Best 12 Gauge Shell for Home Protection - TheFireArmGuy

Published on November 10, 2012
Duration: 4:36

This guide, presented by TheFireArmGuy, details the selection and testing of 12 Gauge shotgun shells for home defense. It emphasizes choosing appropriate ammunition like #4 Birdshot or #4 Buckshot over potentially overpowered options like 00 Buckshot due to concerns about over-penetration. The guide includes live-fire testing to demonstrate shot spread and impact effectiveness at various distances.

Quick Summary

For home defense with a 12 Gauge shotgun, Number 4 Birdshot is often preferred over 00 Buckshot due to its wider spread and reduced risk of over-penetration through walls. While 00 Buckshot offers significant stopping power, its larger pellets can pose a greater danger to unintended targets beyond the immediate threat.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Home Defense Shotgun Shells
  2. 00:08Mossberg 500 Introduction
  3. 00:27Initial Shell Recommendation
  4. 01:06Number 4 Birdshot Test & Analysis
  5. 01:27Double-aught Buckshot Concerns
  6. 01:57Double-aught Buckshot Test
  7. 02:22Ineffectiveness of Smaller Birdshot
  8. 02:38Choosing Between #4 Birdshot and Buckshot
  9. 02:57Number 4 Birdshot Pattern Demo
  10. 03:29Number 4 Buckshot Pattern Demo
  11. 03:56Final Recommendation: #4 Birdshot

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best 12 Gauge shell for home defense?

For home defense, Number 4 Birdshot is often recommended due to its effective spread and reduced risk of over-penetration. Number 4 Buckshot is also a strong contender. Avoid larger buckshot like 00 Buckshot if over-penetration is a major concern in your environment.

Why is Number 4 Birdshot recommended over 00 Buckshot for home defense?

Number 4 Birdshot provides a wider spread pattern, increasing the chance of hitting a target, and poses less risk of over-penetration through interior walls compared to the larger, more powerful pellets of 00 Buckshot. This enhances safety for occupants and neighbors.

What shotgun is recommended for home defense?

The Mossberg 500 12 Gauge shotgun is highlighted as a suitable and popular choice for home defense. It's a reliable pump-action firearm typically available in the $300-$350 price range, making it accessible for many.

What are the risks of using smaller shot sizes like #6 for home defense?

Smaller shot sizes, such as Number 6 birdshot, may lack the necessary energy to reliably stop an intruder, especially if they are wearing thick clothing like a winter jacket. This could lead to a failure to incapacitate the threat effectively.

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