.410 Ammo for Home Defense [2023]

When it comes to protecting your home, the shotgun still reigns supreme. However, not everyone can handle the recoil and power of the mighty 12-gauge. Although 20-gauge is more powerful than the .410, the .410 still has its place. It has even lighter recoil than 20-gauge and is typically smaller, lighter, and handier—and is even available in handguns. But safe and successful use of .410 for home or personal defense typically depends on proper ammo selection.

6 .410 Ammo Options for Home and Personal Defense

1 – Hornady Critical Defense .410 Triple Defense

Designed specifically for home defense, the Critical Defense 410 from Hornady features a unique Triple Defense projectile column. It consists of two 35-caliber round balls, topped with one non-jacketed FTX slug. The round delivers an effective shot pattern, placing all projectiles on a man-sized target from seven yards.

Each of the 35-caliber balls is made of high antimony, cold swaged lead. As a result, they resist deformation and deliver excellent penetration. Likewise, the 41-caliber FTX slug utilizes Hornady’s patented Flex Tip technology to assist in expansion for enhanced terminal performance.

MSRP: $28.99 / 20 shells

For more info, please visit Hornady.com.

2 – Winchester PDX1 Defender .410

Designed to be effective in either a handgun or shotgun, the PDX1 Defender features a black hull and black oxide high-base head. Intended for home defense, the shell combines four plated Defense Disc projectiles and 16 pellets of plated BB shot. As a result, the discs provide optimal penetration and knockdown, while the BBs deliver massive shock and aim error compensation.

MSRP: $19.99 / 10 shells

For more info, please visit Winchester.com.

3 – Winchester Super X 3 Pellet 000 410 Buckshot

The Winchester Super X houses 3 pellets of 000 Xpert Steel Shot in a 2.5-inch shell. This high-performance, corrosion-resistant shot meets federal and state lead-free projectile regulations. In addition, thicker wad segments provide increased barrel protection, preserving the life of your shotgun. Finally, the Super X holds an ideal group size for home defense, even at distances further than 10 feet.

MSRP: $10.99 / 5 shells

For more info, please visit Winchester.com.

4 – Remington Ultimate Defense Shotshell .410 Bore 4 pellet 2-1/2-inch 000

The Remington Ultimate Defense Shotshell 410 delivers 4 pellets out of the 2.5-inch shell with a muzzle velocity of 1,225 fps. These 000 rounds provide dense, devastating patterns and massive knockdown power. Designed for home and personal defense, the 2.5-inch shells are compatible with a wide variety of shotguns.

MSRP: $27.99 / 15 shells

For more information, please visit Remington.com.

5 – Remington Ultimate Defense Shotshell .410 bore 5 pellet 3-inch 000

Like the 2.5-inch Ultimate Defense Shotshell, the 3-inch is designed specifically for home and personal defense. However, the addition of a half inch in length allows for an additional round for a 5-pellet total. The 3-inch Ultimate Defense Shotshell delivers its densely patterned knockdown payload at 1,125 fps.

MSRP: $30.99 / 15

For more information, please visit Remington.com.

6 – Federal Premium Personal Defense Ammo 410 Bore 2-1/2″ #000 Shot

Designed with .410 handguns in mind, Federal Premium Personal Defense 410 provides a high-energy delivery from a handgun or shotgun. The customized hull design houses 4 pellets of 000 buck for heavy knockdown power. Designed for home and personal defense, the fine-tuned payloads offer tight defensive patterns. Finally, special brass heads allow for smooth extraction.

MSRP: $27.99 / 20 shells

For more information, please visit FederalPremium.com.

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