This is not true. I know that [#00 buckshot] penetrates a little more at 10 feet in the standard test, and for us, we verified that. More resistant to denting as far as brands go I've shot quite a. Home Defense Use For home defense , the #3 buckshot works with plenty of power, penetration and enough pellets to make an impact on an intruder inside your home or approaching at a distance. I usually take my 308 but can only work a bolt so fast. Wad slugs are also crimped with a fold at the end, making them easier to hand reload using a press without specialized tools. This is an old term that refers to the barrel diameter. Heavy Magnum ® Coyote. It’s also important to point out that you should never fire a gauge different than that of your shotgun. It refers to how deep the chamber is bored out to accomodate the longer "magnum" and "super magnum" shotgun shells. Buying Guide: Winchester 12-Gauge 2-3/4″ 7 Shot. Shot sizes are measured with numbers starting with the smallest, which is ‘birdshot’. #00 buckshot, usually called simply “double aught,” is an effective round that can be used for deer hunting, but also has applications in larger game, including heavy hog and even large game animals found in the western United States. The sabot keeps the projectile in the center of the bore as it rotates, and peels away from the slug one it leaves the barrel. These are single projectile shotgun rounds used for hunting larger game animals. Buying Guide: Winchester 12-Gauge 2-3/4″ 8-1/2 Shot. Buying Guide: Federal 12-Gauge 2-3/4″ 000 Buck. What is it about a magnum that makes it a magnum? It’s designed to fire through a smooth bore and is shaped more like a bullet with a smooth outer surface. Shotguns using 11, 15, 18, 2, and 3 gauge shells are the most rare of all the shotguns, and shotshells for these are no longer manufactured. Harder shot is more prone to retain its spherical shape during the firing sequence. This shows it will handle high performance steel. Never fear, because we’re going to help you understand everything you need to know about shotgun ammunition. Using larger shot such as that used in the field (Lead #4 and Lead #6) you will very quickly see the difference on a pattern board at 45 yards. Three-inch 12-gauge round loaded with #000 buckshot hold around eight or ten .36-inch pellets, so you can imagine how devastating it can be when it impacts a deer or game animal. ver wonder what terms like “Double Ought Buckshot” and “12 gauge” really mean? Although it is rarer, and some manufacturers don’t even bother making it, this can be an effective load for large waterfowl. The high brass shells actually sit in the barrel when the extractor is all the way extended but there is a gap with the low brass shells which seems to catch the edge of the barrel when closing. There was nothing said about these 2 terms, that I think I know now, but have not been able to confirm. A properly-placed load of #1 shot, from the desired distance, will have no problem dropping a mature buck. 12-gauge ammo shot patterns for buckshot also have a strong following as a home-defense load in defensive shotguns. They vary in shape but are usually bullet shaped. I don't buy it myself. Possibly the most common type of 12-gauge shotgun load, birdshot comes in a variety of sizes. It’s primarily advertised to turkey hunters, and it’s best for open-field hunting where shot distance can be hard to estimate. With good range and limited damage to the meat, #7 is an ideal load for pheasant, grouse, and dove. For the shotgun hunters out there, the above chart should give you a sense of the different cartridge types used for hunting various game. The more we all know, the better organized and stronger the shooting and hunting community will be. Only use magnum shot if you want more pellets in the load and on the target.At the often short yardages of trap and skeet it can be tough to see the difference. Moving into #6 shot allows you to begin pursuing medium-sized and even larger birds, and it’s generally the smallest load used for pheasant or duck if distance is a factor, which it almost always is. These are modern variations between the Foster and saboted slugs. I had no idea they made Slugs for Shot guns. In most cases, this load is not used for live birds, but for clay pigeons. See, Anyone else's New Years Resolution to be buy more. Winchester Super-X Buckshot with Buffered Shot, 12 Gauge, 3" Shell, 00 Buck, 15 Pellets, 5 Rounds Buyer's Club $9.49 Non-Member $9.99 Item not currently available for sale. Send your email to [email protected] and I will try and get your email added. I stopped reading at: Sabot–a plastic shell around some shotgun shells, which give the projectile a degree of spin as it leaves the barrel. Rifled slugs are generally useful for long-distance shots, although most rifled slugs will not perform better than a true rifle shot. With a diameter of .085 inches per pellet, this shot is not much larger than #9, but it does give slightly more weight to each pellet, which makes it useful for sporting clays and trap shooting at slightly longer distances. A variety of 12-gauge ammo shot patterns allow hunters to target game from small to medium sizes. This slug is solid and provides deep penetration. 