Shotgun Ammo

[DolphinFan]

I need to make one last ammo purchase before the end of the year. Can anyone suggest the type of shotgun ammo I should have?

I have a remington 870 express 18" shotgun 2 3/4"-3", I have #9 shot and some slugs I want at least a couple hundred rounds for the firearm.

What should I get?

Please leave suggestions.

Thank you.

[Scratch705]

what do you want to do with the shotgun?

[DolphinFan]

what do you want to do with the shotgun?

Home defense and possibly hunting. More Home Defense.

[oscar2910]

My guess is your just shooting paper at close range.
Any shot size from 7 to 9 is fine for paper at close range.
Slugs are nifty but have no purpose on paper in my opinion.
Buckshot is a must if you plan on using this for home defense. 4 or 00 works great.
Brands I use Remington, Winchester, Rio, Sellier Bellot and Suprema if Wally has it.

Give us a few more details of your intentions and I'm sure a few other Calgunners will be here shortly.
Remember if you plan on buying in bulk buy online and you have not much time left.
As always this is my opinion!

[Mayor McRifle]

With the 18" barrel, I assume it's an in-home defense shotgun. For inexpensive practice, I love this stuff: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/10...shot-9-pellets

For in-home defense, I use Federal Premium LE 1 Buck or 00 Buck. The Sellier and Bellot 00 Buck feels very similar, although the pattern is not nearly as tight.

[oscar2910]

Home defense and possibly hunting. More Home Defense.

For hunting id suggest a longer barrel and some sluggos.
I'd stay with smooth bore so the barrel can be useful for clays.

[BigFatGuy]

Slugs are nifty but have no purpose on paper in my opinion.

I'd say the opposite... slugs (and buckshot) are the ONLY things worth shooting at paper.

Birdshot at paper: ok, I hit the paper. all of it. Everywhere.

[BTFlyer]

I need to make one last ammo purchase before the end of the year. I want at least a couple hundred rounds for the firearm.

What should I get?

Please leave suggestions.

Thank you.

You need more than a couple hundred. Unless you only shoot a few times a year you will be ran out quickly

[Scratch705]

You need more than a couple hundred. Unless you only shoot a few times a year you will be ran out quickly

looks like OP will only use as HD or hunting.

you won't be firing off thousands of rounds in these two scenarios.

a few hundred would be more than enough.

that is unless OP is doing bird hunting, then maybe i can see needing more since not everyone can get hits on birds.

[NATEWA]

HD

https://www.hornady.com/ammunition/shotgun/12-ga-00-buckshot#!/

Hunting (shot size will be determined by what you are shooting)

https://www.hevishot.com/catalog/hevi-metal/

BBs for geese and #2’s for ducks. Think I picked up some Kent steel #6s for doves.

[heidad01]

Unless if you go bird hunting, all you need for an 870 with an 18" barrel is "00" buck shots. That is more than good enough for home defense. Slugs are for hunting at a distance or breaching locked doors. If you live in AN apartment building, condo or the type with very soft walls, nothing more than a #2 shot. You do not want to shoot the neighbor through the walls. Even #4 shots would do.
Surely there are different views on what to use for which occasion. That is just my .02 cents.

[pennstater]

For HD/SD, those who mentioned #1b, #4B and 00 B, are spot on. For hunting, well, with the 18" barrel, could be a little iffy. If you're going to keep only the 18"er, pick up some #6 steel. It's what you're going to be shooting SOON, so stock up. Might look into a field barrel[26"-28"] for hunting, and you'd be in. Someone will come along and say where to get the field barrel. But, buy your ammo now, times a wasting. These are just my idea's.
Just saw heidad01's response: Good call.

[sealocan]

If you live in a free state you might consider some Dragon's breath rounds but be careful you don't burn everything down.

[boopiejones]

all the ranges near me only allow slugs on the rifle range. so i'd buy some slugs for target practice for sure.

buck shot is great for HD, so that's a must as well.

birdshot is cheap, so no reason to not stock up on that too.

long story short, buy a lot of everything.

[kmas]

Federal premium le, 1 buck