Salt Shot?

[Joe Chartreuse]

A little advice regarding spread? The mfrs. all recommend 20 yard minimum for these shells, yet this doesn't seem right for salt which is even lighter than birdshot. I received some factory salt shells for Christmas and would possibly use them for non-lethal self-defense / house security. I have yet to try them. I also have concerns in regard to barrel damage and am considering and older weapon for their use. Having had first hand experience as a youngster I know they are a stopper, but I never saw how far behind me the shooter was.

Your opinions on minimum range for 20 gauge salt shot would be greatly appreciated.

 

[buckeyeshooter]

If I have to shoot someone entering the home and threatening my family, It will be buckshot not salt and I have a 3.5 inch 10 gauge waiting not a 12.
If you want salt, I would recommend you look at this... rock salt and pepper. https://www.phoenixrising.store/12-gauge-2-34-rock-salt-and-pepper-ammunition.html

 

[Mobuck]

I was not aware of this type of ammo but I wouldn't recommend it for ANY use.
1: It's absolutely guaranteed to damage the gun barrel unless a thorough hot water wash is done immediately.
2: The often told stories about using 'rock salt' as non-lethal deterrent are mostly BS.
3: Hitting a person in the face will most likely cause eye damage resulting in maybe a bigger lawsuit than using buckshot.
4: The idea that this ammo is 'less lethal' could encourage someone to shoot in a truly no-shoot scenario.
5: If there's a real need for 'non-lethal' use, get the far more acceptable rubber buckshot and aim below the waist.
Just my opinion.

 

[Johnnu2]

A little advice regarding spread? The mfrs. all recommend 20 yard minimum for these shells, yet this doesn't seem right for salt which is even lighter than birdshot. I received some factory salt shells for Christmas and would possibly use them for non-lethal self-defense / house security. I have yet to try them. I also have concerns in regard to barrel damage and am considering and older weapon for their use. Having had first hand experience as a youngster I know they are a stopper, but I never saw how far behind me the shooter was.

Your opinions on minimum range for 20 gauge salt shot would be greatly appreciated.

In NJ or NY, you are most likely going to jail for shooting a bad guy/gal (yes, even in YOUR own home). So, I'd commend buck shot and make it worthwhile.
p.s. NY has a "mandatory retreat" requirement....guessing NJ does to (?)
IMHO,
J.

 

[Goldstar225]

If someone is engaging in an activity that justifies them being shot, send the best, 00 buckshot.

Desiring to shoot someone "just a little" is foolish.

 

[nvbirdman]

Use standard loads and buy yourself a shovel.

 

[Joe Chartreuse]

Thank you all for your input. I "re-gifted" these to another family member, and included all of your caveats.

 

[Joe Chartreuse]

Recently Found it to be a stopper- again. As I may have mentioned, I took a hit in the ass as a kid while trying to steal crow bombs ( like a cherry bomb but normally set off electrically) from a local farmer. Hurt pretty bad. However, my mother- bless her evil heart- said I should soak in a warm tub and it will feel better. WRONG WRONG WRONG.

Anyway, A a "had to be there" thing. Tiny town in Sussex county where not everything gets into the paper, and if you are a good ole boy, the blotter either. Anyway, a guy I know in passing up there ( not too far from my lake place) had an attempted break-in. Apparently the breaker thought his girlfriend was inside with the breakee.
Guy showed up with an axe and started breaking through the door. The breakee had a 20 gauge loaded somewhat like mine. first shot salt, the rest shot ( I don't know what size.) well, he nailed the breaker. apparently he did a bit of a flyby and landed on his back. I assume a close shot. Close or not he didn't take it in the torso. Described by the breakee's neighbor,( who saw it as well) he took it "upper thighs and lower stomach". Don't know what others think, but I'm guessing he took a junk shot. He remained in the fetal position until the LEOs showed up.

Lucky? I don't know. It sure as hell won't always work- but it can. Junk, maybe legs, gut, or face Could all work. A gamble? Well, I would take it if I was home alone. With loved ones? I have other choices in arm's reach. Dead is a lot more paperwork though...

 

[thinckley]

I was not aware of this type of ammo but I wouldn't recommend it for ANY use.
1: It's absolutely guaranteed to damage the gun barrel unless a thorough hot water wash is done immediately.
2: The often told stories about using 'rock salt' as non-lethal deterrent are mostly BS.
3: Hitting a person in the face will most likely cause eye damage resulting in maybe a bigger lawsuit than using buckshot.
4: The idea that this ammo is 'less lethal' could encourage someone to shoot in a truly no-shoot scenario.
5: If there's a real need for 'non-lethal' use, get the far more acceptable rubber buckshot and aim below the waist.
Just my opinion.

Growing up in the country, there were more than a few farmers who used rock salt to convince trespassers that they needed to go somewhere else. Range was always greater than 20 yards, but in the 80's, when spandex biker shorts were all the rage, getting your butt peppered by rock salt sucked (ask me how I know).