8-1/2 Large Rifle / 6-1/2 Small Rifle / 1-1/2 Small Pistol Mag---IMR Red: ... That with caution you do switch to magnum primers. Shotgun Shell Sizes: Comparison Chart and Commonly Used Terms. Because of the thickness (.14 inches per pellet, #3 shot could be used for geese, although some may feel #3 is still too small. Starting at the brass, the layers of a shotgun shell are brass, propellant, over-powder wad, shot wad, shot pellets (or slug), over-shot wad, and top crimping. The 12 gauge may be loaded with single 0 and #4 as well. Id like to read more. This sabot is designed to engage with the rifling in the shotgun barrel and give a ballistic spin to the projectile. You say “A shotgun shell is cased in plastic with a brass base containing the firing pin.” ERROR = Not the firing pin (apt of the gun) but the Primer! Okay, we threw a bunch of unfamiliar terms at you in the above description of a shotgun shell. I walk with two kids so something that will hurt the animal enough that it will want to bigger off as fast as it came. By Guy J. Sagi Sporting clays, trapshooting, and most bird, Guest Writer: Kenzie Fitzpatrick Choosing a shotgun for competition is, Who has a rifle competitions planned for 2021? Buying Guide: Winchester 12-Gauge 2-3/4″ 2 Shot. Thank you! Always check the shell and the shotgun for compatibility. At home defense ranges and typical shotgun velocities, #4 buckshot performs withing FBI penetration standards (over 12″ deep in ballistics gel testing) and 00 buckshot does not, with major overpenetration. After pointing them out, with a pic even, you completely ignored the Buckshot loads. ... And it's the same idea just a thicker metal cup it's a little. At .11 inches in diameter, this is pretty much the middle ground for birdshot, and can be used effectively for a variety of game from squirrels to turkey, assuming, of course, you hit the turkey in the head. If you want better range and lethality, you’ll need to consider using tungsten shot. Buckshot is the largest shot before getting to rifled slugs, with size 00 and 000 being the largest. The brass base of the shell is thick enough to hold the primer, which is longer than those used for rifle and pistol ammunition. It’s really just a matter of degree. Life-long Second Amendment Supporter. The Box O' Truth #39 - Oil Vs. Primers #40 - Deflected Bullets and the Box O' Truth #41 - The Taurus Judge Vs. You have an established load with a regular primer. This is a solid lead slug with ribbing on the outside. At only 0.08 inches of diameter per pellet, #9 shot is one of the smallest sizes you’ll find. Using larger (and fewer) metal pellets, buckshot, as the name implies, is primarily used for harvesting deer and larger game. With this setup, you’ll be good out to 40 yards, and perhaps 50 if your gun is patterned tight. Cleaning Guns: Why and How Often Should You? Owners of these firearms usually have a specialist hand load the shells. Federal Premium Vital-Shok Buckshot. In some localities a required big-game hunting load. Shot containing more than 0.5% is known as “hard shot.” In other words, the only standard existing in the U.S. for shot hardness is the voluntary performance standards of SAAMI to which many U.S. lead shot makers do not belong and to which no foreign lead shotshell or shot … With heavy pellets and the ability to place effective penetration at 40 yards, the #2 shot is one of the favorite loads for goose hunters. If we were to fire it out of a 7 lb Winchester Model 101 Field, it would generate 13.9 ft lbs recoil energy. #00 Buck Federal 12 Gauge 2-3/4 Inch Shell, 00 Buck, 1325 Velocity, Shot At 25 Feet. Actually the ribs on the sides of the Brenneke and Forster style slugs do cause them to spin after they leave the barrel and help with stability. 