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".

[RevolverRob]

Nothing exists in "Low Recoil" 20-gauge land. Therefore, nothing exists in "Very Low Recoil" land for 20-gauge.

[Guerrero]

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".

Even though @RustyCrusty got great results out of his gun, my results were like @MTP out of my 870. On the flip side, I also got a great deal on a case, so it would be great buckshot training ammo.

[Exiledviking]

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

I use the above method to calculate "power factor" in my competition 12 ga loads and also my pistol loads. Take the weight of the payload (1 oz = 437 grs or 1 1/18 = 492 grs) x the velocity and divide that number by 1000 for a power factor value. Most of the 12 ga birdshot loads I use for competition are around 525 PF (1 0z [437.5 grs] x 1200 fps ) / 1000 = 525.
I find it helpful using the PF(!) when buying shotgun ammo for competition.

[chances R]

https://www.remington.com/shotshell/29-20282.html-

Remington LowRecoil 00 loads. I used this in a RangeMaster course. Very manageable. Nice patterns. 8 pellet

[mmc45414]

I use the above method to calculate "power factor" in my competition 12 ga loads and also my pistol loads. Take the weight of the payload (1 oz = 437 grs or 1 1/18 = 492 grs) x the velocity and divide that number by 1000 for a power factor value. Most of the 12 ga birdshot loads I use for competition are around 525 PF (1 0z [437.5 grs] x 1200 fps ) / 1000 = 525.
I find it helpful using the PF(!) when buying shotgun ammo for competition.

What kind of competition?
I do a lot of shotshell reloading, mostly 3/4oz for skeet, low recoil and shot is the biggest cost component.
And I have been doing 1-1/2oz for 3gun, but I typically save them for when I encounter one of the MGM spinner targets (like I expect to this weekend). But they also mimic lighter buckshot loads.
But I have been thinking about trying some 7/8oz or 1oz loads of #6 (cheap #6 shells seems to be an oxymoron).

[Exiledviking]

What kind of competition?
I do a lot of shotshell reloading, mostly 3/4oz for skeet, low recoil and shot is the biggest cost component.
And I have been doing 1-1/2oz for 3gun, but I typically save them for when I encounter one of the MGM spinner targets (like I expect to this weekend). But they also mimic lighter buckshot loads.
But I have been thinking about trying some 7/8oz or 1oz loads of #6 (cheap #6 shells seems to be an oxymoron).

The local 3-gun matches. We encounter primarily pepper poppers and launched clay pigeons. Also, they like to throw in the Texas Star every so often. I've found that the 1 oz load of 7.5 shot at 1200 fps works well for these matches.

[mmc45414]

I've found that the 1 oz load of 7.5 shot at 1200 fps works well for these matches.

I have been thinking about getting a 1oz bar...