I know people aren't fans of birdshot, but it's quite effective on drones. That will become more important and relevant over the next 5 years. Trust me on that one.

Any is better than none, buy what you can when you can...not everyone can afford some of this. Be blessed and run the good race.GOD bless

Nothing beats the knock down power of a Shotgun at close range.

I stocked up on 00buck and slugs and #5 and 8 shot. I feel that should cover anything in a Kentucky shtf situation.

Shotguns are great for senior preppers. Anything busting into your bug in home is confronted with a 12 gauge buck shot or number 2 or 4. The receiving end will respect the owner of the property fast.

Whatever ammunition fits your firearm, you can presently locate and afford. One homicide I was on, years ago, the weapon utilized was a .410 with birdshot. Happened inside a residence and victim was found dead in the room where the shooting took place. Like nearly any ammunition; shot placement usually wins over caliber size.

For small game and birds #5 birdshot is probably the most versatile. It's not too big for small birds, squirrels or rabbits and it's not too small for larger game like turkeys, ducks, raccoons, etc. So if you stock up on #5 birdshot, 00 buckshot and slugs you should be able to do anything you want.

I call my shotgun “Hall Cleaner”

Shotguns are just good all around weapons. Worth it

If I HAD to pick one ( for anything other than hunting big game) it would be high powered waterfowl/ turkey loads . .. it'll cover most the bases, especially home defense

I'm a big fan of #4 buck. Gets it done on just about anything.

Completely agree with the general "do all" round. It was exactly what I was thinking and is a more middle of the road shell that would apply to many situations.

I love shotguns for SHTF. In a world without hospitals, ANY lead is sufficient. The more you deliver down range the better. In the absence of antibiotics, any penetration is potentially lethal. Everyone is likely to know this. Don't concern yourselves with delivering instant death. What your delivering is fear of infection. Don't think that an attacker wont retreat unless he's bleeding out. Unlike you in your stationary retreat, an aggressor will have the option of retreat. He will be stricken with panic the instant he feels the burn. He will immediately consider the longer term implications and seek to lesson the odds of infection. Especially if hit in the torso or head. My personal preference is 4/O buckshot in 12 gauge. My second is 00 and thirdly, the dreaded slug. All these are very effective out to about 60-70 yrds. If you live in a wooded retreat, or retreat in a wooded area, you'll probably never be presented with a shot longer than that.

Just stocked up on shotgun ammunition two weeks before Floyd passed away. Best decision I ever did. Buckshot ammo and slugs are getting harder and harder to come by. Just started reloading my own. Even the Lee Loader 2 what's hard-to-come-by at a good price. Best investment I ever did.

Load all my own shotgun shells pour my one buckshot and lead round balls. Also if I run out of regular smokeless powder I can reload them easy with black powder have 75 pounds of #4 shot I always pick up the old empty Shell's from the skeet shooting guys so I have hundreds of empty Shell's shotgun is 100% the way to go

i feel lucky having a shotshell reloader when 2 years ago i thought it was my most useless reloader

Thanks for a well thought out video. The case you show at the end is the same as what I keep in my truck. Very handy. One thing I also carry a handful of is 12 ga marine flares that would be useful for signaling if needs be.

This was extremely helpful. Thanks capt magic.

Good stuff, I don’t even own a shotgun yet but definitely need one. Figured it’s going to be the last thing Biden bans...he literally told us to buy a shotgun 😝

Awesome explanation of different shot loads. Thank you.

My first firearm was a Mossberg 500 w/bird, rifled deer, and 18” smoothbore barrels. Stocked ammo for it cheap and deep. I don’t shoot it often, but it is an extremely versatile tool, and if I could only have one gun, I think that would be it.

Great video MP! I like to stock 00 & slugs and have several hundred rounds of bird shot. My M1 super 90 is a little unreliable with certain bird shot, but a semi-auto shotgun is a must have shtf weapon.

I personally load 12 gauge shotshells with 6mm daisy bbs using leftover shells found at my local range. Thanks to my grandpa for teaching me how to before his passing! 🙏

thumbs up as always, checked still subscribed, great job as always. im retired p d and police academy instructor. reduced recoil 12 gauge, 00 buck and #4 buck shot, for 20 gauge what i been using since 1990 for self defense shotgun loads. good luck.

If you can find 1 buckshot I highly recommend it. You can stuff more pellets into a standard or 3 inch Magnum shell than 00 buck. A standard shell will fit 16 pellets vs 9x 00 buckshot. More pellets increases hit probability. The grain weight is decreased from 54 grains (.33 caliber) to 40 grains (.30 caliber) but you get 89% more pellets therefore giving you less holes in the pattern for game or two leggeds on the run. The energy will carry to ~90 yards which is a long shot but a hit is a hit.