00 buck is a great choice in a military context as in Mr. Pike’s experience, but within most homes #4 buck or #1 buck (if you prefer fewer pellets but around … #1 Buckshot. A good compromise is #5 copper-plated lead pellets loaded in a 12-gauge 3-inch magnum shot shell. Founder and editor at Gun News Daily. The 12-gauge shotgun is one of the most versatile firearms you can own. If we cannot distinguish between a firearm part and a primer, part of a shotshell, why trust any of this? We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. A true magnum load, the Vital-Shok Buckshot offering … I have a Tristar O/U and it seems that the low brass shells jam up when closing the barrel but I have no issues with the high brass shells. These offer increased accuracy. We are the original gun news source. This ammunition is great for multiple applications, and hunters will find it effective for many different upland game birds, as well as waterfowl. SUBSCRIBE. So casting bullets has been tough. Together, all the pellets in a shotgun shell are called the shot. Some shotguns have a slight rifling of the barrel, while other shotguns have no rifling and are referred to as smoothbore. Shotguns are marked on the barrel, for example: 12-gauge 2 ¾ inch. These are one solid piece of lead, making them the most powerful ammunition for 12-gauge shotguns, but also the most difficult to place properly, as there is no spread. In summary. But, the .410 shotshell is still encased in a plastic shell, just like other shotshells. For the shotgun hunters out there, the above chart should give you a sense of the different cartridge types used for … So it was interesting to see the difference between the #1 and the #00. With smaller pellets, you also get more pellets in a single load. A 3-inch magnum 20 gauge shell may carry 18 #2 buckshot. The shot is also one of the largest that is still ideal for trap shooting and shotgun-competition sports. The .410 round is not a gauge; instead, it is measured in caliber, though the weapon that fires it is still a shotgun. Did I forget any shotgun ammo terms? The most common gauge in use in the U.S. is the 12 gauge, but there are also 28, 20, 16, and 10 gauge. They only thing about the magnum loads is that they employ more shot and special powders that can propell the shot at the same FPS as the target loads pushing the 1 1/8 oz. Buckshot vs. Birdshot. A shotgun shell is cased in plastic with a brass base containing the primer. This can destroy a gun and lead to serious injury to both the shooter and any innocent bystanders. Don’t worry, we’ll define each of them for you so you’ll have a better understanding of shotgun shells and how all the parts work together. Magnum lead shot generally contains approximately 4-6% antimony. Pellet diameter is .12 inches, giving the load enough power to be an effective duck shot, especially for shots that require greater reach. Hornady ® Heavy Magnum ® Coyote loads deliver lethal results and minimal pelt damage out to 50 yards. .⁠ From a jittery squirrel to a thick-necked buck, you’ll be prepared to take any game! So-called ‘high brass’ shells are thought to contain more powder, making them more powerful. “Slug” is essentially the term used to describe a shotgun bullet. The pellets measure .3 inches and are used primarily for deer hunting. You’re in the right place, because in this article we’re going to demystify those terms, and others. Buying Guide: Winchester 12 Gauge 2-3/4″ 7-1/2 Shot. This site was originally started by my father who passed it on to me. Thanks. The pellet size is .15 inches, giving enough power for geese while remaining effective for distance shots on ducks and other waterfowl. If you’re new to shotgun ownership, the variety of ammunition available is probably confusing. Size 00 is 0.33 inches in diameter and size 000 is 0.36 inches in diameter. Don’t mean to pick any nits, but: 1. Buying Guide: Remington 12-Gauge 2-3/4″ Rifled Slug. There are a lot of different types of slug. I enjoyed your article tremendously. Buying Guide: Fiocchi 12-Gauge 2-3/4″ #4 Buck. For example, a shotgun shell with #9 shot will hold more total pellets than one loaded with #1 shot. (part of the shell). Would you add me to your list please? The Foster slug is intended to be fired through a non-rifled shotgun barrel. Tungsten Turkey Loads Join 70,000 Readers For Our Weekly Discounts, A shotgun shell is a “a self-contained cartridge typically loaded with multiple metallic ‘shot’, which are small, generally spherical projectiles.”