Got a Mossberg 930 JM Pro...What ammo for 3-Gun?

[cclaxton]

What is the best ammo to run for 3-Gun in the Mossberg 930 JM Pro?
I was thinking slugs made for smooth bore at 1300FPS and #8 Target loads at 1300FPS.

Does anyone have experience running light loads in the 930?

Thanks,
CC

[Chris Rhines]

For birdshot, just avoid the cheap promo shells. I use B&P Classic or Winchester AA #7.5 sporting clays loads. On stages with a lot of close clay targets, I'll sometimes use Fiocchi Interceptor spreaders.

For slugs, you'll probably have to do some testing to determine what your gun likes. I've pretty much settled on B&P low-recoil 1oz. slugs, but I've also had good results with Fiocchi Aeros, Federal PB127LRS, and Winchester Rangers.

So, now that you have a shotgun, I guess we can expect to see you at the PNTC 3-Gun matches, right?

[jar]

For birdshot, just avoid the cheap promo shells. I use B&P Classic or Winchester AA #7.5 sporting clays loads. On stages with a lot of close clay targets, I'll sometimes use Fiocchi Interceptor spreaders.

For slugs, you'll probably have to do some testing to determine what your gun likes. I've pretty much settled on B&P low-recoil 1oz. slugs, but I've also had good results with Fiocchi Aeros, Federal PB127LRS, and Winchester Rangers.

So, now that you have a shotgun, I guess we can expect to see you at the PNTC 3-Gun matches, right?

Those B&P are scary accurate in my 930, run 100%, and shoot softer than birdshot.

[cclaxton]

For birdshot, just avoid the cheap promo shells. I use B&P Classic or Winchester AA #7.5 sporting clays loads. On stages with a lot of close clay targets, I'll sometimes use Fiocchi Interceptor spreaders.

For slugs, you'll probably have to do some testing to determine what your gun likes. I've pretty much settled on B&P low-recoil 1oz. slugs, but I've also had good results with Fiocchi Aeros, Federal PB127LRS, and Winchester Rangers.

So, now that you have a shotgun, I guess we can expect to see you at the PNTC 3-Gun matches, right?
Chris,
Thanks for the great info on ammo for the shotgun.
Hope to see you out there. My weekend schedules don't always match up. I am trying to prepare for the ShootHouse Shootout 3-Gun/IDPA Oct 12-13 in Moyock, NC.
--- ShootHouse ShootOut IDPA and 3-Gun Match October 12-13, at Academi, Moyock, NC. Registration Aug 1-Oct 1 at http://www.ncrr.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=209&It\emid=249 $135 IDPA, $35 3-Gun, $150 Both. Hosted by NCRR. Jeff Koke, MD.

You going?

I added a side-saddle to the 930 and a 4-round belt clip so that gives me 10 rounds for reloading. What's your reload technique? Weak hand? Load-2? Strong Hand?

Having shot sporting clays a lot I am proficient at shooting shotgun, but shooting my AR-15...feel like a beginner. Looking to buy a 1-4x24 optic for it (it currently has a 1x-red dot). What do you use?

Thanks,
Cody

[joshs]

I added a side-saddle to the 930 and a 4-round belt clip so that gives me 10 rounds for reloading. What's your reload technique? Weak hand? Load-2? Strong Hand?

Having shot sporting clays a lot I am proficient at shooting shotgun, but shooting my AR-15...feel like a beginner. Looking to buy a 1-4x24 optic for it (it currently has a 1x-red dot). What do you use?

Thanks,
Cody

I haven't shot any IDPA 3 gun, but for most outlaw matches I would want to be able to carry more than 10 shells. I've done both traditional weak hand and load-two strong and weak hand. For ease of learning, load-two is the clear winner. I prefer load-two strong hand because it brings the gun in closer and is easier to do moving in any direction without breaking the 180.

For rifle optics, the Swarovski Z6i is still the best 3 gun optic, but the Vortex Razor II is also very good at a much lower price. If both are outside your price range, the Burris Mtac/Tac30 is a good lower priced option.

[Chris Rhines]

I reload quad strong-hand, out of AP Customs (much preferred) or Taccom holders. IMO, but the deuce and quad shotshell holders work better mounted on a vest than on a belt.

For outlaw 3-gun (by the way, why is it still called 'outlaw?') you're going to want at least 12-16 shells on your person, at a minimum. I'd also cast a critical eye at the sidesaddle. If it works for you, great, but I've seen shotgun sidesaddles get in the way of other, faster loading techniques.

Josh is right about the Swarovski Z6i, it's the best 3-gun rifle optic you can buy. The Vortex is nice too, but heavy, and doesn't have the bright center dot of the Z6i. If I had to replace my Z6i, I'd get a Leupold VX-6 Multigun (http://swfa.com/Leupold-1-6x24-VX-6-Multigun-Riflescope-P57682.aspx).

Let me check on the Shoothouse Shootout - it might conflict with plans to take the niece and nephew to Disney World. I'd like to shoot it, I haven't been down to BW in a while.

[Tamara]

For birdshot, just avoid the cheap promo shells.

No joke. Had a guy on our squad last weekend whose Benelli tore the base off a Federal promo shell and left the plastic hull in the chamber. It's a good thing the round behind it couldn't shove it all the way into the forcing cone or things could have gotten really exciting.

[Dave Williams]

We are looking at switching 25yr old 870s for 590s. I tried to push for 930s but was shot down. Any thoughts re that?

