3-Gun Match (shotgun ammo?)

[TEX]

Thinking about trying a 3-gun match in the near future. To knock down steel with a shotgun, will I need something heavier than 7 or 8 shot. I am pretty sure they don't need and may not even want you to use buckshot and common sense tells me they don't want you to use steel shot. Am I better off with #4 or #5 shot, than the lighter dove or target loads? What are the longst distances I am likly to encounter with my shotgun in a 3-gun match?

[Bob Wolff]

If you are coming to the WHIDPA multigun match, 71/2 (lead only) should knock down the steel at the distances we shoot at. That being said we allow nothing larger than #4 (lead)(i.e. no buck) for safety reasons.
We occasionally have a texas star at 15+- yds and those with open chokes, like a unchoked 870, sometimes have trouble getting sufficient pellets (7 1/2 lead shot) on the moving plate to knock it off. In that case some #4 would help.
3 gun matches really need you to pattern your shotgun with a variety of loads and chokes, so you will make wise choices.

The longest distances will be the slug shots. AT WHIDPA we reguarly do 50 yd slug shots and are looking into ways to do 80 yd slug shots.

There are other 3 gun matches that allow larger than #4 shot. Check rules for the match you are going to.

Bob

[TEX]

Thanks Bob,

I have some #5 lead shot and it looks like that will do the trick. I have a smooth bore 870 and still having a little trouble finding slugs that group worth a darn - and I have tried about a dozen different brands. At best, it will hold about a 10"-12" group at 50 yards. Any suggestions on a slug load or where to find the largest variety. Someone on another board recommended the Brenneke Black Magic in the 2&3/4 loading, but can't seem to find any in town. Since it is competition, but this is also my house gun, I am looking for something that is accurate, but not too watered down.

[Bob Wolff]

I use Federal LE Tactical (full power) in my benelli m1 and I find them to be quite accurate. I buy them online and have them shippedto the house.
As far as finding slugs in town, most places seem to carry the same brands and not much selection.
I would check out ammo-to-go online (they are in Brenham) and see what they have. Their prices are OK

This may not be correct, but aren't those Brenneke slugs for rifled slug barrels?

http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/

[TEX]

Bob,

Like most other makers of slugs, Brenneke makes some for both, but it seems mostly smoothbore. The ones I was interested in (because of posts complimenting it) is a couple of their 2&3/4" loadings; one called TACTICAL HOME, one called SPECIAL FORCES, and one called BLACK MAGIC. The SPECIAL FORCES load is supposed to be pretty stout for real world work (1.25oz moving out at 1475 fps) and in a 2.75" shell. Supposedly the Black Magic is a mid recoil loading that has been known on occasions to print clover leafs at 50 yards (we will see). Almost no one in town has it but I found two very dusty boxes at a little place at 34th and TC Jester. I will also see if I can find and try out the ones you suggested. I will post on how they do. I just got off the phone with someone who says he has good luck with the cheapo Remington foster slugs (2&3/4) from Wally World - guess I will give those a try also. I figure the gun can have a lot to do with it. While I am at it, have you seen anyone use shotgun muzzle brakes they are happy with. I have seen a couple on line that swear up and down they are the next best thing to sliced bread and being a gaget freak, I am tempted.

Thanks for all the imput, Bob. See you at Impact

[Bob Wolff]

Nobody I shoot with has a shotgun comp.
If you do go for a shotgun comp, remember it moved you into the open class