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I just picked up a 20 gauge NEF/H&R Pardner Compact pump.
This is my first shotgun actually. I've been busy reading the manual, stripping, cleaning, and familiarizing myself with the gun but I need some tips and advice. Mainly on the right kinds of ammo to use.
The main function is home defense. So I need a bit of info on the types of buckshot loads in 20 for that purpose. I've been told that #2, #3 and #4 are the best for that. What are the differences in those loads and is there any difference in 2 3/4' vs 3' shells?
My main concern however is steel shot. The Pardner 20 has a modified screw in choke tube, and I was told the gun is lead only and cannot handle steel shot. I don't want to risk shooting it and end up damaging my choke or barrel. However many of the ammo boxes I've seen don't have this marked, so I'm afraid I'll get steel by mistake.
My first ammo purchase was a 5 round box of Federal Premium Vital-Shok, #3 buck, 20 pellets. It says it's copper-plated, but doesn't say if it's steel or lead. Can a lead only gun handle copper-plated? What about nickel-plated?
I've also found these on Cheaper than Dirt, and am considering ordering them. I am buying for home defense, so I need to know if these rounds will suffice. I don't want underpowered bird shot or anything.
34331 - Ammo 20 Gauge Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Load 3" #4 Nickel Plated Lead 1-1/4 Ounce 1200 fps 25 Round Box
65656 - Ammo 20 Gauge Federal Power-Shok Magnum Buckshot 3" Shell #2 Buck 18 Pellets 1200 fps 5 Rounds Per Box
65084 - Ammo 20 Gauge Winchester Super-X Buckshot 2-3/4" #3 Buck 20 Pellets 1200 fps 5 Rounds Box
The last one is marked as unplated, so this is lead I assume?
This is my first shotgun actually. I've been busy reading the manual, stripping, cleaning, and familiarizing myself with the gun but I need some tips and advice. Mainly on the right kinds of ammo to use.
The main function is home defense. So I need a bit of info on the types of buckshot loads in 20 for that purpose. I've been told that #2, #3 and #4 are the best for that. What are the differences in those loads and is there any difference in 2 3/4' vs 3' shells?
My main concern however is steel shot. The Pardner 20 has a modified screw in choke tube, and I was told the gun is lead only and cannot handle steel shot. I don't want to risk shooting it and end up damaging my choke or barrel. However many of the ammo boxes I've seen don't have this marked, so I'm afraid I'll get steel by mistake.
My first ammo purchase was a 5 round box of Federal Premium Vital-Shok, #3 buck, 20 pellets. It says it's copper-plated, but doesn't say if it's steel or lead. Can a lead only gun handle copper-plated? What about nickel-plated?
I've also found these on Cheaper than Dirt, and am considering ordering them. I am buying for home defense, so I need to know if these rounds will suffice. I don't want underpowered bird shot or anything.
34331 - Ammo 20 Gauge Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Load 3" #4 Nickel Plated Lead 1-1/4 Ounce 1200 fps 25 Round Box
65656 - Ammo 20 Gauge Federal Power-Shok Magnum Buckshot 3" Shell #2 Buck 18 Pellets 1200 fps 5 Rounds Per Box
65084 - Ammo 20 Gauge Winchester Super-X Buckshot 2-3/4" #3 Buck 20 Pellets 1200 fps 5 Rounds Box
The last one is marked as unplated, so this is lead I assume?