Benelli M1 Super 90 ammo help please

[coolinsocal]

I am currently using Federal .00 buck which seems to cycle through this firearm flawlessly. I originally tried several other lighter loads with smaller shot but as anyone who owns one of these knows most ordinance is not hot enough to cycle the action causing jams, FTL's FTF's FTE's and other assorted problems. I wish to find indoor defense loads that will not penetrate three walls over and as many of you realize bird shot is an excellent indoor defense round for just that. What is commercially available with enough ooomph to cycle this shot gun in a bird shot load? Please only reply if you have this or a similar semi auto and have actual experience.
Thanks in advance,

Socal

[buffybuster]

I am currently using Federal .00 buck which seems to cycle through this firearm flawlessly. I originally tried several other lighter loads with smaller shot but as anyone who owns one of these knows most ordinance is not hot enough to cycle the action causing jams, FTL's FTF's FTE's and other assorted problems. I wish to find indoor defense loads that will not penetrate three walls over and as many of you realize bird shot is an excellent indoor defense round for just that. What is commercially available with enough ooomph to cycle this shot gun in a bird shot load? Please only reply if you have this or a similar semi auto and have actual experience.
Thanks in advance,

Socal

I'm going to have to disagree with you on this. Birdshot is NOT a good choice for any defense situation. T or BB is the smallest I would even consider, with #4-Buck being much better, to limit over penetration and still give you adequate penetration (where you need it).

For the M1S90, about 1-1/8oz is the absolute minimum for reliable functioning (Walmart bulk ammo generally will not function reliably), though I did have to Fed Hi-Vel (1400fps) Max Dram 7/8oz that actually worked well (haven't seen it in years). Keep in mind, the more tacticool stuff you hang off the shotgun will impact it's reliability, since it is recoil operated.

[Trapper]

My M1 Super 90 functions flawlessly with 2 3/4" bird shot. How many rounds have you put through your Benelli? There have been several posts debating various shot sizes for home defense, for me it's #1 buck or larger.

[psssniper]

oil son, oil that bolt up, run 'er wet

[G60]

If it doesn't penetrate walls, it won't stop a human.

[Saym14]

there was a real life , sad , story where a guy shot his wife point blank in the face with bs. she lived. many surgeries , but live.

I thought this was supposed to be one of the most reliable shotguns out there. i was thinking of getting one - you guys are talking me into a pump.

[barrym66]

I'm going to have to disagree with you on this. Birdshot is NOT a good choice for any defense situation. T or BB is the smallest I would even consider, with #4-Buck being much better, to limit over penetration and still give you adequate penetration (where you need it).

The last 2 or 3 episodes of the TV show "The Best Defense" on Outdoor Channel has shown penetration capabilities of OO, #4, and birdshot through drywall, furniture, and even a refrigerator (both empty and through multiple 1 gal jugs of water).

Caused me to rethink my home defense loads (my HD gun is an HK model M1S90 as well). I had 00 loaded before, but have birdshot now (3 birdshot shells followed by the balance in #4 buck). It will penetrate two layers (one wall) of drywall at typical inside the home distances but stops at the 2nd wall (with only a slight amount of penetration through the 2nd layer of 1st wall).

Unless your attacker is wearing leather, you are going to cause enough damage to stop him or slow him down enough get a 2nd shot off (or 3 with the Benelli ) with less concern for going through into the next room (or two).

The 00 actually went through 3 sets of walls... far more depth and damage than a 223/5.56 at the same range. #4 buck penetrated through 2 walls. Something to seriously think about.

My M1S90 will reliably cycle Federal multipurpose birdshot (1 1/8 oz #8), at least it did through a 4 day (~400b rds) class.

[buffybuster]

My M1 Super 90 functions flawlessly with 2 3/4" bird shot. How many rounds have you put through your Benelli? There have been several posts debating various shot sizes for home defense, for me it's #1 buck or larger.

How old is it? The older models (earlier HK branded) definitely needed heavier loads to function. Benelli did some mods later on with the popularity of the M1S90's in 3-gun for lighter loads.

[barrym66]

Mine is a very early S/N, with the old style forend... don't have the S/N handy but I know I can't buy a Surefire for it anymore.

I'd heard the same, was worried a bit before taking it to the class, but it handled the Federal #8 fine. I've never tried light/low recoil loads due to the same concerns you mentioned. I have heard of a mod that was available but I can't tell if it's been done to mine by the original owner (I bought it used a year ago).

[ROCKETW19]

If it doesn't penetrate walls, it won't stop a human.

I heard that. I am gonna say I can throw a rock threw a sheet rock wall so I dont know what to say.
I dont use my M1 or M4 for home D. But If I did grabb it its loaded with federal 00buck

[barrym66]

I heard that. I am gonna say I can throw a rock through a sheet rock wall so I don't know what to say.
I don't use my M1 or M4 for home D. But If I did grab it it's loaded with federal 00 buck

You have kids or other loved ones in your home?

Not arguing, just suggesting you might want to think through a typical HD shooting scenario from all angles (pun intended).

[5150bronco]

I heard that. I am gonna say I can throw a rock threw a sheet rock wall so I dont know what to say.
I dont use my M1 or M4 for home D. But If I did grabb it its loaded with federal 00buck

+1 on this. read around and watch a video on thread titled "exotic ammo" i think. I believe it is important to know what your ammo can do when using it.

not going to use 3 inch 00 buck to shoot ducks, right?

[Mstnpete]

Best defensive load on a SGHD weapon is a #4 Buck.

http://www.nebraskapreppersnetwork.com/2009/11/shotgun-ammo-choices-for-home-defense.html

[bsg]

i agree with Mstnpete; #4 Buck.

[dohboy]

HD load

I live in a condo/townhome. I use 2 3/4" Federal #4 buck with 34 pellets (pretty hard to find) filled in the tube, nothing chambered, safety off. I don't use 3" shells since I would fit 1 less round in the tube with 3" and I think 2 3/4" is plenty adequete. On the side saddle I have 00buck and a few slugs handy, just in case engagement moves outside.