If you have ever considered a home defense firearm, I’m sure someone has mentioned a shotgun or maybe it just popped into your head. For many, it was Joe Biden recommending firing a few shots off the balcony with a shotgun to discourage looters or something like that… You know the deal.
So, if you took Joe’s advice, someone must have mentioned loading it with buckshot. But what exactly is buckshot? Due to its complexity, the answer might surprise you, but I’ll try anyway. To start with, there are several options to choose from when it comes to shotguns and shot sizes especially buckshot. It is critical that we understand the differences and pick the right combination for it to do what we want it to do.
Types of Buckshot
First, you need to understand that there are several kinds of buckshot. Each type of buckshot is designed to complete a different task. Many shooters, even those who have been around shotguns for a long time, don’t know much about buckshot. Of course, some shooters have firsthand experience with buckshot, but most have not.
For the purposes of this discussion, I will limit this discussion to 12 gauge only, not that there is anything wrong with other gauges except for my prejudice that bigger is better in a defensive situation. Parenthetically, there is just not the same market support and variety with other gauges as one finds with 12-gauge shells.
Because buckshot varies so much — in terms of the length of the shell, size, number, and velocity of the pellets in the shell — the choices can be bewildering. Add to that, the fact that different manufacturers use different methods to control the spread of their shot patterns and the choices can get really confusing. I suppose the first thing I should cover, to put off some of that confusion, is the shell lengths first followed by the types and sizes of buckshot.
The four common shell sizes found in North America are: 2¾-, 3-, 3½-inch, and the 1¾-inch mini-shells. The 2¾-inch shells are and have been the standard and there is no reason to consider using anything other than a 2¾-inch shell for self-defense against homo sapiens. I suppose there is no reason not to use the 3- and 3½-inch shells, so long as the barrel explicitly states it’s chambered for them.
The downside, of course, would be the additional controllability issues caused by the higher recoil, noise, and flash. The longer shells will give you more velocity — and/or more pellets. Both could be useful for larger animals and extending the range. However, for the average person, that’s not necessary for personal protection in and around the home and could prove to be a disadvantage.
I will dismiss the mini-shells out of hand, simply because they will not feed reliably in most shotguns that are commonly used for defensive purposes. As an FYI, for your next Trivial Pursuit match and for those that might not know this, the shell length is determined by measuring the shell before it’s crimped. Consequently, a loaded shell out of the box is a little shorter. When it’s unfired, a 2¾-inch shell will be closer to 2¼ inches — if it sports a star crimp. If it’s roll crimped, it’ll be closer to 2½ inches.
That means, some shotguns won’t be able to accommodate as many shells in the mag tube if the shells are roll crimped. You might only get four shells in a five-shot tube. And that is why most shells designed for self-defense are star crimped to maximize your capacity. To prove it to yourself, pick up a 2¾-inch shell after you have fired it and measure it (or just look at the included photo). It will measure about 2¾ inches.
Now that we have shell sizes out of the way, let’s look at buckshot sizes. I’ll start with the smallest size of buckshot, which is Number 4 buck, not to be confused with Number 4 shot, which is birdshot. BTW the abbreviation used when shot sizes are written is # (for number), which I will use going forward. The largest size of buckshot that I am aware of is #0000 buckshot, but #000 is the largest common size that I have seen on a store’s shelves.
For those new to Buckshot, the correct pronunciation when discussing it is “aught” or the more archaic term “ought.” That said, the most popular size — by far — is “double-aught buck” or #00 buck, especially for self-defense situations. “Double Aught Buck” has been the gold standard for law enforcement for many decades with #1 and #4 buck also well respected choices and fairly common.
Each pellet of #00 is about .33 inches in diameter. #1 is .30 inches, with #4 pellets being .24 inches. At this point you should also be aware that the number of pellets in each shell may vary depending on the size of the shot and the length of the shell. A 2¾-inch #00 buckshot shell will normally contain 8 or 9 pellets. However, on occasion you might run into a 12-pellet load. #1 buck will have 12 to 16 pellets, and #4 will have somewhere between 21 to 28 pellets. These variations depend on the manufacturer and the marketed use of the load.
Ballistics
When it comes to ballistic performance, everyone is interested in the speed or velocity of a given load. It’s no different when it comes to discussing buckshot. It stands to reason, some of the 3- and 3½-inch shells will generate higher velocities, but 2¾-inch shells will have velocity that rivals the large shells — especially with self-defense loads. The amount of velocity needed in self defense loads can vary quite a bit and again depends on the parameters you have set.
Posted velocities run from 1,100 to 1,600 feet per second from the manufacturer’s test barrels, but I think anything around 1,200 fps should serve you well. Remember that slower, as in lighter, loads will be a bit easier to control, but certain semi-automatic shotguns will not cycle reliably with low recoiling loads.
