Ammo , shotgun shells

[Couger]

Bismith shells clump also, just like steel can rust.  I wouldn't trust a shotgun for outside defence over a long period, like in the woods a long time ......

I disagree DD, not to be disagreeable.  But a little primer sealer or nail polish could go a long way sealing those shotshells from any humidity or moisture!  Plus sealing ammo in a baggie with a dissicant chip can do wonders too. 
 
Some shotshells I'd like to experiment with for defense and outside work are the new-ish Environ-Metal@ 'Dead Coyote' loads made with Hevi-Shot pellets (sizes 'T', #4B, and 00B).  They're expensive as hell, but the 4Buck are supposed to penetrate 1/2" plywood at 70yds quite easily. 

[Dixie Dude]

Home defence, or nearby home defence, shotguns are great.  I'm talking about woods survival, they wouldn't be good.  You can carry more .223's than shotgun shells.  Also an AR-15 would be lighter than a full sized shotgun for woods survival. 

[Couger]

Home defence, or nearby home defence, shotguns are great.  I'm talking about woods survival, they wouldn't be good.  You can carry more .223's than shotgun shells.  Also an AR-15 would be lighter than a full sized shotgun for woods survival.

To each his own!  If I knew I would only encounter small game and never be in danger, a .22 might indeed be the bestest choice.
 
But if its just as likely to find a deer, biggaminal or something with claws, I'm packing a SG.
 
I agree choices on best ammo and applications need to be carefully made.  But I think shotguns have their place, whether .410's, 20's or twelver's.   
 
ADDED:  Your posts made me think I need to do something DD.  I'm designing and loading some shortie 12ga shells (1 3/4", 1 7/8", 2") for a survival SG.  But I also need to see how short of a 20ga shell I can load with 3/4ounce of shot (duplicating 28ga performance).  Might amount to nothing but satisfying my curiosity, but while I say shotguns have their places - I hate the .410, usually!  While a 28ga with 3/4oz is a killing machine.  Also part of the reason I would pack a 12 or 20ga is that I have flares I can shoot from either, in a survival situation.

[Dixie Dude]

Yes, I think a .22 would be the best game getter in a survival situation.  However, larger animals and 2 legged predators might need something else.  I use a shotgun, Benelli SBE.  Shoots anything.  However I have tried the 2" short shells that someone made, but couldn't get them to cycle in a Rem pump or an auto.  For defence against 2 legged predators, even 4 legged around a homestead or farm, yes a shotgun is a must.  However for long term SHTF survival, shotgun shells take up a lot of space, and are subject to moisture damage if not stored properly.  Same with .22's.  I think snares and traps would be better game getters if you are around woods.  I've seen plans for a 30" diameter aircraft wire snare on a deer trail, about 6" off the ground.  It would snare the deer and hold it until you arrived to kill it.  Then for complete quiet, a bow or spear would finish it off.  I know this is illegal, but this is the "Survival Skills Discussion" area.