The Best 12 Gauge For Drones

Published on March 7, 2025
Duration: 14:59

This guide details an experimental approach to determining the most effective 12-gauge shotgun loads for drone defense, based on extensive testing against common drone materials. The Banana Ballistics host, demonstrating high expertise, systematically evaluates shot sizes from birdshot to 000 buckshot, providing valuable data on penetration capabilities against carbon fiber, aluminum, Kydex, and steel. The findings highlight 000 buckshot as the most effective for armored drone scenarios.

Quick Summary

000 buckshot is the most effective 12 gauge shotgun load for drone defense, capable of cleanly penetrating both 3mm aluminum and 1/16-inch steel plates. Testing involved a Remington 870 shotgun patterning various loads against carbon fiber, aluminum, Kydex, and steel at 60 feet.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Concept
  2. 00:15Pattern Testing at 60 Feet
  3. 01:54Drone Material Selection
  4. 02:26Small Shot Performance (#9 to #7)
  5. 05:02Mid-Range Shot Performance (#6 to #4)
  6. 07:01High-Velocity Steel Shot (#3 to BB)
  7. 09:43T Shot and Small Buckshot
  8. 11:13Heavy Buckshot (#1 to 00)
  9. 13:34000 Buckshot and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most effective 12 gauge shotgun load for defending against drones?

Based on extensive testing against drone materials like aluminum and steel, 000 buckshot proved to be the most effective 12 gauge load. It demonstrated the ability to cleanly penetrate both 3mm aluminum and 1/16-inch steel plates, making it ideal for armored drone scenarios.

How were drone materials tested for shotgun effectiveness?

The testing involved using a Remington 870 shotgun to pattern various 12 gauge loads against specific drone construction materials. These included 2mm 3K weave carbon fiber, 3mm 6061 T6 aluminum, 2mm Kydex, and 1/16-inch Grade 55 steel, at a distance of 60 feet.

Which shotgun loads are ineffective against hardened drone components?

Small birdshot sizes, ranging from #9 to #7, were found to be ineffective against harder drone materials like aluminum and carbon fiber. While they could destroy Kydex, they lacked the penetration power for more robust drone structures.

What velocity is recommended for effective steel shot performance against drones?

For effective penetration against drone materials like carbon fiber, high-velocity steel shot loads are recommended. Loads tested at 1500 FPS, such as BB steel shot, demonstrated significant denting and penetration capabilities.

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