Opinions and info wanted on 12ga home defense rounds.

[Ri22o]

I currently have my 12ga shotgun loaded with a mixture of #4 game loads and 00 Buck. In the tube I have #4, 00, #4, 00, 00, #4. With extra #4s in the side saddle. I've been reading about home defense, and I'm looking at replacing the current rounds with something else. Any one have any insight, opinions, suggestions?

FYI, I have a couple areas in my house that are 36 feet (12 yards), but for the most part it would be a close quarters situation.

These are some that I am looking at.

Fiocchi 00 Buck, High Velocity
Ammunition To Go : 100rds - 12 gauge Fiocchi High Velocity Nickel Plated Buckshot [12HVOOBK] - $53.95

Fiocchi 00 Buck, Low Recoil
Ammunition To Go : 100rds - 12 Gauge Fiocchi Reduced Recoil Nickel Plated 00 Buck [12LE00BK] - $53.95

NobleSport #4 Buck
Ammunition To Go : 100rds - 12 gauge NobelSport Law Enforcement #4 Buckshot - $58.95

[Jeff]

Federal is all I have ever used in my shotguns. It has been good reliable ammo for me for quite a few years. Right now my Benelli is loaded with Federal's Premium Vital-Shok Low Recoil 00 Buckshot.

[W9ZEB]

I will have to dig for the link again, but what I had read said nothing less than #1 buckshot for personal defense.

The same site recommended reduced recoil standard rather than magnum loads for close quarters.

#4 shot was only recommended in the case of the rounds with tungsten balls rather than steel or lead.

I'll see if I can dig up the link. Which included Ballistics Gel data for each of the loads from a 18" shot barrel at a fixed distance.

[TomN]

I also remember hearing a few instructors talking about #1 Buck being the smallest shot they would recommend for self defense.

[Ri22o]

Originally Posted by W9ZEB

I will have to dig for the link again, but what I had read said nothing less than #1 buckshot for personal defense.

The same site recommended reduced recoil standard rather than magnum loads for close quarters.

#4 shot was only recommended in the case of the rounds with tungsten balls rather than steel or lead.

I'll see if I can dig up the link. Which included Ballistics Gel data for each of the loads from a 18" shot barrel at a fixed distance.

Thanks. I've read that at close range a 000 shot is no different than a small game load, and they both act similar to a slug. I also read that the #1 buck is the most effective out of all the sizes of buckshot. I have seen the #4 buck suggested as a good home defense round, but this is the internet and everyone has their opinions.

I found a comparison with the NobelSport that I posted. The #4 spread to a 12x15 inch square at 15 yards and their 00 spread to an 8 inch square at 15 yards.

I think I have decided on a low recoil 00, but keep the information coming.

[W9ZEB]

HERE's The Link

Near the bottom is a large number of links to Ballistics Gelatin results.

[Ri22o]

Originally Posted by W9ZEB

HERE's The Link

Near the bottom is a large number of links to Ballistics Gelatin results.

Thanks, I'll give it a read.

[Ri22o]

I'm sure this has been posted because I have read it before. I just forget about it. It pretty much answered all my questions.

Ammunition For The Self-Defense Firearm

Low recoil, 00 buck shot is what I'm going with.

[kludge]

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

[Ri22o]

Originally Posted by kludge

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

Yea, that helps a lot. His tests rule out speculation and internet opinions.

He also used 5/8 drywall, which isn't code in Indiana. So the only downside is that it will penetrate more than his tests showed. He should have tested using 1/2" as a worst case scenario.