Best 410 Ammo for a Taurus Judge: At-Home Defense
I fell in love with the Taurus Judge handgun the moment I saw it. How cool is it, that you can fire 45 Colt and 410 Bore ammo without changing anything about the gun? (That's a rhetorical question. Obviously, it is very cool.)
The Judge altered public perception of the 410 Bore shotshell. It used to be regarded exclusively as a hunting shell. But now that revolvers can chamber 410, the petite shell is increasingly favored for its defensive capabilities.
The best 410 ammo for a Taurus Judge is Winchester Defendert, which is loaded with 12 pellets of BB shot and three plated defense discs: hard and hard-hitting copper-plated projectiles which wreak havoc on their target at close range. We'll talk about it at length below, as well as recommned our top 410 selections for other worthwhile applications.
Top 5 410 Ammo for the Taurus Judge
- Winchester Defender Plated Defense Disc - Best Overall
- Winchester Super-X 000 Buckshot - Best Home Defense
- Winchester Super-X 11/16 oz. #7-1/2 Shot - Best Shooting Range Ammo
- Sterling 1/4 oz. Rifled Slug - Honorable Mention
- Fiocchi Golden Turkey TSS 13/16 oz. #9 Shot - Honorable Mention
Winchester Defender Plated Defense Disc - Best Overall
Specs
- Shot Type: 12 Pellets BB Shot; 3 Defense Discs
- Muzzle Velocity: 750 fps
Pros
- Trusted brand
- Designed for defense
- Accurate
- Hard hitting
Cons
- Not Inexpensive
- Short Range
Why We Chose It
Winchester Defender (also occasionally known as "PDX1") 410 Bore ammunition is loaded with a truly unique shot column. One shell is loaded with twelve BB shot pellets, each 0.18" in diameter (compare that to 00 buck, which is 0.33"), as well as three "Defense Discs," which are shaped a bit like button batteries (or perhaps tins of cat food).
All the projectiles are copper plated. This hardens them, which promotes deeper penetration through body mass. The narrow BB pellets enter deeply, inflicting multiple wound channels to cause heavy bleeding. The awkwardly shaped Defense Discs tumble about in soft tissue, tearing out wider wound channels as a result. Combine these terminal ballistics with the shell's wide range of effect, which compensates for poor/hasty aim, and you've got a real potent solution for self-defense on your hands.
Doesn't hurt that it's made by Winchester, which is one of America's greatest ammo producers, so much so that it even manages the U.S. government's largest ammo factory.
When it comes to the best 410 ammo for a Taurus Judge, Winchester Defense reigns supreme. You'll be hard-pressed to find a better self-defense round, though Hornady Critical Defense deserves its mention as well. So too does Remington 1/5 oz. rifled slug: cheaper, and able to deliver more energy on target over farther distances (although there are good reasons to prefer 45 Colt over slugs for defense).
Winchester Super-X 000 Buck - Best Home Defense Ammo for Taurus Judge
Specs
- Shot Type: 000 Buckshot
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,135 fps
Pros
- Produced by trusted company
- Large buckshot pellets are effective
Cons
- For firearms with 3" chambers only
Why We Chose It
Winchester Super-X 000 buckshot: another swell option for defense. It's designed for hunting, but has ample power to neutralize a threat as well.
Winchester loads this shell with five pellets of 000 buckshot. Each lead projectile is 0.36" in diameter and weighs ~70 grains. Compare that to 00 buck (0.33" diameter, ~53.8grains), and it's easy to see why triple-aught can do even more damage. Its girth gouges out a wider wound cavity. Its higher mass enables it to penetrate deeper into flesh as well (noting that the 410 is a weaker shell, and cannot accelerate nearly as much shot as the more popular 12 or 20 Gauge).
Does your revolver only have 2.5" chambers? Tough cookies. No five-pellet load for you. You can choose a round loaded with three pieces of 000 buck instead. It may prove less effective, although one well-placed shot would instantly end a violent altercation between two (and possibly more) opponents.
Winchester Super-X 000 buckshot ammo is also a hoot for target practice. If you have recyclables, a garden hose, this ammo, and a Judge, then I promise you can have yourself a good time.
Winchester Super-X 11/16 oz. #7-1/2 Shot - Best Ammo for Shooting Range
Specs
- Shot Type: #7.5 Shot
- Projectile Weight: 11/16 oz.
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,135 fps
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Easy to handle
- Versatile
Cons
- Inadequate for defense
Why We Chose It
I've fired a lot of Winchester Super-X 11/16 oz. #7-1/2 shot ammo while skeet shooting and dove hunting as a kid. IT's NEVER failed me.
This ammo's lower price and reduced recoil (compared to heavier loads) make it perfect for a day at the range, as well as hunting small game such as dove, quail, and rabbit. I've even taken care of a few venomous snakes and other pests with these shells. I'm always happy to give the possums a free meal.
These rounds don't have much recoil, even when using a double-action five-shot wheelgun like the Judge. Their hulls are also reloadable, though you may find yourself wishing you had smaller fingers if you attmept to handload 410.