. For birdshot, the larger the number, the smaller the pellet. In the second type of Plumbata slug, the stabilizer itself acts as a sabot but remains part of the slug until impact (Impact Discarding Sabot). When purchasing shotgun ammo, just ignore the brass length. About Us | Write For Us | Advertise| Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer Policy And FTC Affiliate Disclosure |. Buying Guide: Fiocchi 12-Gauge 2-3/4″ 6 Shot. Then at 50, the #00 was penetrating about where the #1 was at 25. : 1) Super-Magnum = 3½” length Now, check out this 12 Gauge shell with a 1 oz slug and 1,560 fps muzzle velocity. Magnum Lead Shot is harder and slightly less dense than Chilled lead shot. Very clear general description of the stuff! Since 2001, we have provided the latest in gun rights news, tech reviews and product information. That’s why “magnum” shot cost more than “chilled”. The downside is greater wear to a firearm due to the higher overall pressure, resulting in more regular maintenance. Not a load for the recoil sensitive. Choosing Buckshot – The Shortcut Method. #3 buckshot is a little large for critters like rabbits and gophers, which are better taken care of with birdshot or a rifle, especially if they can see you coming. Understanding the different 12-gauge ammo shot patterns, as well as their best applications, will make you more productive in the field. Remington buckshot allows you to shoot with confidence and it's one of the great values in shotgun deer loads. Buying Guide: Winchester 12-Gauge 2-3/4″ 4 Shot. However, it’s also useful as a snake shot and for eliminating small birds; if this shot is used to kill something, it’s usually pest control, not game hunting. Now before my inbox fills up with angry emails, let me say that these rules are not set in stone. Your choice of shotshell will depend on many factors, including what type of hunting or shooting you plan to do. Nice piece. Buying Guide: Hornady 12-Gauge 3″ BB Shot. A: Check the barrel of your gun. She read in some parenting mag, that if you come in contact with lead, you got to bath, and take off the clothes, and wash em in a separate washer. I found your site while researching my Red Letter Winchester. She has always ate turkey and squirrel I have shot with lead shot without a thought. This slug has a plastic stabilizer as part of the slug. Offering more power per pellet, the #8 shot remains popular for clay-pigeon shooting, but can also be used for some of the smallest game birds, such as rabbit, squirrel, and doves, but you’ll need to be close to do any real damage. Trial By Fire On the other hand, every gun patterns differently, so I took my 12-gauge Remington 870 Express Tactical to the range to fire four loads to provide examples of how one gun can shoot very different patterns with different … Modern 12-gauge shotshells come in 2 ½-, 2 ¾-, 3-, and 3 ½-inch lengths, all holding different amounts of powder. But, the variety of that ammo might be confusing, especially if you’re new to shotguns. It was about 14-ish inches on the #1 and around 18 on the #00. I am a first time shotgun owner and we spend a lot of time on bush trails. But we also knew that #1 buckshot would be even better, especially of loaded in the Flight Control Wad, but there was none available. Buying Guide: Federal 12-Gauge 2-3/4″ 9 Shot. A sabot slug is thinner and longer, and the slug itself is wrapped in a casing, called the “sabot” (pronounced “say-bo”) that ensures a seal between the projectile and the barrel. So the brass base contains the firing pin? Wad slugs are also sometimes called ‘drive key’ or ‘key’ slugs. Armed with your new knowledge, your next stop at the ammo store is going to be one heck of a good time! While a standard #4 buck load typically has a payload of 27 pellets, this magnum load from federal has 34. #5 is generally considered the ideal load size for pheasant hunting, giving excellent penetration on these tough birds. Here is a nice 12 Gauge shell with ⅞ oz of shot and a 1,200 fps muzzle velocity. That said, the above are a good rule-of-thumb which you can reference any time you’re preparing for a hunt. Eventually the numbers change to letters until you reach the largest, which is called ‘buckshot’, a popular large-game round. Tap the. Sure wish I could find a pic of the original pig tail lever they talk about on these. Few CCI primers and I've shot just a. With a pellet diameter of .244 inches, #4 buckshot is popular for medium-sized game, including deer and coyote. It’s important to remember never to use shotgun shells in a different gauge as your shotgun, because this is extremely dangerous. #38 - RBCD Ammo Vs. Twitter and other social media icons below. Repost from @down_range_photography⁠ Antimony is the basic hardening alloy used in lead shot. These slugs are