Settling the debate: Does plated or magnum 12 gauge #4 buckshot penetrate more?

Published on December 18, 2017
Duration: 6:57

This gel test compares Federal #4 plated defensive buckshot against Federal #4 Magnum unplated buckshot fired from a Mossberg 518 with a cylinder bore barrel. The Magnum load demonstrated deeper penetration and a more consistent spread, while the plated load showed slightly less penetration but a more consistent grouping within the gel. The instructor notes that while both are likely adequate for defense, the lower recoil of the plated load allows for faster follow-up shots, which is crucial in a defensive scenario.

Quick Summary

In a gel test comparing Federal #4 plated vs. Magnum unplated 12 gauge buckshot, the Magnum load showed deeper penetration. However, the instructor recommends plated buckshot for defense due to its lower recoil, enabling faster follow-up shots crucial for survival.

Chapters

  1. 00:02Introduction and Test Setup
  2. 00:33Plated Buckshot Test Firing
  3. 01:18Plated Buckshot Gel Analysis
  4. 02:34Magnum Buckshot Test Firing
  5. 02:39Magnum Buckshot Gel Analysis
  6. 03:50Pattern Analysis and Comparison
  7. 04:38Penetration and Consistency Findings
  8. 04:46Defensive Suitability and Recoil
  9. 05:15Recoil Management in Gunfights
  10. 05:39Instructor's Choice and Conclusion
  11. 05:46Shotgun vs Rifle for Defense
  12. 05:53Call to Action and Further Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Does plated or unplated #4 buckshot penetrate more in 12 gauge?

In this gel test, Federal #4 Magnum unplated buckshot demonstrated deeper penetration than Federal #4 plated defensive buckshot. The Magnum load had more pellets reaching greater depths, while the plated load showed more consistent grouping within a shorter distance.

What are the penetration depths for Federal #4 buckshot in gel?

Federal #4 plated defensive buckshot typically penetrated between 12.5 and 15 inches in gel. Federal #4 Magnum unplated buckshot showed deeper penetration, with the majority of pellets between 10.5 and 13.5 inches, and the shortest reaching 9.4 inches.

Which 12 gauge buckshot is better for self-defense: plated or Magnum?

Both are considered adequate for defense. However, the instructor favors plated buckshot due to its significantly lower recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots, which is a critical advantage in a defensive encounter, even if the Magnum offers slightly deeper penetration.

How does recoil affect defensive shooting with 12 gauge shotguns?

Higher recoil from loads like Magnum buckshot can slow down follow-up shots. Lower recoiling ammunition, such as plated buckshot, allows the shooter to acquire targets and fire subsequent shots more quickly, increasing the chances of neutralizing a threat.

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