12 ga. Home Defense-Buckshot Only? (Dupe threads merged)

Is there any reason not to use ammo like Upland Field Range 1-1/8 oz. #4 shot or Heavy Field Load 1-1/8 oz. #6 hard shot for home defense? Within 20-25 ft. wouldn't it be like a solid projectile and very lethal?

I wouldnt, theres a reason its called birdshot. Its best left for bird sized game.

Heres #4 Shot, about 7in penetration

http://papercut.mercenariesguild.net...dove_rem_a.jpg

Heres Federal Classic 00 Buck, about 22in penetration

http://papercut.mercenariesguild.net..._classic_a.jpg

http://papercut.mercenariesguild.net..._classic_b.jpg

#6 may not have the ability to reach vital organs if the BG is wearing heavy clothing,you are still talking about a buncha small bbs,I prefer 00 buck and 4 Buck minimum,with 00 Buck and slugs in the sidesaddle

Yup - birdshot is (not surprisingly) for birds.

For hardier predators, you need to reliably reach the vital organs, and buckshot is the best bet there.

My 12 ga coach gun is loaded with 00 buck. Will that 00 buck go through a lot of stuff? You betcha'...it will go through the first guy, the second guy and possibly the third...:yup::yup::yup:

Read the following ...

The Box O' Truth #3 - The Shotgun Meets the Box O' Truth - Page 1

Especially the summary at the end about birdshot as a defensive round.

Basically, birdshot is for birds; buckshot is for humans. :)

Use 00 buck, when you really want to send the very best...:image035:

I want it to go throught anything and everything coming in through the doors or windows...:image035:

Actually, I think there is merit in #1 buckshot (.30 cal pellets) as being the "best" defensive load. It gives you 12-16 pellets, vs 9 for 00 buckshot (.34 cal pellets). You get essentially the same penetration, with much greater shot density. Harder to find (I ordered mine online) but worth it, IMHO.

I agree that birdshot is for bird-size game. Not defense.

I also do not see the point of slugs at close range. Numerous pellet wounds give greater terminal effects than one slug wound.

I use a #6 shot small game load for my first 2 rounds, after which I follow up with Federal low recoil 00 buck. In the distances down my hallway, which I have patterned, it stay within a 2-3" group, follow up shots of 00 buck will finish the job.

I use the #4 buckshot for HD.

Thanks guys, I'll just use it for practice.

00 buck here. Mostly Federal LE w/Flight Control.

At 20' to 30' feet, any size shot could be very lethal. This is ,of course, is like the caliber debates that you see on DC. You know, only a .45 will do the job, only hollow point bullets will work, etc. Long ago,when I was in the auto salvage business,we would often shoot at the older cars when closed on Sundays. I know what ALL size 12 gauge shot did to metal and other odd objects. I would not want to be on the receiving end of ANY of it up close.

#4 then 00, every other round.

Looks nice on a sheet of dry wall at in house distances.

12 Ga. #4 Buck for me......can't beat 42 pellets per round.