what ammo to use for mossberg 500

[ljgrasso]

I use Fiocchi low recoil Buckshot

[icee169]

Like everyone before has said either bird or buckshot. Id choose something that doesn't have to much over penetration. Don't want to hit the next door neighbors The stuff I use and was recommended by a LEO friend of mine is the Hornady TAP FPD 2-3/4" 00 Buckshot. Most Shotguns pattern pretty well with this stuff.

[speedaholikz]

Thank you guys, for all the great advice, im going to be using links you guys provided and reading everything i can to get as much knowledge i can.

also, i will get the buckshot for home defense, (hopefully i'll never have to use it) and for range shooting, i try the recommended ammo on here and also, Like SHOTGUN WILLIE said, might just spend a few bucks on different kind to try out and see how it feels.. or just for sheer fun..!!

thanks again guys!

[Richard Erichsen]

Hi, i am new on this site.

So got a question for the experienced shotgun owners. I just bought a Mossberg 500 combo, 20" and 28" barrel 6shot. my first shotgun.

My question for everyone is, what is the best ammo (size, number) to use for home defense. what would be good ammo (size or type) to purchase to go to the shooting range, for both barrels 20" and 28".

is there any type, the mossberg will not fit, or will get jammed with. Type of ammo that will damage the barrel or the choke.

You pick the shells for your shotgun based on what you want to shoot (shell type) and what you find through experimentation pattens best (brand or shell model).

"best" is unachievable, but as a guide, home defense is dominated by a need to stop a dangerous intruder at very close range reliably and yet still reduce the chances of overpenetrating through the intruder and through walls. 2 3/4" reduced recoil loads are the only type appropriate. Reduced recoil loads also tend to have reduced dazzle and blast which can be important in closed spaces, in the dark where noise and flash are going to have an effect on your ability to recover from the first shot if a second is needed.

00 buck is the most common choice, or the less common but arguable better choice of #1(14-16 pellets, the size is standard, the number is not) or #4 buckshot (24-27 pellets, the size is standard, the number of shot is not). Note this is "buckshot" not the smaller shot types, for example a #4 lead shot load is a common turkey or coyote load. A miss with a #1 or #4 buckshot load will still cruise through many wall boards, so every shot must be aimed carefully. The pattern of the shot at the typical 3-7 yard ranges is going to be about the size of a golf ball and no larger then the very bottom of a soda can at 10 yards. A shotgun is a lot more reliable at stopping the threat than a handgun, is generally less prone to overpenetrate the target than a handgun and it's small, round lead pellets don't go through as many wall boards as heavier, faster moving handgun bullets.

The Federal Tactical loads feature reduced recoil and somewhat less muzzle flash and dazzle. The flite-control wad is of no great consequence at the typical 3-7 yard ranges, it helps hold the pattern tighter in cylinder bore (typical defense and LEO shotguns are cylinder bore) weapons at longer distances. The line of "Tactical" loads are primarily focused on the needs of LEOs and have the prefix "LE" in their product number. This includes:

* LE132-00 - 9 pellet 00 buckshot 1145 FPS - low recoil
* LE133-00 - 8 pellet 00 buckshot, (further reduced recoil)
* LE127-00 - 9 pellet 00 buckshot 1325 FPS - not low recoil
Federal discontinued #1 and #4 from this lineup, unfortunately. The Federal "PowerShok" line has the #1 and #4, but several other manufacters including Nobel, Ficcochi, Remington, Winchester and several others make #1 and #4 buckshot loads.

Take a course in use of the tactical shotgun to gain confidence with it, buy many boxes of birdshot to break in your new shotgun (400 seems to take the edge off any rough castings or machinings) and practice, practice and practice some more. Most importantly, have some fun with it. It may never have to be fired in anger (statistically speaking, the odds are on your side) so enjoy shooting it. Learn how to take it down and clean it and you're investment will likely outlive you.

R

[Richard Erichsen]

Either buck or bird. They'll both stop an intruder for HD purposes. The 500 should eat anything you put in it, so long as it is the proper size shell.

I agree, cheap.

Cheap and appropriate aren't often synonymous. It's fortunate shotshells for practice can be ordinary birdshot (the shot size doesn't really matter) but for reliable one-shot stops, the evidence is overwhelmingly in favor of buckshot, particularly 00, #4 and (less data) #1. Many people have survived being attacked a close range with birdshot, which creates very masticated open wounds and profuse bleeding, but are very shallow in depth. Reliably stopping something as large as a human being or a dangerous predator requires at least 12" of penetration through soft tissue, and through a tough hide or thick clothing on the way in. Birdshot has been found to penetrate just under the skin through winter clothes and follow the muscle just under the skin, wrapping around the bodies interior organs without actually penetrating any of them.

Leave the bird shot for birds. Use the right tool for the job.

R

[speedaholikz]

definately going to take the tactical shotgun classes here in the bay area, to get more comfortable with the gun and learn more. Also, thank you for the great knowledge you have passed on. "Mr. Erichsen".

[glock 357]

+1 on westcoasttacicaltraining.com

Patrick and Dave are very experienced in that area. You'll see why during the introduction in class. I'm sure they can answer questions and tell you what not to use based on their experiences.

[hcbr]

That gun will take anything you give it, birdshot, buck, or slugs in 2 3/4 and (or) 3" shells.

Wallyworld is your best bet for the cheap bird stuff for clays, buck and slugs, look on here to find some deals, or any other local gun store.