smaller than the bore or diameter of the shotgun and are wrapped in a plastic ‘sabot’. #1 shot has a pellet diameter of .16 inches, giving it effective power to knock down geese and other large birds. I don’t typically play favorites with defensive ammo choices, but if you watched the video, it’s pretty clear that the Federal FliteControl is an absolute game changer in the world of defensive shotguns. Quick View / / Federal Classic, 20 Gauge, 3", 2 Buck, 18 Pellets, Buckshot, 5 Rounds. If just 3″ length means Magnum, does 2¾” have its own name? Buying Guide: Hornady 12-Gauge 2-3/4″ Sabot Slug. This may have been true at one point in the history of shotguns, but not any more. From options ranging from hundreds of tiny beads to a single heavy slug, there’s plenty that you can do with your 12-gauge shotgun. So, the standard load for a 12 gauge is 00 in layers of three – three layers for a 2 1/2″ shell and five layers for a 3″ magnum shell. Sometimes called the “dove shot,” this is about the smallest legitimate hunting load. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Sabot slugs do not have rifling, so these are primarily used in shotguns with rifled barrels. what would be the best load to use in a 1894 Remington side by side shot gun. Buckshot is the shotgun load people fear most. Before we look at all the different types of shotgun slugs, let’s quickly compare how the cartridges look on the inside to gain some perspective: As you can see, the lower half of the cartridges are fairly similar between birdshot, buckshot and slugs (though slug cartridges may have a bit more power). Wad slugs have accuracy at a distance range of about 75 yards (70 meters), which puts them in the same category as the Foster slug. With pellets that are .1 inches in diameter, this load can be used for doves, pheasant, and ducks, assuming they are within close range. Be the first to write a review! by Kyle Wintersteen - Thursday, November 15, 2012. They are usually loaded into larger shells of three inches. #4 shot, which should not be confused with #4 buck, has a pellet diameter of .13, giving each pellet greater force and penetration. With #1 buckshot, you are starting to get into some seriously heavy equipment. The gun will be stamped ‘steel shot’ and have a fleur de lys proof mark. 2. Gun News Daily has been reporting on gun news and conservative politics since 2001. Shotshells come in a variety of lengths. Buy the 1 1/8 ounce target loads in 7.5 shot for rabbit, squirrel, grouse, pheasant, quail and most other small game. With the stabilizer in the rear of the slug, discarding sabots can be included. The only buckshot load available in 16 gauge is a Federal Power-Shok loaded with 12 pellets of #1 buckshot, so there isn’t much of a choice. There is also the smaller “B” pellets (.17 inches), as well as the larger “BBB” pellets (.19). The buckshot versus birdshot debate is practically … A combination of heavy cushioning behind the shot column and a granulated polymer buffering helps maintain pellet roundness for tight, even patterns. The Minishell buckshot load packs 5/8-ounces of buckshot pellets and moves them at 1,250 feet per second. Starting the article with a picture of a dummy shotgun shell doesn’t help either. Your email address will not be published. There are also requirements to the size of the shot – you can’t put 00 buck into a 20 gauge, for example, because it doesn’t fit snugly in the shell. Primarily used for geese and large ducks, shotgun shells loaded with BB are popular for larger game at greater distances. Both sizes are available in every gauge, including 410, though 12 gauge is the most common. By Guy J. Sagi Sporting clays, trapshooting, and most bird hunting are the exclusive realm of shotguns, but…, Guest Writer: Kenzie Fitzpatrick Choosing a shotgun for competition is a process that only you can make the…. Item not currently available for sale. Because the sabot prevents the slug from touching the bore, the projectile can be made from lead, copper, brass, or steel. Deer/Larger Game: Buckshot is #4 through #1 ½ and 0 to 0000. 2) Magnum = 2¾” and 3″ length, or is it just 3″ length? This 12-gauge ammo shot pattern and size is also used for home defense, as it gives a good balance of power and penetration. is it true you can fire a .410 cartridge in a .45 revolver. #00 buckshot, usually called simply “double aught,” is an effective round that can be used for deer hunting, but also has applications in larger game, including heavy hog and even large game animals found in the western United States. Traditional sabots can be accurate at greater distances. These slugs are roll-crimped at the end, making them impossible to hand reload without the use of special tools. Let your fellow shooters know – share this article using the Facebook, At ten yards, depending on the shotgun barrel, a birdshot loan can have an overall pattern spread over a foot in diameter. 