While Winchester Super-X #7.5 shot is excellent ammo for the range, it's terrible in terms of defense. Those little shot pellets just don't conserve enough momentum to penetrate soft tissue very deeply. That's not to say this ammo couldn't neutralize a threat. There are just way too many better alternatives available.
If you're headed to the range for a fun day of shooting or training, Winchester Super-X 11/16 oz. #7-1/2 shot is the way to go!
Sterling 1/4 oz. Rifled Slug - Honorable Mention
Specs
- Projectile Type: Rifled Slug
- Projectile Weight: 1/4 oz.
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,542 fps
- Muzzle Energy: 577 ft-lbs
Pros
- Decent price
- Normal ballistic performance
Cons
- Less reliable than premium American-made alternatives
Why We Chose It
Sterling 1/4 oz. rifled slug costs substantially less than most other 410 slugs on the market. But a slug doesn't have to be especially fancy in order to be effective.
Sterling recorded this shell's muzzle velocity with a shotgun-length barrel. It is certain to exhibit a lower muzzle velocity in conjunction with a Judge's much shorter barrel, so you should not anticipate 500+ ft lbs striking energy (which is on par with what a 357 Mag can do) at close range. With that in mind, the shell's quarter-ounce cylinder of lead still leaps out of a Judge with more than sufficient energy to wound big.
Sterling does a decent job of loading these shells, in my experience. Some shooters have noted that the Turkish brand is a little less reliable (when compared to reputable American ones, at least). Fortunately, clearing a dud in a revolver is easy as squeezing the trigger.
If you're willing to spend more per trigger pull, then I'd recommend stepping up to Federal 1/4 oz. rifled slugs. The larger investment goes toward better accuracy and reliability, as well as securing your countrymen's gainful employment (specifically those in Anoka, MN).
Fiocchi Golden Turkey TSS 13/16 oz. #9 Shot - Honorable Mention
Specs
- Shot Type: #9 Tungsten Super Shot (TSS)
- Projectile Weight: 13/16 oz.
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,100 fps
Pros
- Loaded in the USA
- Fast
- Hard hitting
Cons
- Small projectiles for self-defense
- Expensive
Why We Chose It
Fiocchi Golden Turkey TSS 13/16 oz. #9 shot is an honorable mention because it's a bona fide killer – a turkey killer, that is.
Even from a Taurus Judge, these shotshells are hard-hitting and capable of stopping a threat at close range. However, the #9 shot pellets are small, and will have difficulty punching through thick clothing when you have a bad guy in your sights.
Another downside to these rounds is the fact that Tungsten Super Shot is expensive. Whether you go with Remington Premier TSS, Federal TSS, or Fiocchi TSS, you'll pay a high price for it.
While Fiocchi Golden Turkey TSS isn't my first choice for home defense with a Taurus Judge, it's much better than throwing rocks at a bad guy.
How to Choose Ammo for 410 Taurus Judge
Choosing the right ammo can be daunting – especially when you know very little about the firearm. Fortunately, buying ammo for a Glock, Ruger, Smith & Wesson, or Taurus, is easy if you keep things simple.
Since the Taurus Judge is primarily used for concealed carry and home defense, those are the scenarios we will consider purchasing ammo for. (Don't let that dissuade you from hunting with a Judge, though. Upland game is no match for a well-aimed Judge.)
Self-Defense
If you choose a shotgun for defense, then you want shotshells loaded with one of two types of projectiles: buckshot, or slug.
The Judge, which fires shotshells, is no exception. But here's the thing. While you could load slug ammo in the revolver, I'd argue that you'd be better off going with 45 Colt ammo instead. There are many highly effective 45 Colt self-defense loads on the market, each of which has a bullet that expands to inflict a wide wound channel (as well as reduce the risk of over-penetration that could threaten an innocent bystander).
To that end, try sticking with buckshot shells – or, barring that, specialized shells that are loaded with multiple types of hard-hitting projectiles. A slug is a single projectile. It doesn't deliver a stark performance advangage over a metallic cartridge's bullet. But a buckshot shell? It can inflict multiple wound channels with a single trigger squeeze, as well as increase the chance of striking the target with as less than perfectly aimed shot. It lets your Judge do what makes it so special in the first place: namely, pepper its target with more projectiles than it has chambers.
Training
When buying training ammo, I tend to go with the cheapest stuff I can find. That way, I can shoot more often and not feel bad about blowing through a few boxes.
However, that has backfired on me in the past, because cheap rounds rarely have ballistic performance similar to self-defense ammo. And when I'm training, I want to get as close to a real feel as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
The team at Ammo.com has gathered and answered several of the most commonly asked questions about the best 410 ammo for a Taurus Judge.
What size 410 ammo for a Taurus Judge?
The correct 410 ammo for a Taurus Judge depends on the length of its chambers. If they're 3", then it can fire 3" shells and shorter. If they're 2-1/2", then you can only fire 2-1/2" shells.
What ammo is recommended for a Taurus Judge?
You can fire 410 Bore or 45 Colt (aka 45 Long Colt, or 45 LC) ammunition in a Judge.