I've always preached that if u can only have or afford one weapon it should be a reliable 12 ga for the reason of versatility, the ability to perform big game small game and defense is a all in one , bird shot ,buck shot, rifled slug, less than lethal and exotic like dragonbreath or bird bombs, truly do all platform!!! Great video n keep up the good content!!!

20% BB Shot, 70% OO Buckshot, 10% Slugs. This is what I put away for my Shotguns.

I stock 00,#1, and #4 buckshot, #4 heavy birdshot, and #7 1/2 birdshot. I agree with the heavy birdshot loads being great all around. Put it through a hunting length barrel with a tighter choke and you can get some series range out of it.

Awesome video. Really smart idea

The rich stay rich by spending like the poor and investing without stopping then the poor stay poor by spending like the rich yet not investing like the rich

2 3/4 #4 shot is my do-all 12 gage round. I also stock a large variety. I have a soft folding case that holds 35 rounds.

Great topic, really needed if you are a new prepper and the budget is tight, cheers

I liked everything you said but I wish you would have talked about the different chokes for your shotgun.

Good point on the number 5s. They're easier to pick out of rabbits and squirrels than 8 shot. At point blank range, there's not much difference between any load. They all leave a massive hole under 5 yards.

Bird, 6, 4, #4 buck, 00 buck, slug. Flight control wads changed the game a lot. Shotguns are a big part of my SHTF plan.

Slugs and bird shot r my go too !!!!!!

I used to spend a lot of time watching the different ammo vs ballistic gel videos , very interesting.

Them damn geese and hot air balloons that's why I own a shotgun!

Very good information I will use. Thanks magic!

Im here cause Joe Biden says double barrel shotgun is all I need

Dont forget about DIY "cut shell slugs". You can make slugs out of typically useless bird shot by simply cutting the shell. Also 12 guage is the easiest bullet to field reload by hand using black powder and a few simple hand tools & primers. Hell, Even primers can be made from very easily obtainable ordinary materials. Remember everyone when you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

Barrel length and choke are important to consider when choosing shells.

The 12 ga shotgun has become my overall truck gun in Non-SHTF life. The versatility can't be beat. As you said I can deal with two-legged threats, 4 legged threats(I spend time in bear country) and I keep bird shot shells on my sling, which holds shells. Those are good for emergency survival. Yes, it has limitations and if the grid goes down with anarchy in the streets, the shotgun would get moved to a secondary role. But under normal conditions the shotgun is perfect.

When you mentioned ranges of the various types of shells you didn't mention the shot spread as the pellets travel farther from the end of the barrel. Lighter pellets will spread out father than the heavier pellets, but all will spread. So at the close to maximum range for the load you're using the spread could be large enough that most or all your pellets will miss the target, even when your point of aim is correct. I'd suggest that you spend a couple of each weight pellets you're using to see what the spread is at that range. It could mean eating that night or not. Or worse case scenario if you make it back to your retreat location or not. And even at close range, when the spread is minimal, the shotgun must be aimed like a rifle so you don't miss the target with the same results possibly occurring that I mentioned above.

when stocking up birdshot i pretty much stick to #4 and #5 then slugs and #4 buckshot works great for home defense then the 000 and 00 buck for hunting but when i do get the birdshot in 4s and 5s i try to have everything from2.75 inch to the 3.5 inch shells

Good video on a tough topic. I say it's a tough topic because we all have our own situations and preferences. And by situations I mean the area and subsequent game where we live, our household situation such as distance, overpenetration concerns, etc. Understanding that a wider variety is preferable, I think you called it pretty well on your recommendations if one was to stock only two loads. Some may disagree, but I doubt it would be by much if they do.

I love shotguns ❤️

One type only? Heavy load of #4 birdshot. Small game, birds, deer out to 25 yards and defense to at least that distance. But, of course, have it all.

Very interesting! Thank you!

Lotsa' info without a lot of personal BS . Thank you . Have always been a fan of "SMOOTH BORES" . If I had to leave the house with one choice , it'd probably be this . ALTHOUGH ! a 410 was probably my FIRST LOVE and STILL like them .

Great video. Just got my first shotgun and was totally overwhelmed when I went to buy ammo.

A good shoty with a selection of different ammo paired with a handgun would be a very effective defensive plan. I couldn't agree more with your video.

I have a number of 12ga. pumps - mostly 870 police mags. But my first go to, for home defense, is a Mossberg 500 youth 20ga with the 18.5" barrel and #1 buck (probably slightly undersized, as it should be .30 cal. but more likely .29 cal. - but still an awesome load).

Thanks, great info !!!

For myself and my area i have found that 7 1/2 is my all around favorite

One of the reasons to reload for shotguns, you can always make what you need.

