Best SBS ammunition?

[UpNorthWolf]

I did not see any SBS questions in the NFA thread, so I thought I would try here. There are better snubby revolver rounds, better SBR ammo, so how about for shorty shotguns?

I have the paperwork in (check cashed) on SBSing a Mossberg 5500 Mk II. It used to shoot slugs great when I deer hunted with it way back when. Barrel will be in the 13" range, and this one is 2 3/4 non-magnum. Of course, I have about five months to get a magnum barrel to cut down if need be, but I think much of that power will simply be wasted as a big flame of late-burning powder. Sooo, any experts have any ideas? Copper solids may be better than lead slugs, or there is always 00 buckshot... Anything special made now?

[SeriousStudent]

Mission drives the gear train - what do you want to do with it?

I have a 12.5" 870 SBS. I'm running Federal solid copper Deep Penetrator slugs and Federal Flite Control #4 Buck through it. The different loads have different roles.

[UpNorthWolf]

Thanks for the reply. Do you have a smooth or rifled barrel? It will be self defense...truck carry or home. I guess I am trying to find if technology has improved with the equipment (faster burning powders vs. blinding tongues of flame with advanced projectiles that will work at those velocities).

[GH41]

Shotgun powders are fast burning. Think about it.. The only place the barrel is supported is at the chamber/forcing cone area. I'll bet the pressure has peaked before the projectile has cleared the forcing cone. I doubt you'll ever see a fire breathing shotgun with any barrel length.

[GH41]

Just reread and see the OP is talking about an autoloader. Is the old Mossberg gas operated?

[UpNorthWolf]

Unfortunately I have not found any research on the 5500 Mk II and SBSing...I may be the first (though I have connected with smiths here that can widen a gas port if needed). Others have said it should operate fine. Its cousin, the 9200A1 is the closest to an SBS and the author of a SWAT Magazine piece mentioned some light tactical loads sometimes would not cycle (others did).

[SeriousStudent]

Thanks for the reply. Do you have a smooth or rifled barrel? It will be self defense...truck carry or home. I guess I am trying to find if technology has improved with the equipment (faster burning powders vs. blinding tongues of flame with advanced projectiles that will work at those velocities).

Mine is a smoothbore. Frankly, it's just a fun toy to play with at the range, and to experiment with. It's way down the list as a home defense weapon - I have a bunch of carbines and pistols ahead of it in that role.

It's your life, and your legal woes; but I would be very hesitant to leave an NFA weapon unattended in a truck, even locked up. All my NFA doodads live in a separate safe at home, and I'm the only one with the combo.

I'm just not a believer in a "truck gun". A good friend had to bury two of his officers recently. Both were killed with a pistol stolen during a vehicle burglary.

Sorry for the sermon.

If you do try the Federal loads, make sure you pattern them at varying distances. EVERY shotgun is unique, as I am sure you know.

[UpNorthWolf]

Thanks and I understand. Here in Michigan we have a strange thing known as a "Michigan pistol? With a short barrel and less than 26" and you can carry it with your CPL. I have a SBR that also does this role...though it is not something I leave in the vehicle.

[kh86]

If I remember correctly, Hickok45 had trouble stabilizing slugs out of a 14 inch barrel Vepr...