What ammo do you use for HD

[At The Ready]

I am replacing my AR with a Versa Max Tactical as my HD long gun, paired with a 1911. I am a LEO and have access to Remington managed-recoil 1oz slug and Remington 00 buck shot currently, but am curious as to what some of you are using for HD.

I live in a suburban home with my wife, no kids, and have neighbors on either side of my house. I am well versed in the "over-penetration" discussion and am not looking for a lecture on liability as I am also a FBI Firearms Instructor. Please feel free to voice your opinion or choice on ammo selection.

[SteveL]

While my shotgun isn't my go-to gun for HD, it's currently loaded with Federal Flite Control #1 buckshot.

[Moltke]

Buckshot.

Or go back to using an M4.

[B Cart]

If you are using your weapon for home defense against intruders, I would use no less than 00 or #1 Buck. I personally use the Federal flight control 2 3/4" buck shot and I have a couple boxes of slugs as well. A shotgun isn't my first choice for home defense, but I'm sure they are very capable of the job with the right ammo.

Some people say that birdshot is ideal for indoors if you don't want to over-penetrate, but I think that's a foolish idea. Birdshot gets very weak penetration and is not ideal for stopping a human threat. Use something that will penetrate deep enough to do real damage, and then just be aware of where you are shooting.

[lunchbox]

PDX1 and Olin mil-spec 00buck frequent my 870. Love that PDX1 though.

[Wake27]

I've heard and seen some borderline-amazing things about the Federal Flight Control 00 buck. When I find some in store, that's what will get loaded into mine.

[At The Ready]

I certainly understand the argument of M4 vs 12ga for HD, but due to recent training that I have attended along with seeing what 00 buckshot will do to a real person at approximately 17yds (ofc involved shooting, bad guy died, good guys won the gun fight) I am confident in my ability to protect my home with a shotgun. Others may feel more confident with an M4, and that is certainly not a poor choice at all!

Plus, the VMT has an 8+1 capacity and I am putting an 8-shell side saddle on as well.

[Moltke]

I'm familiar with the Versamax, I shoot one in competitions regularly, great gun.

[At The Ready]

Moltke,

What have you done to your Versa Max to make it competition ready? I am wanting to try my hand at 3-gun locally

[LHS]

I've been thoroughly impressed by the Federal Flite-Control stuff. I run 8-pellet low-recoil in my 870. That said, I've been wanting to get ahold of some of the new 15-pellet #1 buck and give that a whirl. I just haven't made it a huge priority.