Several years ago the Federal Government tested various shotgun loads to determine the "best" load for self defense purposes for Federal agencies to use. Their conclusion, if you think they knew what they were doing, was that in all the various conditions a shotgun could be used in an armed incident was to use a 27-pellet, #4 nickel-plated buckshot at 1325fps. load. Fiocchi makes this exact loading in 10-round boxes if you'd like to get some for use. I've had that load in my SD shotty for a long time. Luckily I've never needed to test its effectiveness, but I feel confident it would easily do the job.

I keep double buck and a few rounds of #4 Pheasant loads on my 870 tactical. Good video.

Thanks for the info. I'm still learning about shotguns, all of my firearm knowledge comes from military experience and I've only fired a 590 at a joint range a few years ago. Aside from breaching there isn't a ton of shotgun usage in the Army.

Some of the inexpensive 12ga shotguns on the market are very light and therefore recoil can be very harsh. Your thoughts on reduced recoil shotgun shells. I have a some reduced recoil slugs. I’m guessing that they would probably still be quite effective at shorter ranges and maybe a better choice when over penetration may be a concern?

Agreed on #5. And if Shit really gets bad, you can also turn them into cut-shells.

I happened to get an amazing deal on a lot of 12G 7.5/8 shot, however I have also practiced making cut shells/wax slugs and living in a state where all ammo has to be lead free, I have started buying steel bbs for my red Ryder and emptying the lead shot from cheap lead shot shells and loading the steel bbs instead. I have found that one thing to absolutely buy for a shotgun is a set of gauge adapters, I have a set that stacks from 12G-20G, 20G-410/45Colt, 410/45Colt-22LR. The adapters are not perfect by any means, however, it increases the usability of my shotgun for hunting with scavenged ammo if I can't find a functional gun to match the ammo.

MP what's your opinion about ammo storage? I have a "friend" who keeps his ammo in their box and stored in a safe with a humidifier with his firearms....good or bad idea?

Good informational video , thanks for sharing , God bless !

LOL! Specialty rounds for the “hot air balloons”. All in all I think yes, #5 turkey shot is great! It will stop all the “Jive Turkeys” trying to get into my home and steal my stuff but won’t destroy through the walls of my house. Thanks MP!

Got my first 12 guage for this Christmas, I was given a Benelli nova pump action. I have since purchased at least 1500 rounds of bird shot. Slugs and buckshot are crazy expensive rn, so I only have around 150 of each and about 100 rounds of steel 3.5 inch waterfowl shot. I’m glad I have what I have but I would love to have more. Trying to keep enough ammo to be Comfortable with all of my firearms Is very hard rn😭

You are WRONG ABOUT THE RANGE OF THE SLUG! I get 150+ out of my Mossberg 500! Yes I do run a scope on it.

Love all your videos; while I have a LOT of each kind of 12gauge ammo I favor larger birdshot (#4, #5, and #6). It’s effective for all around survival.

if you only have birdshoot you can uncrimp the shells and fill the shoot cup with elmers glue to bind the shoot into slugs just allow to fully cure before recrimping.

For new preppers out there, especially the smaller statured ones (men or women) who are on a budget, also look into 20 gauge. It might not be quite as powerful but will still get the job done and if you HATE shooting your 12 gauge, you’ll never practice with it. The best weapon to have is the one you can afford to buy and afford to practice with. Plus I was seeing shelves and shelves of 20 when 12 was sold out.

Hey M.P, do you have any videos on how to longterm store water? I see lots of videos on the topic but what one video says, the next seems to say in most cases the previous video is bs. Everything I've seen from you so far seems to be right on point so I thought I'd ask you.

My primary stockpile consists of #4 (along with a little #5) shot... so my thoughts/evaluations are similar to yours.

I actually have #2 goose loads for home defense, works at home defense distances, won't go through exterior walls. A slug is a poor man's anti-materiel round, we can't all buy a Barrett. Good for an engine of a threatening vehicle.

I carry 00 Buck, with 1-2 slugs on my Side saddle on my Mossberg 500. It’s loaded with the Winchester PDX 12g defensive rounds.

I prefer a number 4 high brass as the overall best load. Alittle tighter pattern

@Magic Prepper A lot of wisdom and knowledge in this video. Thanks for sharing. Rick

I've bought a lot of everything common. I bought 8 boxes of 100 rounds of bird shot for like $25 a box, 40 or so boxes of 20 round 2 3/4 00 buck 9 pellets (says military use only green cased) for about $11 a box and 30 boxes of 20 round boxed 2 3/4 slugs for $9 a piece just 3 years ago, with great timing before the whole pandemic happened. I thought I was made an unwise choice at the time bc I don't shoot my shotgun that often but now I'm wishing I had bought more.

I like the brush cleaning shot shell.

