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Should you use slugs, birdshot, or buckshot for home defense?

Talyn

Talyn

SAINT
Founding Member
Which ammunition is best for home defense purposes? Common myths about each.

Slugs, birdshot, or buckshot for home defense?

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I have no dog in this fight, I do not have a useable shotgun for home defense (870 with 28" barrel). I saw a video recently showing a 4" pattern hole in paper from birdshot at 10 yards out of a Bennelli tactical semi-auto, model unknown...don't remember a choke (if there was one). That pattern in Staffords' video sure was different from others I've seen. I suppose it makes a difference between #4 and #8 or smaller birdshot, too. I only use my 870 on clay birds. And aren't there wads that hold bird-shot close for 10 yards...maybe for shooting geese and ducks? Again, I am entirely aware of my ignorance on this subject...just pointing out the different pattern I saw in different vids.
 
Jfal said:
I have no dog in this fight, I do not have a useable shotgun for home defense (870 with 28" barrel). I saw a video recently showing a 4" pattern hole in paper from birdshot at 10 yards out of a Bennelli tactical semi-auto, model unknown...don't remember a choke (if there was one). That pattern in Staffords' video sure was different from others I've seen. I suppose it makes a difference between #4 and #8 or smaller birdshot, too. I only use my 870 on clay birds. And aren't there wads that hold bird-shot close for 10 yards...maybe for shooting geese and ducks? Again, I am entirely aware of my ignorance on this subject...just pointing out the different pattern I saw in different vids.
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Well, #4 birdshot is mostly used for ducks and turkey. With the right combination it's not that hard to make #9 pattern tightly. Lots of things effect pattern. Chokes, loads, distance, etc. Regardless of pattern, neither of those is really suited to SD/HD. Yeah you could argue a well placed shot at close range stands a fair chance of ending a confrontation, but consider this. My ex-wife's mother shot her father in the chest with a 12 gauge loaded with birdshot from about 10 feet away. Not only did it not kill him, it didn't drop him. I can't say it stopped the fight because it wasn't a fight. Her mom was just a psycho, but the man stayed on his feet and none of his organs were shut down. Simply put it's just not appropriate for saving your life or the lives of your loved ones. You can kill someone with a .22 or a pellet rifle, but no one's carrying them around for SD. Buckshot on the other hand is like 8 to 27 .30 caliber projectiles coming at you. Weight/mass = energy. If just one of those hits you in the eye or the chest it's most likely game over.

We could have a very involved conversation about the utility of loose and tight patterns in different situations too, but that's a different conversation. As a general rule a tight pattern and heavy shot is the best prescription for HD.

Of course all this is just my opinion and I ain't Travis Pike or nothin'. ;)
 
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