What is the best 410 ammo for snakes?
The best 410 ammo for snakes is birdshot. Winchester Super-X 11/16 oz. #7-1/2 shot works well on snakes.
What shot is best for 410?
That depends on the application. If you're hunting small game or shooting clay targets, consider starting with #7.5 shot. If you're hunting turkey, then #4 shot will work. If you're taking larger game or defending yourself, then buckshot (e.g. 000) or slug will serve you better.
What is the best 410 ammo for home protection?
The best 410 ammo for home protection is buckshot. It's less likely to penetrate walls, and can quickly neutralize a threat.
Parting Shots
I hope all of that gave you some valuable ammo insights. If you don't want to put any more thought into it, then just go ahead and order yourself some Winchester Defender and be done with it. It's the best shell you can choose for a Judge that you might use for defense.
Cartridge Recommendations
- Best Caliber for Deer Hunting
- Best Big Game Caliber
- The 10 Best Coyote Cartridges
- Best Cartridge for Elk Hunting
- Best Cartridge for Self-Defense
- Best Cartridge for Concealed Carry
- Best Handgun Cartridge
- Best Moose Cartridges
- Best 40 S&W Ammo For Self Defense & Target Practice
- Best 223 Ammo
- Best .44 Magnum Ammo
- Best Shotgun Shell Types for Home Defense & Hunting
- Best 270 Ammo for Hunting
- Best 17 HMR Ammo for Varmint Hunting and Plinking
- Best 22 Rimfire Ammo
- 4 Best AK-47 Ammo Picks [7.62x39]
- Best 38 Special Ammo for Self Defense
- Best Handgun Ammo for Self-Defense in Common Calibers
- Best 308 Ammo For Hunting & Target Shooting
- Best 300 Win Mag Ammo
- Best 243 Ammo for Target Shooting
- 10 Best 6.5 mm Cartridges For Long-Range Shooting and Hunting
- Best 45 ACP Hollow Points for Self-Defense
- Best 12 Gauge Ammo for Home Defense
- Best 32 ACP Ammo for Your Pocket Pistol or Backup Gun
- Top 13 Best AR Calibers That Aren’t 5.56 NATO
- Best Ammo for Smith and Wesson M&P 9mm Shield
- Best 7.62x39 Ammo for Self Defense
- Best 20 Gauge Ammo for Home Defense, Whitetail, and Upland Game
- Best Ammo for 1911 45 ACP
- Best 12 Gauge Ammo for Deer Hunting
- Best .40 S&W Ammo for Self Defense
- Best 7.62x39 Hunting Ammo
- Best 5.56 Ammo for Home Defense
- Best 380 Self-Defense Ammo
- Best 45 ACP Ammo for Every Situation
- Best Ammo for Glock 43x
- Top 5 Best 22 WMR Ammo on the Market
- Best Ammo for Glock 19
- Best Sniper Ammo
- Best 38 Special Ammo For Target Practice Precision Shooting
- Top 5 Best 45 ACP Ammo for Target Practice
- Best 6.5 Creedmoor Hunting Ammo
- Top 10 Best Sniper Rifle Cartridges
- Best 6.5 Grendel Ammo
- Best 5.45x39 Ammo for Your Gun
- Best 10mm Ammo for Bear Defense
- Best 350 Legend Ammo
- Top 5 Best 30-06 Ammo for Deer Hunting
- Best 30-06 Ammo for Accuracy
- Best 300 Win Mag Ammo for Deer
- Best M193 Ammo for Stockpiling
- Best 300 Blackout Ammo for a 7.5" Barrel
- Best Shotgun Shells for Target Practice
- Best 45 ACP for Bear Defense
- Best 223 for Deer Hunting
- Best Exotic 9mm Ammo
- Best Duck Hunting Shells
- Best .357 SIG Defensive Ammo
- Best Beretta APX 9mm Ammo
- Best 22 Pistol Ammo
- Best 9mm Ammo
- Best 308 Ammo for Deer Hunting
- Best Ammo for the Taurus GX4
- Best Ammo For Taurus PT111 G2
- Best Shells For Trap Shooting
- Best 38 Special Ammo for Snubbies
- Best 410 Ammo For A Taurus Judge
- Best Ammo for Ruger Security 9
- Best Ammo for Taurus G3c
- Best 7mm Rem Mag Ammo
- Best Lead-Free Hunting Ammunition
- Best 300 Blackout Ammo for Hog Hunting
- Best 9mm Home Defense Ammo
- Best 10mm Ammo for Every Shooting Situation
- Best .22 LR Ammo for Self-Defense
- Best Long-Range Hunting Bullets
- Best 357 Magnum Ammo For Every Shooting Situation
- Best 45 ACP Ammo For Self-Defense
- Best 6.5 Creedmoor Ammo For Accuracy
- Best 45-70 Ammo For Hunting & Target Shooting
- Best Turkey Loads
- Deadliest Shotgun Ammo For Home Defense
- Best 300 Win Mag Ammo For Elk Hunting
- Best 9mm Subsonic Ammo
- Best 7mm PRC Ammo