“Double-aught buck” will penetrate 18 to 20 inches into ballistic gel at 1,100 to 1,200 feet per second, which should be more than enough in a defensive situation. Number 1 buckshot also preforms well in the 1,100–1,200 foot per second range and might be a better choice than double-aught buck if you can find it. Number 1 buck gets 15 to 18 inches in gelatin, which means it’s not likely to pass through a human target.
Patterning
The last, and possibly the most important, thing to know about using shotguns and shot is that they must all be patterned with the load we intend to use. Patterning a shotgun is analogous to sighting in a rifle or pistol. If you want to hit anything, you better do it.
In its simplest terms, patterning means that you fire a couple of rounds at various distances at a patterning board to see how that load preforms in your gun. The object is to see how much the pellets disperse at specific distances. It is good to have the minimum and maximum distances you could be expected to fire at man or beast and to pattern from near to far at 5-yard increments.
Once completed, you will know when that shot pattern starts to spread, and how big that pattern is going to be at each distance. The tighter the pattern, the better you will be served. Terminal ballistics are better when all the pellets impact the in same spot.
The other advantage of knowing the pattern size is shot accountability. We are responsible for every projectile we send down range. Ergo, the wider the pattern, the greater the chance that one or two pellets could miss the target and hit the proverbial lady with the baby carriage down range. All of us must do our utmost to avoid unacceptable and tragic, unintended consequences.
Some may think that confirming tighter patterns is counter intuitive and against the Raison d’être of the shotgun, and so it is. It is also the reason I do not recommend the shotgun to those who are new to defensive applications — unless they are willing to get plenty of shotgun training and trigger time to prepare them first.
Stay safe, train often, and practice, practice, practice!
I pray that I never have to fire on a fellow human, but should the need arise, and I have a shotgun, ammo will be the least of my worries. Anything stuffed into a 12 gauge will be 100% deadly at 10 yards. Anything.
1st–Agree fully with John Kennedy above. At an ‘in home’ range even small bird shot is going to be an ounce or more lead in virtually the same spot. Big hole. Big shock. Not as much chance for collateral damage.
2nd—I am not the most versed in ballistics and real situations but Im 70 and have been shooting just about everything since age 6.. Im my mind, ‘Inside home defense’ and ‘shotguns’ should NOT be in the same book at all. Fer cryin’ out loud. Its a big long heavy gun. Ya cant hide it–you cant safely keep it close to where you sleep. You have to swing it and point it. What if its hand to hand range? Are they bigger than you? Whats easier close up—slapping your long barrel aside or grabbing at your pistol? They will slap you aside. And fer more cryin’ out LOUD, pun intended—MUZZLE BLAST
I cringe every time I see anything written about a shotgun used for inner home defense
Not sure why no one has mentioned these, but Hornady Critical Defense 00 buckshot is THE best for self defense. At 10 yards I get a fist size hole with my Benelli Tactical with an 18.5″ barrel. And with their flite control wads, and 8 pellets per shell, I trust my life with it. No 9th pellet flying off to nowhere and 1 round on target will drop any 2 or 4 legged animal.
I retired after 28 years in a mid-sized P.D. For many years we were issued #4 buckshot (27 pellets) I had to put-down a sick deer during that time and one round did the trick, however later in my career, we were issued 00 buck. (9 pellets) I think the decision was because of possible collateral damage.
Great article,
For a inexpensive outstanding 12 gauge that eats most any ammo on the market, an AK-12 semi automatic shotgun is $300 or less and is based on the AK-47 system of operation. It is simple and effective. Comes with two Five doing mags and easy to get the 10 round mags. High velocity 00 buck and slugs are easily found and when buying if you look at velocity in Feet per second (fps), anything over 1200 fps normally cycles without fail. This weapon uses both 2 3/4 inch and 3 inch shells. I’ve only used 2 3/4 and it’s controllable as fast as you can pull the trigger and still kicks pretty well shoulder fired. No issues hip firing either. Highly recommend it and as a life long shotgun user, don’t be afraid of semi automatic shotguns for home defense- just ensure you hold the weapon firmly either shoulder fired or hip fired. Semper Fi!
This article mentions the dicey feed issues of 12-gauge shorty rounds. Duly noted. I scanned no mention of the OPSol mini-clip to solve that issue. In home-defense scenarios w. narrow lots and close house proximities, shorty shells make the most sense: if a shotgun or “short-barrel firearm” is the go-to for dealing w. adversaries who have already breached your indoors. Specifically: more rounds, lower penetration, lower recoil, less chance of collateral damage/casualties.