 

[gwpercle]

Just exactly what are these Factory Loaded Salt shells loaded with ...
Morton's Table Salt , Ice Cream Freezer salt , Roadway Salt , Rock Salt ...
The size of the salt will determine the effective range . I had no idea factories even loaded salt in shot shells !
If you don't know then all you can do is go by the manufacturers instructions and / or test a few out at the range on watermelon or cantalope !
Good Luck ,
Gary

 

[Joe Chartreuse]

Just exactly what are these Factory Loaded Salt shells loaded with ...
Morton's Table Salt , Ice Cream Freezer salt , Roadway Salt , Rock Salt ...
The size of the salt will determine the effective range . I had no idea factories even loaded salt in shot shells !
If you don't know then all you can do is go by the manufacturers instructions and / or test a few out at the range on watermelon or cantalope !
Good Luck ,
Gary

Good question. I always thought road salt was rock salt, just not as clean. Mine is from Bullseye Cartridge Co. and comes in 5 packs. The label says the load is rock salt.

 

[gwpercle]

Good question. I always thought road salt was rock salt, just not as clean. Mine is from Bullseye Cartridge Co. and comes in 5 packs. The label says the load is rock salt.

Rock Salt can vary in size from 1/4 " up to 3/4 " , there can be a lot variance ... I bet the shell loading co was using something on the
00 Buckshot size ... 0.33"
I would have to cut one open and look see ... Have you shot anything with one ... paper target , over ripe melon ...
I did a few searches but no one gives a size ... just Rock Salt " !!!
Cut one open ... I Got's To Know
Gary

 

[thinckley]

While possible, I cann0t imagine they would bring in special salt just for the picture.

https://www.bullseye-cartridge.com/12ga-2-3-4-rock-salt-5-pack.html

Google AI had this to say:
Shotgun shells loaded with rock salt typically use pea-sized or slightly larger coarse salt crystals. Handloaders and specialty makers avoid fine salt or powder, as small grains lack the mass to hold velocity and disintegrate too quickly.

 

[Joe Chartreuse]

Rock Salt can vary in size from 1/4 " up to 3/4 " , there can be a lot variance ... I bet the shell loading co was using something on the
00 Buckshot size ... 0.33"
I would have to cut one open and look see ... Have you shot anything with one ... paper target , over ripe melon ...
I did a few searches but no one gives a size ... just Rock Salt " !!!
Cut one open ... I Got's To Know
Gary

Shot a couple of rounds but looked at the damage, not the load. Figured it was regular rock salt with varying crystal sizes. Can be the size of 00 if new and unshaken, but I would say closer to 0.25 or around there- or at least that's what is in my winter salt box.

 

[Hertervillian]

The only semi reasonable use case I can envision is yard varmints, like coons, possums or maybe bears on your trash can. That would be a rural thing at that.

Easier on all involved to just dial 911 and ask to be locked up, saving much drama and taxpayer dollars.

 

[gwpercle]

Shot a couple of rounds but looked at the damage, not the load. Figured it was regular rock salt with varying crystal sizes. Can be the size of 00 if new and unshaken, but I would say closer to 0.25 or around there- or at least that's what is in my winter salt box.

Thanks for the info ...
I have never shot any or knew it was factory loaded ... 0.25 is about the size of #4 Buckshot ... which is 0.24" ... 1/4" so that sounds about right . 1/4" crystals of hard rock salt could definitly do some hurting ...
I don't think I would want to get shot with any !
Thanks again ,
Gary

 

[TheTexasRAT]

The only semi reasonable use case I can envision is yard varmints, like coons, possums or maybe bears on your trash can. That would be a rural thing at that.

Easier on all involved to just dial 911 and ask to be locked up, saving much drama and taxpayer dollars.

I agree with using these type rounds on problem animals is the only thing one should use rock salt on. But depending on the range it might just kill them anyways.

As for using these on people I know it seems best to use non-lethal rounds but with law suites and all I would only use lethal rounds on people if needs be. As stated above (by Mobuck) one might be tempted to use the non-lethal rounds when their life isn't in danger, which could easily bring a charge of assault with a weapon.

I have to admit that the old days where a whole lot better as the law understood that if one played stupid games they deserved to win stupid prizes!

 

[thinckley]

I have to admit that the old days where a whole lot better as the law understood that if one played stupid games they deserved to win stupid prizes!

completely agree..... my experiences on the receiving end of rock salt at 40 years old... no way it would fly in today's world.

 

[TheTexasRAT]

completely agree..... my experiences on the receiving end of rock salt at 40 years old... no way it would fly in today's world.

I know if I had done something to have gotten shot at and my dad had found out I would have gotten a whooping atop the rock salt wounds. So I would've kept my mouth shut and hoped that the police would not have found out about such and quietly suffer the lesson.