[Chris Rhines]

We are looking at switching 25yr old 870s for 590s. I tried to push for 930s but was shot down. Any thoughts re that?

Mmm. I've seen plenty of 930s get run hard with good results. OTOH, I've seen and heard of enough issues with the 930, that I'd hesitate to recommend them for department issue.

The only self-loading shotguns I'd recommend for general police issue are the Benelli M2 Tactical and the M1014.

[Dave Williams]

Thanks for the input Chris.

[cclaxton]

Thanks for everyone's comments. In order to test the shotgun at the NRA last night I ran this round: http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/60353 and it was incredibly low recoil. I bought them at Guns&Ammo Warehouse for $7/box-5. They run perfectly in the 930. However, surprisingly, the Federal Premium which I bought at the NRA Range http://www.policehq.com/Products/FC-127LEB#.UhiTCdJO_xM jammed on me multiple times. I expected the other way around.

I love this 930. I will get a chance to try the 1100 Competition soon so I can compare, but I am very happy with my choice. My only issue is learning how to mount it and sight it...I was shooting low...just below down zero at 25 yards.

I was looking at the B&P shells...they look fantastic, but not sure I can afford them.

CC

[joshs]

I reload quad strong-hand, out of AP Customs (much preferred) or Taccom holders. IMO, but the deuce and quad shotshell holders work better mounted on a vest than on a belt.

For outlaw 3-gun (by the way, why is it still called 'outlaw?') you're going to want at least 12-16 shells on your person, at a minimum. I'd also cast a critical eye at the sidesaddle. If it works for you, great, but I've seen shotgun sidesaddles get in the way of other, faster loading techniques.

Josh is right about the Swarovski Z6i, it's the best 3-gun rifle optic you can buy. The Vortex is nice too, but heavy, and doesn't have the bright center dot of the Z6i. If I had to replace my Z6i, I'd get a Leupold VX-6 Multigun (http://swfa.com/Leupold-1-6x24-VX-6-Multigun-Riflescope-P57682.aspx).


I just got back from the Pro-Am, and got to play with the current shotshell carriers and rifle optics.

I really liked the AP Customs quad, so much so that I picked up an 8 round AP quad carrier. The Carbon Arms quad carriers are also nice, and there was new company there making quad and dual carriers using metal backers like AP and plastic shell holders like Carbon Arms, but I forgot the name of the company.

I couldn't really discern a difference in brightness between the Vortex Razor II and the Leupold VX6. Neither appear as bright as the Z6i to me, but that may be a function of the dot size. I don't understand why Leupold refuses to put a good reticle in the VX6. I have the SPR reticle in my current scope and don't find it very useful. The 2.5 mil stadia are too coarse for hold overs, and I find the circle to be distracting. If I got a VX6, I would probably just opt for the German #4 reticle and use multiple zeroes.

The Kahles K16i seemed very nice, but I don't see anything that would justify it's price over the cheaper Z6i. I still really like the Bushnell 1-6.5 with the second focal plane BTR2 reticle. It doesn't have a bright central dot, but I don't think it's really necessary in that scope due to the reticle design. I know that glass clarity is very subjective, but I found the Bushnell to be clearer than either the Razor II or VX6.

I wish either Leupold or Vortex would offer the VX6 or Razor II with a Mil based "christmas tree" reticle. The Vortex reticle isn't bad if you like BDC reticles, I just prefer the reticle to be mil based.

[cclaxton]

A friend let me try his AP Custom 3x3 and it worked great. But I can actually hold four in my hand, so I am going for the 4x4. I thought about multiple ones from Man Mountain, which are nice, but one place to go for ammo means less mistakes. Maybe one day I will graduate to "load-2".

Took my 930 to the range and practiced weak-shoulder, which is totally unfamiliar, but it's really not that bad once you practice it...easier than pistol even.

The first match I went to they had a COF that had me shooting weak-shoulder 6 targets, starting with 4 rounds, while retreating. Missed three of my targets...no surprise. Never even tried weak-shoulder and 2nd time shooting this shotgun.

No problem with standard Remington Target Club loads. Just got some Federal Premium Truball Low Recoil 2-3/4" 1oz Rifled 1300FPS to try out. But I really liked the Brenneke Home Defense stuff.

CC

[joshs]

A friend let me try his AP Custom 3x3 and it worked great. But I can actually hold four in my hand, so I am going for the 4x4. I thought about multiple ones from Man Mountain, which are nice, but one place to go for ammo means less mistakes. Maybe one day I will graduate to "load-2".

Took my 930 to the range and practiced weak-shoulder, which is totally unfamiliar, but it's really not that bad once you practice it...easier than pistol even.

The first match I went to they had a COF that had me shooting weak-shoulder 6 targets, starting with 4 rounds, while retreating. Missed three of my targets...no surprise. Never even tried weak-shoulder and 2nd time shooting this shotgun.

No problem with standard Remington Target Club loads. Just got some Federal Premium Truball Low Recoil 2-3/4" 1oz Rifled 1300FPS to try out. But I really liked the Brenneke Home Defense stuff.

CC

You are welcome to try my caddies at the NRA range. I think you'll regret the 4x4s. I have 3 and they are my least used loading method. I wish load two/quad would have been available when I started 3 gun. I would have the hundreds of hours I practiced loading weak hand back.


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[Chris Rhines]

I wish load two/quad would have been available when I started 3 gun. I would have the hundreds of hours I practiced loading weak hand back.

This.

Wish I'd made it to the Pro-Am, it looked like a good time. You doing the FNH-USA 3-Gun up here in September?