Drywall Penetration Test (Shotgun Home Defense)

Published on November 14, 2025
Duration: 2:08

This video tests the drywall penetration of different 12-gauge shotgun loads for home defense. #8 birdshot showed minimal penetration, failing to significantly damage water jugs behind drywall. 00 buckshot easily penetrated both drywall and water jugs, indicating high over-penetration risk. A 1oz slug demonstrated the most penetration and energy transfer, completely destroying the water jug. The test highlights the trade-offs between stopping power and over-penetration for home defense scenarios.

Quick Summary

For home defense, #8 birdshot showed minimal drywall penetration, while 00 buckshot and slugs exhibited significant over-penetration potential. Slugs delivered the most energy transfer but also posed the highest risk of penetrating multiple interior walls.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Home Defense Load Debate & Test Setup
  2. 00:25Test 1: #8 Birdshot Drywall Penetration
  3. 00:44Test 2: 00 Buckshot Drywall Penetration
  4. 01:09Test 3: 1oz Slug Drywall Penetration
  5. 01:33Bonus Round & Conclusion: Choosing Home Defense Ammo

Frequently Asked Questions

Which shotgun load is best for home defense regarding drywall penetration?

The best load depends on balancing stopping power with over-penetration risk. Birdshot showed minimal penetration, buckshot high penetration, and slugs the most. Consider your specific environment and potential backstops when choosing.

Does birdshot penetrate drywall effectively for home defense?

In this test, #8 birdshot created holes in drywall but failed to significantly penetrate water jugs behind it, suggesting a lower risk of over-penetration through interior walls compared to heavier loads.

How much does 00 buckshot penetrate drywall and interior walls?

00 buckshot easily penetrated the drywall segments and passed completely through the water jugs in the test, indicating a significant risk of over-penetration in a home defense scenario.

Are slugs safe for home defense due to penetration concerns?

Slugs demonstrated the highest penetration and energy transfer, completely destroying the water jugs. This indicates they pose the greatest risk of over-penetration through multiple interior walls.

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