IDPA Defensive Multi-Gun (DMG): Shotgun Ammo

[WatchManUSA]

I'm not sure under which forum topic to post this but here is goes...

I'm looking to get a recommendation for 12ga ammo to use in IDPA Defensive Multi-Gun (DMG). I'm looking for recommendations for buck, slug and especially shot that holds together in a tight and effective spread for steal targets. My DMG shotgun is a Mossberg 930 SPX.

[WatchManUSA]

Bump, bump....

Nobody has any advice?

[tombogan03884]

#4 buck ? Lots of pellets, still heavy enough to get the job done.
I don't know if they will knock over steel plates though.

[kmitch200]

Shotguns are like 22 rimfires. One may not like the ammo the next one off the assembly line likes.
What kind of yardage you are looking at?

[m25operator]

Watchman, I have done this for many yrs and here is what has worked for me, birdshot #7 1/2, I use Sellier and Bellot, because I bought a bunch of it and it runs in all my shotguns, Remington and Benelli and it patterns well. Next, buckshot, a lot has improved, but winchester buffered 9 pellet 00 is the standard, the new reduced recoil, Hornady Tap and Remington is good, but expensive, stay away from #4 buck unless it is up close, I do use it when the speed of the plate falling is a concern and we are talking under 15 yards. As far as slugs, winchester has always been good, but the wolf slugs have surprised me, the wad is glued to the slug and only leaves one hole for the range officer to score, they shoot good and are the least expensive.

Like Kmitch said, shotguns do have preferences, pattern your shot gun with different chokes, sometimes the pattern will be great, but not to point of aim. I normally use modified or improved chokes. Try all the ones you have, you never know. You would never go to match without sighting in your handgun or rifle would you?

Good luck and Good shooting.

[Sponsor]

[Badgersmilk]

I've got three different brand screw in chokes for one shotgun that are all rated as the same size.  All three shoot consistently, and noticeably different patterns at anything over 15 yards.  Different brand shot guns and different barrels for each all have different tapers at both ends of the barrel.  Not just the size of the taper, but the length and finish.  You've got some testing to do with that particular gun.  Get lots of ammo, lots of targets, take a friend and have fun with it.   

[fullautovalmet76]

I don't know if you have this already, but I recommend this DVD from Matt Burkett:

http://www.predatortactical.com/DVDs-and-Books/Practical-Shooting-Shotgun-Mastery-Volume-8-DVD-Set-p30.html

The video was made before IDPA created DMG, but I think some of the info in there can help.

Best of luck!
-FA

[WatchManUSA]

Thanks for the input, everyone!   

[tombogan03884]

Is this the same as the old 3 gun competition ?

[WatchManUSA]

It is the IDPA version of 3-gun. I think it is just beginning to roll out. Like pistol IDPA it is scenario based and the guns (rifle & shotgun) are defined fairly tight.