get them almost anywhere. Even K-Mart and Wal-Mart sell these shells. (At least in Florida they do!)
November 25th, 2009 at 8:26 am
Get some bird shot. I wouldn’t use it for home defense though.
November 25th, 2009 at 8:26 am
5 pheasant loads would be your best bet
November 25th, 2009 at 8:26 am
There is no acceptable compromise for all shotgun tasks.
To prevent ever having to scramble for shells stock your shelf with $125 of shells:
2 boxes of 2.75" 00 buckshot $8
2 boxes Federal Premium Tru-ball slugs $15
4 boxes of #8 target shells $32
2 boxes of #6 heavy 2.75" shells $30
2 boxes of 3" non toxic water foul shells #2 and #4 $40
The eight 25 round boxes, slugs and buck will all fit in one ten box cardboard case. Properly stored ammunition will last a lifetime. The above list should get you through three outings of any hunting.
November 25th, 2009 at 8:26 am
im going say 6′s
idealy you want 5′s or 6′s for pheasants and 7 1/2 for clays
November 25th, 2009 at 8:26 am
Hi — Use 2 3/4 inch 8 or 9 pellet buckshot for home defense….. Buy it at decent prices here in bulk….
http://www.jgsales.com/index.php/ammo-for-shotguns/12-gauge/cPath/52_458
Shooting clays? — Shop the big box sporting goods stores for that stuff…. Any savings you get online for that stuff is eaten up by shipping costs so check your area sporting good stores for case prices……
Pheasant?…….
Estate Game loads…. But surely look over what your local dealer has…..
http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/default.php?cPath=10480_14626_11576_16377_11603