How to Choose the Right Buckshot Load for Home Defense

[Annihilator]

An Official Journal Of The NRA | How to Choose the Right Buckshot Load for Home Defense

Defensive shotgun ammunition goes light years beyond “double-aught buck.” Here's a rundown of how to choose the right buckshot load for your purposes.

www.shootingillustrated.com

 

[djthumper]

These days you can shoot about anything out of it and get their attention.

 

[HansGruber]

Good info.

I prefer #1, Federal’s Flite Control LE low recoil for all-around use. More pellets, still gets good penetration even at longer ranges.

For strictly inside use, particularly when overpenetration is a concern, I go with #4 low recoil (Brenneke Tactical). At interior distances—30 feet and in—it’s a perfect compromise...but suffers from poor penetration at longer ranges.

 

[BET7]

I heard a well know firearms expert say that you can just fire the shotgun out a bedroom window, and that this would scare away any intruders . I guess Rock Salt would then be a choice. .
But seriously, I like Hans #4 option, as I read that as an appropriate choice for home defense. I currently use low recoil 00 Buck, but need to find some #4 (My LGS doesn't carry it), so I'll check online.

 

[Troy Scott Fitch]

I have #4's loaded in my 18 inch Moss.500.With 00 as backup.In full choke 870,i have #6.The Rem will take out the black on a NRA small bore rifle target at 25 yrds.

 

[KLGunner]

I heard a well know firearms expert say that you can just fire the shotgun out a bedroom window, and that this would scare away any intruders . I guess Rock Salt would then be a choice. .
But seriously, I like Hans #4 option, as I read that as an appropriate choice for home defense. I currently use low recoil 00 Buck, but need to find some #4 (My LGS doesn't carry it), so I'll check online.

Anytime I hear someone say rock salt I cringe! I couldn’t imagine getting hit with that.

 

[Bassbob]

Anytime I hear someone say rock salt I cringe! I couldn’t imagine getting hit with that.

Me and my then girlfriend ( we were about 13) got hit with rock salt cutting through a farmer's field. It stung greatly.

 

[KLGunner]

Me and my then girlfriend ( we were about 13) got hit with rock salt cutting through a farmer's field. It stung greatly.

Ouch I feel for ya I couldn’t imagine.

 

[Troy Scott Fitch]

An older man told me back when he was a boy stealing water melons.The farmer shot a him and others using navy beans.His butt carried the welts fora week,and he dropped the melon.