10 Best 12 Gauge Ammo For Home Defense (2023 Update)
When it comes to home defense, selecting the best 12 gauge ammo is an important decision. There are many factors to consider, including the size and power of the shells, shot pattern, and penetration capabilities. Here are five key points to keep in mind when selecting the best 12 gauge ammo for your home defense needs:
1. Shell Size and Power: The size and power of the shell you choose will determine the amount of stopping power you have when you fire your weapon. Generally, the larger and more powerful the shell, the more effective it will be in stopping an intruder.
2. Shot Pattern: The shot pattern of the ammo you choose will determine how effective it is at stopping an intruder. The larger the pattern, the more likely it is to hit the intruder.
3. Penetration Capabilities: The penetration capabilities of the ammo you choose will determine how effective it is at penetrating walls, doors, and other obstacles. Generally, the higher the penetration capabilities, the more effective it will be in stopping an intruder.
4. Recoil: The recoil of the ammo you choose will determine how comfortable it is to shoot. Generally, the higher the recoil, the more uncomfortable it will be to shoot.
5. Cost: The cost of the ammo you choose will determine how affordable it is. Generally, the more expensive the ammo, the better the quality.
When selecting the best 12 gauge ammo for home defense, it is important to consider these five key points. Doing so will help ensure you select the right ammo for your needs and budget.
10 Best 12 Gauge Ammo For Home Defense
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1. Hunters Specialties Unisex-Adult Butt Stock Shotgun Shell Holder, Black

The Hunter Specialties Butt Stock Shotgun Shell Holder is a superiorly designed and innovated product made to aid in game hunting. With a quick and easy access design, it securely fits around the butt of a shotgun and holds up to five shells. The product is designed for convenience and ease of carrying, allowing for quick and easy access for when you need it. This product is designed to help you reduce the amount of time it takes to reload your shotgun when out hunting, by keeping the shells close by and ready to use.
This product is made with a durable material and is designed with convenience in mind. It is lightweight, fits snugly around the butt of the shotgun, and is easy to attach and remove. The secure fit ensures that the shells won't come loose during transport or when out in the field.
The Hunter Specialties Butt Stock Shotgun Shell Holder is suitable for both men and women and is an essential accessory for anyone out hunting. With its unique design, it offers an efficient and secure way to store shells, giving you the confidence that you won't lose them and that you will be able to get them quickly and easily when needed. This product is the perfect way to ensure you are always prepared for your next hunt.
2. Shotgun Shell Holder, 8-Round, 12/20 Gauge.

The Coolrunner 8 Round Shotgun Shell Holder Buttstock Holder is the perfect accessory for your 12/20 gauge shotgun. This holder is designed to have a few extra shells available for a quick reload when hunting or practicing with slugs or buckshot. The holder is made from high-density elastic material to ensure it fits perfectly with your gun.
Using the Coolrunner 8 Round Shotgun Shell Holder Buttstock Holder is simple and easy. All you have to do is slide the holder down the stock of your gun and then insert your shells into the holder. The dimensions of the holder are 15 cm in length and 9 cm in width with the shell holder holes measuring 5 cm by 2.5 cm each. This shotgun shell holder can hold an extra eight shells with two shells on the left and six shells on the right.
The Coolrunner 8 Round Shotgun Shell Holder Buttstock Holder is suitable for most 12/20 gauge shotguns, including the Mossberg 500, Remington 870, and Maverick 88. Make sure to have a few extra shells ready when you go out hunting or shooting with this convenient and easy-to-use holder.
3. 12 Gauge Perimeter Defense Trip Wire Alarm Device Gen 2.5 (Black)

