12 Gauge Shot Pattern & Penetration. 00 Buckshot vs #4 Buckshot vs 7.5 Birdshot - TheFireArmGuy

Published on December 14, 2014
Duration: 5:28

This video from TheFirearmGuy provides a practical demonstration of 12 Gauge shotgun performance with different buckshot and birdshot loads. The expert instructor, TheFirearmGuy, showcases the Mossberg 930 shotgun and tests Estate 00 Buckshot, Royal Buck #4 Buckshot, and Federal 7.5 Birdshot for pattern spread and penetration through OSB board and a laminate desktop at various distances. The insights highlight significant differences in pellet count, pattern density, and terminal performance, offering valuable data for selecting appropriate ammunition for different applications.

Quick Summary

Expert analysis of 12 Gauge 00 Buckshot, #4 Buckshot, and 7.5 Birdshot reveals significant differences in pattern spread and penetration. At 6 yards, 00 Buckshot yields a ~3-inch pattern and penetrates 4-5 layers of OSB, while #4 Buckshot spreads to ~5 inches and 7.5 Birdshot spreads to ~6 inches with less penetration, making 00 Buckshot ideal for defense.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Mossberg 930
  2. 00:18Ammunition Overview (00, #4 Buck, Birdshot)
  3. 01:0200 Buckshot Pattern & Penetration Test
  4. 02:087.5 Birdshot Performance Test
  5. 03:0100 Buck vs #4 Buck Comparison
  6. 03:52Extreme Penetration Test (OSB)
  7. 04:34Silhouette Target Spread Test

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference in pattern spread between 00 Buckshot, #4 Buckshot, and 7.5 Birdshot from a 12 Gauge shotgun at 6 yards?

At 6 yards, 00 Buckshot typically maintains a tight pattern around 3 inches. #4 Buckshot spreads wider, approximately 5 inches, while 7.5 Birdshot shows the widest spread, around 6 inches on a silhouette target, indicating less focused energy.

How does 12 Gauge 00 Buckshot perform in penetration tests compared to birdshot?

In penetration tests using 11 layers of OSB board, 12 Gauge 00 Buckshot successfully penetrated 4 to 5 layers. In contrast, 7.5 Birdshot, while damaging the OSB, failed to penetrate dense laminate material as effectively as buckshot.

Which 12 Gauge ammunition is best for home defense based on this test?

Based on pattern density and penetration, 00 Buckshot is generally favored for home defense due to its stopping power and ability to penetrate common barriers. #4 Buckshot offers a compromise with a wider spread. Birdshot is generally not recommended for home defense due to limited penetration.

What shotgun was used in the 12 Gauge ammunition test?

The shotgun used in this 12 Gauge ammunition test was a Mossberg 930 semi-automatic shotgun. This platform was utilized to demonstrate the pattern and penetration characteristics of various loads.

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