I haven't given slugs much consideration. Figured that for the HD role that the buckshot loads would work better? Maybe be less likely to punch through walls and end up hitting the neighbors house?
Is there any data regarding the effectiveness of buckshot vs slugs for defense purposes?
Slugs could be interesting for the range/plinking if nothing else. Do you guys have any recomendations? Will one brand/type work better than another in a shotgun that has a choke?
I've done much reading on the .410 shotgun for home defense and although I am no expert, I've concluded to my satisfaction that if one is interested in a light, low recoil weapon that still has shotgun-level wounding/stopping potential, the .410 is a good choice and underrated platform.
I did just as much reading on ammunition choice. These are the options as I see them:
Federal:
- "Premium Personal Defense" 2 1/2", 000 Buck, 4 pellets, 850 fps (in a handgun)
- "Premium Personal Defense" 3", 000 Buck, 5 pellets, 775 fps (in a handgun)
- "Premium Personal Defense" , 3", 4 Buck, 9 pellets, 950 fps (in a handgun)
Remington:
- "HD Ultimate Home Defense" 2 1/2", 00 Buck, 4 pellets, 1300 fps
Winchester:
- "Supreme Elite PDX1" 2 1/2", 3 .40cal discs/12 BBs
- "Super-X" 2 1/2", 000 Buck, 3 pellets, 1300 fps
- "Super-X", 3", 000 Buck, 5 pellets, 1145 fps
Fortunately, with the popularity of the Taurus Judge and S&W Governor-type handguns, defensive .410 shells have become more available and less expensive.
I like Federal's PPD in a 2 1/2"; it gets me the heavier hitting 000 Buck, and an extra round in the magazine.
David4516: your FTF/FTEs indeed might be cured by a good field strip and clean; it might also be cured by switching to 2 1/2" shells. Although I have not experienced this myself, it's the opinion of some that the .410 bore shotguns don't feed 3" shells as reliably as they do 2 1/2". YMMV.
As for data on slugs vs. buckshot in a .410, here's some from an excellent site:
http://www.brassfetcher.com/410 bore.html
Also, a site that tests .410 defensive ammo for handguns, but includes a shotgun for comparison's sake:
http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot53.htm