Now, if we are talking about an incipient home-invasion (by whomever) that has not yet breached the home’s interior: long shells would clearly be preferable. Also, there are newer shotguns whose feeding mechanisms accommodate shorties, standard-length and mix-loaded shells w/o any adapter device. Don’t know if I’d rely on them.
As always, YMMV.
Living in the great state of New Jersey we are required to retreat, if possible, rather than confront a intruder into our home. If we are in a area of our home where retreat is not possible AND our life is threatened, preferably by an armed intruder, we may then defend ourselves, but will still wind up facing a Grand Jury and you best not empty your weapon into them or shoot them in the back, and you are not allowed to shoot a intruder outside of your house or if fleeing. I live in the country and one of my daughters lives about 40 Ft, from my house, and if i did need to fire my Home Defense weapon, a Mossberg 500 SS Marine model with 18 inch cylinder bore barrel and extended magazine tube, I do not wish to blow apart my house or possibly send pellets into my Daughter’s home. I have much experience shooting shotguns as New Jersey only allows hunting with shotgun and muzzeloder and some special uses of .22, so I have used everything from #8 birdshot to slugs for various game, I load my magazine so that 2 3/4 in. shells are in the following firing order, 2 #6 bird shot, 1 #4 birdshot, 1 #4 buckshot, 1 00 buckshot, 1 slug, and I hope I never have to use it.
I gotta go with John Kennedy here. I use an AR pistol loaded with frangible ammo. I did this because we live in a subdivision and homes are 15-20 feet apart. It would be nice if all the Pew Pews went into the bad guy, but in the heat of the moment, good luck. So, for my neighbors sake, I’ll stay with frangible
In my Stoeger,12 gauge, M3000, I think #1 buckshot, for self defense, is a bit more desirable than 00 buckshot, as it has more pellets per shot, but still has a severe punch to stop the most fearsome intruder, wild hog or most anything else posing a threat to you or loved ones. However, it is amazing that even #8 will make a mess of who or what at 20 feet away.
That’s just my opinion, plus, I am very fond of my Stoegar’s accuracy and 5 quick shot reliability. Buckshot is awesome!
Might want to recheck the measurements on the shotgun shells.
I do miss my M-79 with a shotgun round in it. One shot of 20 double aught. A nice initial shot in a fight. A tad overkill’s as a home defensive weapon. Nice informative article!
As a retired LE, I was taught #00 for out doors and #8 or #9 birdshot for indoor self defense to limit damage and over penetration. Just saying. FYI, My son-in-law is with a Texas PD and they don’t even use shotguns anymore.
I have a Mossberg 590 Shockwave 20ga with 2-3/4 #2 buckshot. I like the patterns/density I get with #2.
Good article. I will probably switch out my #1 and put some #4 in for home defense given the penetration factor.
What is failed to mention here and almost every article I see on home defense shotguns is published velocity compared to actual velocity. The published velocity is done in a unknown test barrel. My guess is 26 to 28 inch barrels. Out of barrels shorter than this the velocity will drop off a minimum of 20 fps. What I have seen with my 870 using the 18″ with Remington 2 3/4″ 00 buck is a tad over 1000 fps. Seeing how each pellet is 70 grains it basically its 9 hot loaded 32 acp’s. Even at the published 1200 fps the load it’s 9 32 magnums. 9 of either is nothing to sneeze at but it’s a far cry from 9mm that can launche a bullet at twice the weight at the same velocity as 00 out of a 18 inch barrel.
Add to this the recoil and the fact at short ranges a shotgun with a 18″ barrel must be aimed to effectively hit a target. Not just simply pointed unless very well trained with this method. Because of this I feel a 223 or pistol caliber short AR braced pistol or carbine platform loaded with frangable or very light bullets is a better choice. This will still require training to be effective but with the AR the training will be more enjoyable and cost efficient.
Guess I am back again. I have carried my own Ithaca Model 37 throughout my career. Been certified as a designated shotgunner by 2 departments. A shotgun can be a very effective aggressive or defensive tool. However, training, training, and more training is definitely required to carry one in public.
