#4 Buck for Home Defense?

[vintagedude88]

I was watching Trigger Time TV and Mike Lamb of Stoic Ventures suggested that #4 buck is best for HD because it doesn't have the over penetration issues like 00 buck but is more effective than bird shot.

What say you guys. Is that sound advice for an HD load?

[(R)Bake]

Devastating on coyotes, I almost cut a dog in half at 50 yards (rangefinder before he game in), but I'm sure your mileage may vary on people.

[jyo]

Number 4 buck will still shoot thru the flimsy interior walls on most houses today, maybe just not quite as many walls as OO buck---if over-penetration issues bother you, go ahead and load #4 for the first three rds and something bigger to follow just in case the #4 doesn't impress the target enough.

[Mr. Beretta]

The only shotgun HD ammo I use in my 870 is Federal LE13200. None better.

It doesn't matter indoors, outdoors, anywhere.

You don't have to worry about "over penetration" if you hit what you're aiming at!

And if you're not sure if you can hit what you're aiming at...Don't shoot! It's that simple.


I have the following posted on the wall in my office for the last several years. I can't remember where I heard it from but I wrote it down.

"If Innocent Life Doesn't Depend On It, Don't Shoot. And If It Does, Don"t Miss".

Good Luck!

[five.five-six]

[8886]

#1 buck. In a perfect world I'd go with #BBB, #TT (#FF-whatever) or #4 buck. Those loads look like they get the most out of max pellet count while hitting the 12-18 inch depth zone. Since lite intermediate barriers could be encountered... #1 buck.

[hardlyworking]

What I have tested is two loads from Hornady, both of which use the "versatight" wad which is the same wad that Federal calls "flightcontrol"

Hornady Critical Defense 12ga 00-buck is moving at 1600 fps 8-pellets
Hornady Varmint Express 12ga #4 buck is moving at 1300 fps 24-pellets

Both loads kept all pellets inside of a 5" diameter circle at 30 feet for me. That's two distinct options for you. At $1/round before tax and shipping I have not tested them extensively. But I had the same concerns as you after buying the Critical Defense. I got to thinking, maybe a smaller pellet, moving a little slower, and 3-times as many pellets! might be the better option.

As a comparison to different loads of #7-birdshot shot at the same time/range/target had splattering of pellets all the way out to 12 inches or more.

[plumbum]

In my opinion, anything in 12 gauge and larger than #7.5 shot is sufficient to inform someone that you disagree with their current actions and you believe they should reconsider their life choices.

Personally I really like the #4 buck and #1 buck concepts, but since '00' is so readily available, that is all I have ever practiced with. I'm thinking Santa might bring me a few cans of #4 buck and a Hogue 12" LOP stock to leave under my tree this year...

250 round case - 12 Gauge NOBELSPORT Ammo 2.75 inch 1325FPS 27-PELLETS Number 4 Buck Shot

[USM0083]

In the past I've used #4 Buck. I've since switched to Federal flitecontrol OO reduced recoil buckshot.

7 and 15 yard group out of my 18.5" IC Rem 870.

[negolien]

I think that would be an ok middle ground.

[TMB 1]

#4 turkey load 1 7/8oz followed by 00buck

[choprzrul]

I really like my little 20ga coach gun loaded with #3 Buck. 20 pellets, plenty of oompft for room sized ranges, and stupid reliable.

Simple 20ga #3 buck pricing search.

For everyone's reference:



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[Kokopelli]

A good video showing ballistic gel penetration differences.