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View Full Version : Thoughts on shotgun loads for a specific use case



Balog
11-08-2013, 03:47 PM
I'm ruminating on loads for home defense shotguns. I know that buckshot is a generally superior choice, however there are a couple mitigating circumstances that make me wary of that in my particular circumstances. There is a specific threat to my family right now that significantly increases the chance that I would need to be able to engage a target through either a vehicle or moderate household type concealment (hollow metal door, multiple sheets of drywall etc), as well as increasing the likelihood of needing to take a shot against someone with either a hostage/human shield or else just a friendly in close proximity. From what I've read the Flite Control wad Federal is using on their buck might help ameliorate the concerns about using shot for a more "precise" shot at shorter ranges. Obviously a carbine would be preferrable for that eventuality, but I do not currently possess a capable fighting carbine and lack the funds to acquire one at this time. However, I am not convinced that buckshot will retain the energy to sufficiently penetrate after passing through an intermediate barrier.

Thoughts? Would, say, #00 buck have suficient penetration through a barrier? If I stick with slugs, are there any criteria to examine other than "accurate in the guns they're to be used in?" My gut feeling is that any .72 1oz chunk of lead doing >1000fps is going to be more than enough for anti-personnel use, but I have no real data or information to back that up.

JHC
11-08-2013, 03:58 PM
Here is some valuable slug info http://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?4340-12-gauge-shotgun-loads-for-LE-duty-use

Balog
11-08-2013, 04:02 PM
Thanks for the referrence, that is indeed excellent information and I had taken a look before posting. I do try to read the stickies. :) Unfortunately, the Federal load he mentioned doesn't seem to be in production (or at least the link doesn't work anymore) and my understanding is that Brenneke is a style of slug, not a specific product? Is that correct?

JHC
11-08-2013, 04:14 PM
I thought it was product name. AFAIK only the one brand of slug uses them. Dynamit Nobel may be the name of the company.

See if this helps. I'm curious about them now. http://www.federalpremium.com/products/details/shotshell.aspx?id=902

Balog
11-08-2013, 05:14 PM
Bah, I'm sorry I was mixing up Brenneke and Foster. I actually have quite a few boxes of the Brenneke KO (I liked the wide flat meplat and it's cheap enough to practice a good bit), but I'm not sure how that would fare. Here's what I have. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/529539/brenneke-usa-ko-ammunition-12-gauge-2-3-4-1-oz-foster-type-slug-box-of-5?cm_vc=U112

peterb
11-08-2013, 10:20 PM
Federal LE loads:
http://le.atk.com/ammunition/federal/slug/default.aspx
Load comparisons:
http://le.atk.com/wound_ballistics/load_comparison/load_comparison.aspx
Brenneke slugs:
http://www.brennekeusa.com/cms/