I do not recommend any shotgun without full or adjustable tactical stock with a pistol grip. Testing at my department found that most officers who thought they had a reason for a stockless shotgun were incapable of firing the weapon to even meet minimum qualifications. We found That those who wanted a semi-auto shotgun without a full stock could not maneuver through the tactical house effectively without multiple jams or failure to feed. Unacceptable! You’re article is speaking to those concerned with home defense which by definition is generally less then 5 yards usually less , much less. For home defense, I do not recommend anything larger than number six shot and at these limited ranges #8 shot would do as well. If you’re willing to pay the price there are many reliable semi-automatic shotguns on the market today that can pass the hip test. In the past, if you held a semi-automatic shotgun down to your hip and fired it would fail to eject and stove pipe almost 95% of the time which was not acceptable for a combat weapon. There has been great improvement in the industry so I would recommend these shotguns in 12 or 20-gauge semi-auto for home defense. As for shot size, anyone who uses a shotgun for interior defense in the home should do some testing in which they’ll find they need nothing larger than number six shot. YouTube is overflowing with testing done by competent individuals testing different shot loads for home defense. Watch them, walk through your house and measure the distances, then consider who in the home would be at risk to heavy shot traveling through at least eight panels of drywall. I guarantee that you will not need to have your load larger than birdshot. I can guarantee that if you fire a shotgun with slugs or double lot between buck and #4 you will penetrate at least 8 or more panels of sheet rock. If you do not live in a brick or block home you will be endangering your neighbors and acquiring more legal liability even in a good shooting gone bad. A shotgun is the one of most effective weapons for self-defense in the interior ranges of most homes. Number six shot will be incapacitating or lethal at ranges found in the home. Self-defense is a right, but according to some of the comments I has seen today wisdom and planning is not. God save some of you.
In my Mossberg 500 with pistol grip and 18″ barrel, I keep #4 shot.
In a home defense situation the pellets won’t pass through as many walls as the buck shot regardless of the size.
Thanks for yet another informative and educational article Ed!
Back in .92 when Downtown Los Angeles descended into Anarchy I stopped by National Guns on Parthenia to add to my “Stable” and found they were marketing some retired LE service arms.
I was able to procure a former Highway Patrol Remington 870. (The receiver was stamped OHB which I later learned was an “Overstamp” of the original CHP identification).
I swapped out the plain, parkerized 18″ barrel with a shiny new 18″ Deer Sighted one and completely refinished all the wood, adding a “Supercell” recoil pad as well.
As my HDW I keep it topped off with PMC 2-3/4″ #4 Buck. 27 Pellets with a published velocity of 1325 fps should provide very adequate defensive performance without fear of overpenatration putting others at risk.
Ed . I run the same shotgun You do super 90 with a nine round tube and peep sites. My wife prefers to shoot high base #4 For close stuff because of recoil I preferred double buck ! I have since got her a 20 gauge that she handles fine with 00 buck ! Another fantastic article from my gun master guru ! Thank you sir
“WHEN I’M CALLED OFF, I BRING A SAWED-OFF ` BODIES GET HAULED OFF”. WHEN MULTIPLE TARGETS PRESENT THEMSELVES, WHY HAVE A LIMITED DYNAMIC RANGE OF DESTRUCTION? IT’S DARK AND YOU KNOW IN YOUR LITTLE HEART THAT EVERYTHING OUT/IN THERE IS THE ENEMY A PISTOL HAS IT’S LIMITS. DOUBLE OUGHT WILL WORK GREAT IN TARGET RICH ENVIRONMENTS!
I’ve done three defensive shotgun classes, all with a 4+1 Remington 870 12-ga. with 18-in. cylinder- bore barrel.
The biggest issue with defensive shotguns is sizing them to the intended user. In my case, I have had to install a youth-sized stock. They are also incredibly loud indoors. You’ll be stone deaf after you touch one off inside a confined space without ear protection. Some people might stage ear pro with the defensive firearm, but then you’ve got another “step” to get into action, and the potential threat is already off-sides on the play that you’d be reacting to. You’ll be legally liable for every projectile that emanated from the muzzle too. A pistol-caliber carbine might actually be a better, or more optimal choice for defensive use for a great many people.
That said: My 12-gauges indoors/inside are loaded with No. 4 buckshot 2-3/4in. shells. The 20-ga. gets a 2-3/4in. No. 4 buck load, although the vast majority of 20-ga. buckshot available is No. 3. I’ve got what was purportedly “No. 1” buckshot in 20-ga., but actual measurement of the shot inside the shell reveals it is much closer to No. 2 in size. An inspection of 12-ga. “00” double-aught often reveals 0 single-aught pellets…
The RMIMITW continues his streak of great articles.
In my country we spell it ‘ought’…
I bought a bull pup. One benefit is the use of magazines. 5 and ten rounds shorter and easier to manipulate. Prices are reasonable right now. Easy to reload by swapping magazines. A wide variety of chokes.
I keep #4 buck loaded in my Mossberg Shockwave. Less fear of over penetration, yet sufficient stopping power.
I’ve never heard of #0000 Buckshot, so I did a quick search. There’s a company called Ballistic Products that offers their Super Buck #0000 hardened lead alloy shot. It is .380″ in diameter and I calculate the average weight to be 84 grains. This compares favorably with #000 Buck at .360″ diameter and 70 grains. They also offer two sizes of #00 Buck, a .33″ diameter ball at 54 grains and a .34″ diameter ball at about 55 grains.