Very Low Recoil Defense loads for shotgun

[Dov]

We (the forum) know two low recoil 12 gauge loads for defense:

Hornady low recoil TAP 8 pellet OO buck, my understanding is it is noticeably lighter on recoil than Federal 8 pellet but uses same type of Flite Control wad under different name https://pistol-forum.com/showthread....e-8-pellet-00B

via Demonstrated Concepts Fiocchi Defense Dynamics 12 Gauge 2-3/4" #1 Buckshot 9 Pellets real low recoil load


Midway link
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/102326523

For 410 the 4 and 5 pellet OOO buck loads should be good to go https://pistol-forum.com/showthread....-shockwave-410

Are there any other good choices for 12 or 20 gauge?

[TCinVA]

Looking at the payload weight and the velocity will give you a good idea of what kind of recoil it offers.

The linked Hornady load shows 1,100 FPS...which is the same statistics as Federal's low recoil 8 pellet FC load.

The Fiocchi load in the youtube video is 9 pellets at 1250. Heavier payload (although not by much) going faster which = a little more felt recoil. I've shot a few hundred of those shells and I've never noticed them being particularly concerning for recoil.

1100 FPS is about as low as you're going to find.

[MTP]

I patterned and shot a bunch (500+) of this exact Fiocchi load in my 1301, because a few months back I got for an incredible price from PSA. Weekly deal or something.

Recoil IMHO is comparable to low recoil FC, maybe a little harsher but I couldn't really tell the difference in the 1301. Definitely NOT lower recoil than FC.

Worth noting that, as expected, the patterns were abysmal compared to FC, and I made a note in my journal "only for use within 7 yards".