12 Guage Home Defense Ammo

[Furyataurus]

My uncle feels #2 birdshot inside a home would be fine due to not being very far (no more than about 10 yards in his house). My parents house, I'd agree with jhs as there is a possibility for shooting further and the walls are wood paneling (a bit thicker)

Ask your uncle if he thinks #2 birdshot will kill a deer and when he says no ask him why he thinks that it will then work on humans.

Bird shot (4 rounds) followed by 4 of 00 buck with two slugs in the side saddle..
Pistol and Rifle ammo WILL overpenetrate in a home, if you live in a home with others in it or
sub division you need to be aware of your background.

Not that anyone on here would ever miss a shot!

Unless you are point blank with a threat birdshot is useless on a human. And if the threat is that close you are in deep trouble anyways. There is a reason why it's called "birdshot" because it was meant for BIRDS. Animals that weigh less than 1lb. You don't use #6 birdshot on Turkey do you? Of course not. That is what turkey loads are for. Same thing goes for buckshot.

00 or 000 is what I use.

[TSO]

Thanks for the advice, guys. I think in-house range will be 15 yards or less. I'm thinking any of these would be effective, but I'll need to test my options to reach a decision. I think a trip to the range is in order...

[TSO]

Unless you are point blank with a threat birdshot is useless on a human. And if the threat is that close you are in deep trouble anyways. There is a reason why it's called "birdshot" because it was meant for BIRDS. Animals that weigh less than 1lb. You don't use #6 birdshot on Turkey do you? Of course not. That is what turkey loads are for. Same thing goes for buckshot.

00 or 000 is what I use.

My sentiments exactly on the birdshot. I'm thinking 00 or no. 4 buck...

[akitainu]

For me, 00 buck all the way. But then again, the only shotgun I keep loaded is a coach gun. If things go bump in the night I tend to reach for a flashlight equipped pistol (.45 SW MP).

[jhs27275]

My sentiments exactly on the birdshot. I'm thinking 00 or no. 4 buck...

#4 buck inside a house and 00 everywhere else.

[djv38]

Ask your uncle if he thinks #2 birdshot will kill a deer and when he says no ask him why he thinks that it will then work on humans.



You don't use #6 birdshot on Turkey do you? Of course not. That is what turkey loads are for. Same thing goes for buckshot.

Have you ever patterned bird shot at close range? It keeps a tight pattern with the right choke and it will do plenty of damage on a human. Under 10 yards, I do think he would say it could take a deer down.

Also, my turkey loads are #6 bird shot. I've take two turkeys at 46 and 47 yards with it. It is perfectly fine for turkeys, and pheasants. I've taken plenty of pheasants with #6 bird shot, and some were pretty far shots.