How Far Can A Shotgun and Buckshot Go?

Published on June 3, 2023
Duration: 14:26

This video explores the effective range of standard 2.75-inch, 9-pellet buckshot fired from a Remington 870 shotgun with an 18-inch barrel. The instructor systematically tests the shotgun's performance at increasing distances, from 25 to 70 yards, documenting pattern spread and hit effectiveness. The findings suggest that while buckshot can achieve hits at extended ranges, its effectiveness significantly diminishes beyond 50 yards, highlighting the importance of understanding a firearm's limitations for practical applications.

Quick Summary

Testing standard 2.75-inch, 9-pellet buckshot from a Remington 870 shotgun revealed diminishing effectiveness beyond 35 yards. While hits were achieved up to 65 yards, reliable, multi-pellet impacts suitable for threat stopping were primarily observed up to 50 yards. Beyond this range, the pattern spread becomes too wide for consistent effectiveness.

Chapters

  1. 00:02Introduction: Buckshot Range Question
  2. 00:38Shotgun Setup and Ammunition
  3. 01:41Instructor's Shotgun Experience
  4. 02:5425 Yard Buckshot Pattern Test
  5. 04:1030 Yard Buckshot Pattern Test
  6. 05:2435 Yard Buckshot Pattern Test
  7. 06:4340 Yard Buckshot Pattern Test
  8. 08:0045 Yard Buckshot Pattern Test
  9. 08:1150 Yard Buckshot Pattern Test
  10. 09:0355 Yard Buckshot Pattern Test
  11. 10:5260 Yard Buckshot Pattern Test
  12. 11:5265 Yard Buckshot Pattern Test
  13. 11:5470 Yard Buckshot Pattern Test
  14. 12:54Conclusion: Effective Range & Limitations
  15. 13:18Advanced Shotgun Setups & Range
  16. 14:03Outro and Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the effective range of standard 9-pellet buckshot from a Remington 870?

Testing showed that standard 2.75-inch, 9-pellet buckshot from an 18-inch barrel Remington 870 had a diminishing pattern density beyond 35 yards. While hits were achieved up to 65 yards, reliable and effective hits, with multiple pellets on target, were primarily observed up to 50 yards. Beyond this, the spread becomes too wide for consistent threat stopping.

How does buckshot pattern spread change with distance?

Buckshot patterns naturally spread as distance increases. At 25 yards, the spread was relatively tight, with 7 out of 9 pellets hitting the target. By 50 yards, the spread widened, and at 70 yards, no hits were recorded, indicating the pellets were too dispersed to reliably strike a vital area.

Can a standard shotgun be effective for home defense at longer distances?

For a standard shotgun setup with buckshot, effectiveness significantly decreases beyond 50 yards. While it can achieve hits, the pattern spread means not all pellets will strike a vital zone, making it less reliable for stopping a threat at extended ranges. Shotguns are generally designed for close-quarters engagements.

What factors influence shotgun buckshot pattern?

Several factors influence buckshot pattern, including the shotgun's barrel length and choke (though not specified as modified in this test), ammunition type and pellet count, and the sights used. The instructor noted that standard sights are not ideal for extended range accuracy, and specialized barrels can drastically improve long-range patterns.

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