The 12 Gauge Perimeter Defense Trip Wire Alarm Device Gen 2.5 (Black) from Trip Alarm Co. is the perfect solution for keeping your property safe. This patent pending design is ideal for camping trips, protecting homes, farms and other property, and alerting you of any breeches in security.
The alarm device is designed with 100% rust proof steel, brass, and 6061 aluminum components to ensure it can be used time and time again without worrying about rust or corrosion. Additionally, the alarm is incredibly loud, making it an effective tool for alerting you of any security breeches.
Not only can the device be used with 12 gauge blanks, poppers, and pepper gas, but it also comes with adapters for 209 primers and .22 ramset blanks. This means that you can customize the device to fit your specific needs, no matter the environment.
For added convenience, the Trip Alarm Co. 12 Gauge Perimeter Defense Trip Wire Alarm Device Gen 2.5 (Black) is easy to set up and use, making it a great choice for anyone looking for reliable security solutions. Plus, its rust-proof, durable design ensures it will last for years to come.
4. Allen Company Unisex Adult Buttstock Shell Holder, Black, Shotgun Us

The Allen Company Buttstock Shell Holder is the perfect accessory for any shotgun user. With a durable construction, it is designed to withstand the toughest conditions and years of use. The holder slides on to the butt of most shotguns in seconds, and features elastic ammunition loops to securely hold up to five shotgun shells in an easily accessible position.
This unisex adult shell holder is perfect for hunters, law enforcement, and recreational shooters who need quick access to their ammo. Its black color and sleek design are sure to fit in with any style or setting. This shell holder is also lightweight for easy portability, so you can take it with you wherever the hunt may take you.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, this shell holder is a great addition to your shotgun collection. Its easy installation and secure fit will give you the confidence you need to take on any challenge. With the Allen Company Buttstock Shell Holder, you can always be prepared and have your ammo within reach.
5. 12ga Safety Trainer Dummy Shells, 10 Pack

The ST Action Pro 12GA Gauge Shotgun Safety Trainer Cartridge Dummy Shell Rounds are specifically designed to give users the best training and instructional experience. These rounds are made with a brass case and an ABS plastic insert, making them highly visible, ideal for military and law enforcement training. It is popular with many departments and agencies for use in immediate action training.
The 10-pack of 12 Gauge trainer cartridges are completely inert and designed for safety. They are developed for use in training and instructional activities, giving users a realistic and safe experience. The inert dummy training rounds are easy to use, giving users the opportunity to practice and learn without any risk.
For a safe and realistic training experience, the ST Action Pro 12GA Gauge Shotgun Safety Trainer Cartridge Dummy Shell Rounds are the perfect choice. They provide users with a highly visible and inert dummy training round, perfect for any type of training and instructional activity. With 10 rounds in each pack, these rounds are sure to provide users with the best experience possible.
6. 56 Round Shotgun Ammo Bandolier – 10, 12, 20 Gauge Ga Stealth Black (1 Pack)

This Safety Solution Shotgun Bandoleer is an ideal choice for transporting 12 or 20 gauge shotgun shells. This bandoleer has been designed with a heavy-duty nylon material to provide maximum durability and long-term reliability. The over-the-shoulder design is both lightweight and easy to carry, giving you the flexibility to take it with you on the go. The bandoleer is capable of holding up to 56 shotgun shells, making it the perfect choice for a range of shooting activities.
The bandoleer has been crafted from a chemical fiber material to provide a comfortable fit and maximum performance. It also features a gun sling strap to ensure your shotgun shells stay in place as you move around. Additionally, the bandoleer is available in a Stealth Black color and comes in packs of 1, 10, 12, and 20, allowing you to choose the quantity that best suits your needs.
Overall, the Safety Solution Shotgun Bandoleer is the perfect choice for carrying your shotgun shells. It features a durable design and lightweight construction, while the gun sling strap ensures your shells stay secure as you move around. Plus, with the multiple packs available, you can easily choose the one that best suits your needs. With its reliable performance and comfortable fit, this bandoleer is the ideal choice for a range of shooting activities.
7. Ammo Box With 3 Locking Options, Stackable & Water Resistant, Made In Usa.

