defence load-rock salt???

Question
Hi Erik. Fisrt, Thanks for your public service! Your from MN.? I'm mailing from Grand Forks ND. As you know, self defense is a hot topic around here. I was a victim of violent crime myself three weeks ago, got jumped in a dark corner of my own alley. Thieving Bastards broke my face! I work night shift, so my wife & daughter have a short 28 ga. dub. barl. handy, and we are thinking of buying a 22 pistol. I've heared in old movies or the "Beverly Hillbillies" show,references of using rock salt as a load, Perhaps to get the niebours pigs out of the corn patch or send your daughters suitor away. Is there any truth to this? my Question is... For law abiding citizens, for self defense, is rock salt a substitute for lead, not so deadly, just makes em' hurt so bad thay wish they were? Thanks for your reply! Dan  

Answer
Thanks for writing.  I'm in Minnesota (Minneapolis).  I'm sorry to hear about what happened to you.  I hope you recover and the police are able to catch whoever did this to you.

Using rock salt in a shotgun handload will almost certainly land you in prison.  Even if it were legal, use of rock salt could be construed in court as excessive force or even sadistic.  Anything fired from a shotgun - even rock salt - could acheive sufficient velocity to kill someone.

First of all, there is no recognition in the law which separates "lethal" and "less than lethal" ammunition in a shotgun.  You cannot shoot a shotgun at anyone unless the elements of self-defense are present, no matter what the shotgun is loaded with.  Even discharging a blank round could be illegal if it's not justified.

Scondly, I am not familliar with the ND statues, but in Minnesota, and generally most states, you cannot use a firearm in self-defense unless you are facing the "immediate threat of death or great bodily harm."  With very, very few exceptions, there are no circumstances where you can use a firearm to defend mere property - or use it to "get neighbors out of the corn patch or send your daughters suitor away."

Other elements may apply, such as retreat, the ability to use lesser force, and your own level of participation.

Using a firearm for self-defense is a very serious matter.  Do it wrong and you are going to wind up in prison for the rest of your life.    I would suggest you check with the ND statutes and consult with an attorney and certified trainer in ND.

Hope this helps.  LMK if you need anything else.

Erik Pakieser