I posted the following on "shotgunworld":

I have been kicking around a reload idea. I am going to reload 3" shells, with 1 7/8 oz #1 buckshot. I believe this gives a much larger coverage area, less "over" penetration coverage. Has anyone else tried this? I realize the trend over the years has been to go 2 3/4", or 3 1/2" 12 ga. but I am an old school person and like the 3" shell. I won't be able to pattern the shots until our range reopens in March (they close due to duck hunting hearby). Any suggestions/experience is appreciated, thanks.

Anyone here doing any defensive shell reloading, and if so, what recipe's are your favorite?
Thanks.

For me, ammo that I might be defending myself with and possibly killing someone else with, I strictly use factory loads. If a shooting happens you will be scrutinized under a microscope. Depending on the mood of the DA, you could be made to look like a outlaw gun-nut trying to make more lethal rounds by handloading. It has happened before. There are lots of really good factory loads to choose from (I picked up some Federal Premium Law Enforcement 00-Buck at the local gun store today - good stuff). It's not like you're really going to have to buy that many anyway. Just something to think about.


Matt

My PTC instructor hit on that pretty hard. Don't use handloads for personal defense, attorneys eat it up. They get to say, 'So you made these rounds specifically to kill people?', and you can either say yes, or hell yes. Neither goes over well. Pathetic that is a risk, but it is apparently a common issue.

I like 2.75" inch loadings as they are lighter on recoil, function better in most 3"inch guns and cost much less to buy for storage.