Just got my first shotgun today and im looking for recomendations for range ammo and home defense ammo. Remington 870 express 26" barrel. Thanks in advance.

I'll assume it's a 12 ga.?  So I'll answer that 1 oz or 1 1/8 oz. loads #7 1/2 or #8 birdshot rated at 1145 or 1,200fps (2 3/4 Dram - 3 Dram Clay Target Loads) will be a good start to get used to the gun.

 

For HD use 2 3/4" Magnum 00 Buckshot (commonly referred to as "High Brass").  You really don't need 3" magnum shells these days and the 2 3/4" shells will allow you a capacity that's generally one shell more in the tube magazine than the 3" magnums .

 

If you want some FREE mentoring, please join us on Saturday April 22nd at Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays in Coplay, PA.  2 catered meals, swag, raffles, free T-shirt AND an Oliva cigar await you!  Here's where to register:  http://www.cnjfo.com/event-2465644  .  Rhiannon Teng loves her Remmy 870 Pump.  The 870 is a classic, so congrats on your purchase!

 

Dave "Rosey" Rosenthal, VP

Coalition of New Jersey Firearm Owners (CNJFO)

Dave's on target here, 12 gauge 2 3/4" length, 2 3/4  or 3 dram equivalent powder charge. 1 ounce or 1 1/8 ounce #7 1/2, or #8 shot for shooting clay targets.  "00" buck for HD, and a couple of boxes of 1 oz. slugs for good measure.  

I shoot at RTSP, indoor range, and they only allow slugs. I usually buy whatever is on sale and cheap for that purpose. 1oz slugs

Agree with the other on the "00" buckshot for HD, I would recommend getting a few different kinds and take them to a range that has a pattern board to see how they pattern.  You may find some pattern better than others, but at close range it usually doesn't matter, it will, however, give you a good sense of what your pattern looks like  (hint- most people are surprised at how tight they are at close range)

Thanks for the advice!

I like the #4 flite control rounds. Less spread, more lead (balls).

 

Either would work appropriately if the .00000000000001% chance happens