If one wants to explore the idea of a 410 survival shotgun, should one buy low end foster slugs or low end 000 5 pellet loads in hopes of bagging larger critters from 30 yards and in? The foster slugs seem to shatter really quickly and don't penetrate much from the tests I've seen. Im kinda leaning towards 5 pellet 000 for this usage...
Survival 410 foster slug vs 000 buck
- Thread starter vpsalin
- Start date
Brutus
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
The issue here is 410 is the smallest useable shotgun for small game closer ranges.
To do this efficienlty requires small shot and full choke.
This is its primary role to keep the operator flush with squirrels-rabbits-porcupine in survival mode.
Cylinder or Imp Cylinder is what works best with slugs. Full choke is dismal for most 410 slugs.
Some choke is compatible with the bigger buckshot at expected effective ranges.
To do this efficienlty requires small shot and full choke.
This is its primary role to keep the operator flush with squirrels-rabbits-porcupine in survival mode.
Cylinder or Imp Cylinder is what works best with slugs. Full choke is dismal for most 410 slugs.
Some choke is compatible with the bigger buckshot at expected effective ranges.
- Location
- Blaster land, Okanagan BC
.410 wouldn’t be my choice for a survival gun to be honest, 12g would be my pick as it can do it all in a pinch and ammo is plentiful and cheaper.
In the testing ive done myself the 000 buck penetrates further and theres several wound channels. The cheap slugs hit hard but as stated come apart. Ive seen them drop deer so i know they work but myself id go with the buck shot in 410. However if you use a slug like a brenneke or thug slug things change. Those slugs are devastating and penetrate deep
There are many newer self defense designs on the market. Some slugs mixed with bbs or stacked discs i havent played with them all but the judge revolver and the soaring popularity of the 410 in the states has brought the 410 into the spotlight and the ammo is only getting better. Mix in tss potential and the 410 becomes so much more
There are many newer self defense designs on the market. Some slugs mixed with bbs or stacked discs i havent played with them all but the judge revolver and the soaring popularity of the 410 in the states has brought the 410 into the spotlight and the ammo is only getting better. Mix in tss potential and the 410 becomes so much more
the spank
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Planet Earth Wearing My Tinfoil Hat
You won't need 25 of them to defend yourself against a charging animal. You'll be lucky to cycle what you have in the gun.
- Location
- Blaster land, Okanagan BC
I’ll still take a 12g pump gun any day of the week over a .410 in a lost in the bush survival situation, I can easily carry a box of 12g shells between a pouch on my belt and my gun. Why would you limit yourself, if it’s weight your worried about take a break action single or double. Light and easy to carry or break in two and stick in your pack.
Clearly you need bigger pockets! I can fit a box of 12ga shells in my jacket pocket without issues - and that's the whole box, cardboard and all not just 25 loose shells.
Federal 410 powershok slug is a 1/4oz (109gr) slug at 1775fps for 762ft/lb at the muzzle, and only 432ft/lb at 50yds. That's pretty anemic and the sectional density is terrible.
Some 410 can also chamber 45 colt. I wonder if that would be a better option for big game? I know you can make 45LC pretty spicy depending on what you're shooting it out of but I have no idea if that would be safe in a 410/45colt gun?
Brutus
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Most of North America is not grizzly or polar bear country. For long term survival weight/compact can become a huge consideration if you are on the move foraging, building shelter, fishing etc.
I would feel very comfortable myself with a 22 Hornet/410. Preferably together in one smaller package. Second choice switch barrels on a shotgun action.
I would feel very comfortable myself with a 22 Hornet/410. Preferably together in one smaller package. Second choice switch barrels on a shotgun action.
I suppose I would want to know where I am surviving and what I plan to do with the firearm. To me, a 410 survival gun is something you shoot grouse or rabbits with at close range, not something you hunt deer or moose with or use to stop a predator attack.
p.Rundle
CGN frequent flyer
Look into combo guns. I would take a .22 over .410 for survival every day and twice on Sunday. You have a combo .22/20 gauge, you have something going for you. .22 for small game, .20 for bigger. You could carry like 100 rounds of .22 and 5 of 20 ga slugs or buckshot for not a lot of weight, and have a more capable, and specific application for both load. Best of both worlds.
- Location
- Southern Vancouver Island
The guns made to handle 45 Colt/.410 are rifled and fitted with an extended choke tube that the shooter must remove when switching from 410 to 45 Colt.
The H&R Survivor was a decent little unit to play with and was nicely accurate with 255 gr loads when fitted with an optic. Good for camp meat as well as heftier critters.
I'd never rely on a straight 410 only gun for any defense scenario.
Brutus
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Problem I have seen with many Savage combo guns is lack of regulation from the factory. Seemingly less of an issue the earlier 22 LR/410 combo guns barrels joined in huge solder or weld.
Friend in Manitoba has one in 30-30/20 gauge. The rifle is darn accurate, however a shotgun slug two feet low at 50 yards.
Apparently this is a common problem.
Friend in Manitoba has one in 30-30/20 gauge. The rifle is darn accurate, however a shotgun slug two feet low at 50 yards.
Apparently this is a common problem.
I've got an original Ithaca M6 with the 14.5" barrels. I also have a lot of other guns I'd take over it for survival. Can't really go wrong with a 12 gauge & a mixed bag of shells.
Just a .410? Better than a sling shot till your out of shells I guess?
Just a .410? Better than a sling shot till your out of shells I guess?
