#4 #5 #6 Birdshot & 4 Buck vs Ballistic Gel Test 12 Gauge

Published on January 7, 2021
Duration: 13:22

This video demonstrates a non-scientific ballistic gel test comparing various birdshot and buckshot loads in 12 gauge. While acknowledging the limitations of reusing the gel block, the presenter shows the penetration and spread of #7.5, #6, #5, and #4 birdshot, followed by #4 buckshot. The test highlights that larger birdshot sizes offer minimal penetration increase over smaller sizes, while #4 buckshot shows significantly more energy and penetration, though it does not exit the 14-inch gel block. The presenter plans a more rigorous test in the future.

Quick Summary

In a 12 gauge ballistic gel test, #4 buckshot significantly outperformed birdshot, penetrating 12-13 inches into a 14-inch block, while birdshot sizes #7.5 through #4 penetrated only 4-5 inches, with #4 birdshot showing a slight increase. Reusing gel blocks reduces test accuracy.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Test Setup
  2. 00:44Testing #7.5 Birdshot
  3. 01:59Analyzing #6 Birdshot Penetration
  4. 03:07Skipping #5, Testing #4 Birdshot
  5. 03:41Comparing Brass Types & #4 Birdshot Results
  6. 04:47Testing #4 Buckshot
  7. 09:34Analyzing #4 Buckshot Results & Pellet Recovery
  8. 10:44Comparing Shot Sizes & Buckshot vs Birdshot
  9. 11:52Future Test Plans & Outro
  10. 12:23Bonus: Slug Test

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the penetration differences between birdshot and buckshot in 12 gauge?

In this ballistic gel test, 12 gauge birdshot sizes #7.5 through #4 showed limited penetration, typically 4-5 inches, with #4 birdshot reaching slightly further. In contrast, #4 buckshot demonstrated significantly more penetration, reaching 12-13 inches into a 14-inch gel block without exiting.

Does increasing birdshot size significantly improve penetration?

According to this non-scientific test, increasing birdshot size from #7.5 to #6 and #5 yielded minimal gains in penetration depth. Only #4 birdshot showed a noticeable, albeit small, increase in penetration compared to the smaller sizes.

What is the typical pellet count for 12 gauge #4 buckshot?

The #4 buckshot tested in this video, identified as SMB 4 Buck, contained approximately 27 pellets. This is a common pellet count for this specific load, though it can vary slightly between manufacturers.

Can ballistic gel tests be accurate if the gel block is reused?

No, reusing a ballistic gel block for multiple shots significantly compromises accuracy. Pre-existing damage from previous shots can alter pellet trajectory and penetration depth, making the results less reliable for scientific comparison.

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