The Sheffield 12629 Ammo Storage Box is the perfect, modular solution for storing and protecting your hunting and fishing gear, electronics, tools, equipment, ammunition, and more. This tamper-proof ammo can is equipped with three locking mechanisms to keep people out and protect family and children. Made in the USA and designed to stack, this water-resistant and dust-proof box is the perfect addition to your gun case, closet, or garage.
The Sheffield 12629 is a unique field box perfect to take with you wherever you go. It is designed to be waterproof and dustproof, thanks to its compression-fit lid and base-to-lid interlocking system. This ammo storage box also features an easy-to-carry handle, making it the ideal choice for range use or outdoor use.
The Sheffield 12629 has a variety of features that make it an ideal choice for all your storage needs. It has a dimension of 11.5" x 5.06" x 7.25", and its three pry-resistant locking options ensure the safety of your belongings. This hard-plastic field box is the perfect accessory for any shooter looking to keep their ammunition secure and organized.
For those looking for a modular, tamper-proof storage solution for their ammunition and gear, the Sheffield 12629 Ammo Storage Box is an ideal choice. With its three locking mechanisms, superior stackability, and water and dust resistance, this field box is the perfect storage container to keep your belongings safe and secure.
8. Mtm Multi Gauge 25 Round Shotshell Box (Forest Green)

The MTM Multi Gauge 25 Round Shotshell Box is the perfect accessory for any hunting or shooting enthusiast. This box is made out of a sturdy plastic, and is available in a stylish forest green colour. The box is designed to hold up to 25 12, 16 or 20 gauge shotshells up to 3 inches long. It features a removable gauge adaptor grid, allowing you to use this box for three different sized shotshells. You can also use it to organize some brands of 28, 20 and 12 gauge choke tubes with a maximum length of 2.7".
The box is designed to keep the shells organized and easily accessible. It features a latch closure, which keeps the box securely closed when not in use. The box also has a comfortable handle for easy carrying.
The MTM Multi Gauge 25 Round Shotshell Box is made in the USA, so you can be sure you are getting a quality product. It is designed to provide years of reliable use, and is ideal for hunters and shooters who need to keep their ammunition organized and easily accessible. Whether you are a hunter, a competitive shooter, or just enjoy shooting for fun, this box is the perfect accessory.
Best 12 Gauge Ammo For Home Defense FAQs
Are 12-gauge slugs good for home defense?
Yes, 12-gauge slugs can be a good choice for home defense. Slugs are a single, large projectile that can deliver a powerful punch and are effective at longer distances than other types of shotgun ammunition. They are also more accurate than buckshot, making them a good choice for home defense. However, slugs can cause more damage to walls and other objects than buckshot, so it is important to consider the environment in which they will be used. Additionally, slugs can be more difficult to control than buckshot, so it is important to practice with them before using them for home defense.
What is the best shotgun ammunition for self defense?
The best shotgun ammunition for self defense depends on the situation and the user's preferences. Generally, buckshot is the most popular choice for self defense due to its wide spread and high stopping power. Buckshot is typically loaded with 9 pellets of 00 or 000 buckshot, which can be effective at close range. Slugs are also an option for self defense, as they offer more accuracy and penetration than buckshot. However, slugs are best used in open areas, as they can travel through walls and cause collateral damage. Ultimately, the best ammunition for self defense is the one that the user is most comfortable and confident with.
What size buckshot is best for home defense?
The best size buckshot for home defense depends on the type of shotgun you are using and the range of the target. Generally, #00 buckshot is the most popular choice for home defense, as it offers a good balance of power and accuracy. It is also the most common size of buckshot available. #00 buckshot contains nine pellets, each of which is .33 caliber in diameter. This size of buckshot is effective at close range, up to about 25 yards, and is capable of penetrating most common interior walls. For longer range shots, #4 buckshot is a better choice, as it contains 27 pellets and is more accurate at longer distances.
Which 12-gauge ammo is best for home defense?
The best 12-gauge ammo for home defense is typically a buckshot load, such as 00 buckshot or #4 buckshot. These loads are designed to spread out quickly and create a wide pattern of pellets, increasing the chances of hitting a target. Additionally, they are designed to penetrate deeply, ensuring that the target is incapacitated. For those looking for a less-lethal option, a slug load can be used. Slugs are designed to penetrate deeply and create a single, large wound channel. Whichever option is chosen, it is important to practice with the chosen ammunition to ensure accuracy and familiarity.