Best 12 gauge load for HD

[Epaphroditus]

I found a deal on a case of 4buck so that's what I got.

Two weeks later same deal on 00 buck .... now I have both!

[librarian72]

This is what I ended up with:

https://www.cheaperthandirt.com/federal-personal-defense-12-gauge-ammunition-5-rounds-2-34-4-buck-copper-plated-34-pellets-1100fps/FC-029465027407.html

[robcoe]

1 buck

Birdshot will kill an intruder but it will probably be because they bleed out after killing you

[The War Wagon]

Some people like #4 buckshot to reduce over penetration risk - also there is #1 buckshot which is supposed to offer the best of both worlds.

though.

[smle-man]

The Army issued #4 buck in Vietnam and it seemed to do the trick.

[eviioiive]

Black magic

[200Apples]

I live in southern California and have never seen 12 gauge #4 buck for sale.

I see plenty of 20 ga #4 buck loads.

When it comes to a life-threatening situation, I'm not messing around wondering about the difference between some .30 cal lead balls and .33 cal lead balls, so I'm loaded up with double-aught (.33).

Some of the stuff is 1450 - 1500 fps 9 pellet, some is the Hornady Critical Defence double-aught 8 pellet @ 1600 fps.

Both loads pattern similarly at simliar distances in 18" - 18.5" barrels. Whatever you choose to stock up on, take a box or two to the paper range and pattern your shot loads at 3 yards (will make one hole), 5 (a bigger, ragged one hole), 7 (starts to spread but still not much bigger than a softball), 10 (pumpkin-sized pattern) and 15 yards (almost the width of the paper target).

(It's been a few years since I last patterned my shotguns and loads, but the above info should be close to what you might see).

Point being that you'll still have to *aim* your shotgun to make an effective hit on any threat, which is why shoulder-fired short barrel shotguns are better in combat than any birdshead/pistol grip piece with no shoulder stock. Might as well use a handgun in close quarters than something like that.

Good luck to you.

[golfish]

I'm a fan of the Federal Law Enforcement Tactical w/Flight Control..

This in #1 buck shot is really good stuff.

[357manny]

I live in southern California and have never seen 12 gauge #4 buck for sale.

I see plenty of 20 ga #4 buck loads.

When it comes to a life-threatening situation, I'm not messing around wondering about the difference between some .30 cal lead balls and .33 cal lead balls, so I'm loaded up with double-aught (.33).

Some of the stuff is 1450 - 1500 fps 9 pellet, some is the Hornady Critical Defence double-aught 8 pellet @ 1600 fps.

Both loads pattern similarly at simliar distances in 18" - 18.5" barrels. Whatever you choose to stock up on, take a box or two to the paper range and pattern your shot loads at 3 yards (will make one hole), 5 (a bigger, ragged one hole), 7 (starts to spread but still not much bigger than a softball), 10 (pumpkin-sized pattern) and 15 yards (almost the width of the paper target).

(It's been a few years since I last patterned my shotguns and loads, but the above info should be close to what you might see).

Point being that you'll still have to *aim* your shotgun to make an effective hit on any threat, which is why shoulder-fired short barrel shotguns are better in combat than any birdshead/pistol grip piece with no shoulder stock. Might as well use a handgun in close quarters than something like that.

Good luck to you.

Great pointers bro. Thanks!

[bubbapug1]

I have a vepr 12 raw.

I thinks it’s great but an AA12 would really be nice. FA

[dracer]

measure the biggest room or hallway in your house then take your shot gun and check your pattern at that distance , you will probably find that your pattern is real small , that is why you need to aim a shot gun at close distance and you do ,,not need any buckshot at all , remember buck shot will go threw walls very easily bird shot will not as much , you are responsible where it ends up

[General]

bird shot ?

Watch Paul about shotgun home defense.

[WWDHD?]

These day it's whatever you can get your hands on if you didn't stock up before the world turned upside down. Good luck.

[naz]

#4 bird shot over here. I want the exterior walls of my house to stop the pellets

[BB1776]

7+1?

2 #4 buck
2 #1
2 00
2 slugs