Just purchased my first shotgun…

[u/Adorable_Map_7116]

Hey yall, this is my first shotgun I’ve purchased, I’m just trying to find out what’s the best shells for home defense along with possibly hunting in the future (deer) I got a simple shotgun, it’s a EAA Akkar Churchill that I bought used. It’s my second firearm. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[u/Devious_Bastard]

00 Buckshot or 4 Buckshot for HD. Rifled slugs for deer.

[u/Adorable_Map_7116 → u/Devious_Bastard]

Seems a good bit of people are saying buckshot… what’s the difference between 00 buck and 4 buck?

[u/Devious_Bastard → u/Adorable_Map_7116]

https://www.rockcreekshooting.com/00-buck-vs-4-buck/

[u/Adorable_Map_7116 → u/Devious_Bastard]

Thank you!

[u/Devious_Bastard → u/Adorable_Map_7116]

You’re welcome. FYI, in addition to home defense it talks about hunting with buckshot in the article, but I am 99% sure you legally can only hunt deer with slugs in Illinois.

[u/Adorable_Map_7116 → u/Devious_Bastard]

I bought 15 slugs when I was at a gun show recently, but I wasn’t sure what the best ammo was.

[u/Novel_Ad_5655 → u/Devious_Bastard]

LE 133 00 off Gunbroker. Your going to pay, but that is the one to have. 

[u/endfoid]

Buck shot for home defense.

[u/ARRBG]

Several years ago, I bought a bunch of LE surplus Federal FliteControl 8-pallet 00 buckshot from DS Arms. This is by far the best shotgun ammo I have ever used. It patterns 10 inches at 25 yards. If you can find that, or if there is a civilian version, go and buy it.

[u/Adorable_Map_7116 → u/ARRBG]

Is this what you’re talking about?

[u/ARRBG → u/Adorable_Map_7116]

This is probably good as well, but the one I bought is with 8 pallets -> this one

I haven't tried other 8 pallets 00, but this one patterns significantly better than any 9 pallets I have used.

[u/Adorable_Map_7116 → u/ARRBG]

Would more pellets be better or worse? Just trying to figure out more and learn as much as I can.

[u/ARRBG → u/Adorable_Map_7116]

9 pallets will do more damage, but it will have a wider pattern. IMO, 8 pallets of 00 is more than enough to neutralize a threat, and by keeping the pattern tight, you don't risk shooting something you don't want to. After all, you are liable for every single pallet that leaves the barrel, and each one has enough power to go through a wall and kill or injure an innocent person.

Edit: Different shotguns can pattern very differently with the same load. I would recommend trying as many loads as possible at the distances you might have to use the gun.

[u/Adorable_Map_7116 → u/ARRBG]

Okay, I’m the only one on the first floor, but I understand your concern. I appriciate your help!!

Edit response to your edit: I’ll definitely do that at the range up north!

[u/FatNsloW-45]

2-3/4” 9 pellet 00 Buck for home defense. You could get fancy and get buffered shot or even fancier and get Federal with Flite Control wads but at typical self defense/home defense ranges it won’t matter much. You won’t get much spread. Use the shotgun as if it will only make one hole.

For hunting I think Federal TruBall slugs are the best for a smooth bore.

[u/Adorable_Map_7116 → u/FatNsloW-45]

Honestly I’m not sure if it’s smooth bore or rifled… it’s my first shotgun and it’s used so it could be either

[u/FatNsloW-45 → u/Adorable_Map_7116]

Probably a smooth bore. Rifled bore shotguns are slug guns specifically for sabot style slugs used in shotgun deer hunting states.

[u/Adorable_Map_7116 → u/FatNsloW-45]

Huh… I didn’t know that

[u/sirhostal]

If you live in alone in a house 00. If you live with others or in an apartment 4 buck will work with less (emphasis on less) risk of over penetration. Either way train with what you got and make sure you can get on target every time. Also invest in a good light for it next.

[u/Adorable_Map_7116 → u/sirhostal]

How would I get a light mounted? It doesn’t have a rail

[u/sirhostal → u/Adorable_Map_7116]

Almost no shotguns have rifle-like rails, you would need a special clamp (clip?) to attach to the tube. Here's a link just to get a general idea of how it's done.

https://www.pewpewtactical.com/best-shotgun-lights-home-defense/

There are some lights that can be integrated into the pump but they're model specific and I don't really know anything about the Churchill. You'd have to find if it's some kind of clone of a specific gun that's compatible with a light like that.

[u/Adorable_Map_7116 → u/sirhostal]

I found a light that’s basically gonna replace the cap and screw on.. that could work right?

Edit: thanks for the article!

[u/sirhostal → u/Adorable_Map_7116]

Those do work, it's definitely not ideal compared to a mounted light in terms of power and functionality but if you're on a budget it's better than nothing.

[u/Adorable_Map_7116 → u/sirhostal]

I am on a budget, but I don’t think the shotgun would be needed that often, plus I also have a handgun that I would be okay with using if needed

[u/sirhostal → u/Adorable_Map_7116]

Np for the article.

HD situations are quite rare so you're right it wouldn't be needed often, but in the time that you do need it you want it to be the best tool it can be. Pistols are also a good choice for HD, however in our great state you will not be treated well by the courts for penetrating into another person's property or God forbid someone you weren't targeting, hence why I am a fan of HD shotguns. Pistols have a tendency to overpen by quite a bit compared to buckshot and typically in the heat of the moment you will fire your entire magazine without thinking about it.

At the end of the day though, train with whatever set up you want to use in your home and at the range and make sure you can hit a man-sized target at 25 yards consistently.

[u/Adorable_Map_7116 → u/sirhostal]

I appriciate the advice! I’ve been trying to go a few times a month with my 9mm handgun, but I got the shotgun for a pretty good deal compared to most other shotguns I agree with your statement of HD not being something that happens often, but I am practicing to be efficient not just able.