I was thinking the same 😂 I always buy turkey shot and train with it

I think the best thing to have is a good variety. If your space or budget is limiting you to a few, you need to choose the most important. I would have said 00 buck shot before he mentioned turkey shot. Magic Prepper is right on with his priorities: turkey shot, buck shot, slugs (in that order). I disagree with what he said about not wanting too many types laying around; my policy is the more the merrier. I have one of those 'ammo crates', and when I see something novel at the gun store I often add it. I stock a lot of different types of shells, but mostly bird shot, buck shot, and slugs.

How do you breach a door? push pull shoot or blow

I personally have a lot of 2 1/4” 12ga OO 1250fps stocked up. It allows me to put 9 instead of 8 shells in my 590.

Although I don't hunt anything but elk, I still keep a 12 gauge around. Shotguns are so versatile and cost effictive, it's hard not not to have. Great exploration of most of the possible loads. What do you think of coyote loads? I've been keeping some for both coyotes and general property defense, and found the shot size and spread to be great for anything under 40yds.

12ga is next on my boom stick list.

I would only add some Winchester AA Low Power/Low Recoil loads for practice, especially with new shooters. Full power loads are hard on my wife, but she loves the Low power loads to practice with.

Hi my friend. Another great video. Believe it or not I do not own a shotgun yet, however I like Your choices.Great minds think alike.......my all around 12 gauge load would be 2 3/4 #4. I do love Your Turkey load though. The ONE area I MIGHT suggest something a bit different would be 12 gauge Buckshot. I would go with 2 3/4 #1 Buck. The reason? Measure the surface area of the Pellets between #1 and 00 and You are in for a shock! Finally You are dead on when You mention versatility! back in ancient times in Michigan, Farmers always had a shotgun (usually a pump 12 gauge) for most purposes. Add to taht any .22 Rifle and IF the Farmer was "well to do" He usually had a .38 Revolver likely a 4 inch Barrel. Where the Shotgun really shines in Defense (home) is area saturation say a hallway against intruders (think home invasion). Again a GREAT and informative video My hats off to You!

How much effective range roughly are you giving up in say a shockwave?

Maybe a video on the mini 12 gage craze?

Waxxers/cut shells are my plan. Slugs and buck shot are too expensive to keep heaps of them on hand.

What's is the best shot gun load for beaching heavy duty padlocks?

I love the Mossburg shockwave ..I wish we could own them here in England as easy as you guys can ... 0/0 or number 4 seems the best shell for home defense from all the you tube videos I have sat through daydreaming

My shotty spread is 00 buck, slugs, 7-1/2, 6 and 4 turkey. Also choke tubes to maximize each loading

I grabbed a Benelli m4 this winter and I’m stocking any single and 00 buck I can get my hands on. Remington, Winchester, herters, even off brands. Not terribly concerned about shot pattern. Primary guns are AR-15s. The Benelli is my last ditch effort gun for if I should run empty and need to retreat because of an angry heard ( deer, mountain lions, Buffalo, chickens... you name it)

Thanks!

I think the idea of #4 or #5 turkey loads isn't bad if you could only have one. But shotguns are flexible, and IMO the best options, plural, OO buck, #4 birdshot, and non-saboted slugs. If you have a 3.5" 12ga, the Winchester 4 Buck is amazing (54 pellets, at 50 yrds the pattern is the size of table but doesnt really have holes), and #2 or BB birdshot for longer range hunting and small apartments, but that is a specialty item. For 20ga, whatever buckshot you can find, high brass #4 birdshot, but sadly the 20ga is so ignored. But if your first shotgun is a 12ga pump and your second a five or six pound 20ga single, add 410 and 28ga adapters, and all the bases are covered. For organizing, many years ago Plano made a box made to hold 4 25-shell boxes, but I haven't seen it around. Which is a pity because they are my personal favorites for the grab-and-go. 50 #4, 24 OOB, and a dozen each of 4B and slug, all in one convent little package.

Stockpile powder, primers and wads. Anything can be stuffed in a shotgun shell. Rocks, glass, pieces of wire, nails, bearings, etc. Anything hard and heavy. I have used old sewer pipe joint lead melted and poured into a 1/2 inch copper pipe. Reloading can be done with some rudimentary tools and some chunks of wood in an emergency, but get a good reloader. In an emergency, you can do without the wad and it is possible to make powder, but it would be very important to have a large supply of primers.

Surprised you didn't mention wax slugs or glue slugs, which can be made from target loads or light game loads for self-defense purchases. They can be very effective for home defense or breeching, on top of survival hunting. That makes bird shot the most versatile in my book.

Buy Benelli Nova shotguns, they can shoot up to 3 & 1/2 shells factory built. #2 and 00buck shot seem like the all around go to shells. How accurate are basic slugs out of a smoothbore shotgun. We typically just buy #2 and #6 bird shot and 00buck, I know my pop bought some sabot rounds years ago that he's only used, and I haven't seen slugs in my area in a long time.

The price of 00 is lower now than it was pre panic buy so that's what I'm buying. Slugs are also back to normal