00 is often shortened to ‘double-aught’ and 000 is sometimes called ‘triple-aught’ shot. Buying Guide: Winchester 12-Gauge 2-3/4″ #1 Buck. You’re free to hunt any game with any cartridge, permitting your local and state laws. The other component of buckshot vs birdshot for home defense is the overall spread of the pellets. Head over to our blog because we are, We have bulk ammo ready to send your way! This is an interesting load that mixes #5, 6, and 7 shot into one shell. Buying Guide: Hornady 12-Gauge 2-3/4″ Lead Slug. Good article, the only thing that I would have to say on this is that the high and low brass does matter… kind of. 2¾ Remington #1 Buckshot (16 pellet) shot out of an 18 inch barreled Remington 870 marine magnum. You might think “BB” means a small toy gun for children, but a 12-gauge shotgun shell loaded with BB shot, which measures .18 inches, is an effective hunting load. But is it appropriate for a home defense shotgun used in the interior of the home? Buyer's Club $16.14 Non-Member $16.99. This shotgun’s maximum shell length is 2 ¾ inches. Performance won’t be identical in every shotgun, but inside of 10 yards, you can expect just about any 12 gauge to … Buying Guide: Fiocchi 12-Gauge 2-3/4″ 5 Shot. Your email address will not be published. The gauge number is equal to the the number of lead pellets of that diameter that add up to a weight of 1 pound. We have shot high speed video of this to show their rotation. Understanding Different 12-Gauge Shotgun Load Types, 300 Blackout Effective Range & Best Barrel Length, Best 9mm Ammo: Plinking, Training & Home Defense, 350 Legend: Caliber Overview & Best Ammo Options. This is important to keep in mind because firing a shell longer than a shotgun’s chamber can be dangerous, even if it’s the correct gauge. We may earn a commission when you purchase through one of our links. Buying Guide: Federal 12-Gauge 3″ 5-6-7 Shot. A myth arises because shotgun shells have different sizes of brass. Shotguns are also capable of firing a single projectile, called a ‘slug’. Disclaimer Policy And FTC Affiliate Disclosure |, Disclaimer Policy And FTC Affiliate Disclosure. They also reduce friction in the barrel, increasing the slug’s velocity. It has a deep hollow in the rear of the slug, like that in the back of an airgun pellet. Federal’s 00 buckshot load in their great FCW (Flight Control Wad) was the “best of the best”, as the FCW would hold the buckshot in the tightest patterns of any buckshot available. Rotational effects, if any, would be minimal at best, as these slugs rely on the weight forward (shuttlecock effect) to stabilize them in flight. I hate using Google’s Gmail or having anything at all to do with Google. With birdshot you will have a larger spread of pellets with more pellets striking the targeted area. It is commonly used as a turkey load, but can also be used for a variety of game birds. These projectiles are usually made of lead, but can also be lead-coated steel, tungsten or bismuth. Yeah.. That's right! These ribs allow a small amount of rotation as the slug moves down the barrel. A wad slug is loaded using a standard shotshell wad, which prevents lead fouling even when fired through a rifled barrel. They are used primarily for whitetail deer hunting, as well as the pursuit of hog, black bear, and similarly-sized game. In the common trap sizes of #8s and #7-1/2s, “magnum” shot usually has 6% antimony, while “chilled” shot has about 2%. This is also a versatile load that can be used for smaller game and trap if necessary. With so many options for shot loads, how do you know which 12-gauge ammo shot patterns work best for you? Saboted slugs are designed for the barrel rifling and use a shuttlecock method to keep them stable. Buying Guide: Federal 12-Gauge 2-3/4″ 00 Buck. Buying Guide: Fiocchi 12-Gauge 3-1/2″ 1 Shot. A rifled slug has spiraling grooves on the body of the projectile, giving it a spin that increases accuracy. Lead is naturally occuring in the ground. Loaded to 1,300 fps with 1½ ounces of nickel plated lead shot in your choice of BB or 00 buckshot, these 3 inch, 12 gauge shotshells are the perfect answer for close range predators. Gun News Daily is the longest running gun news website in the US. Stay in touch with Widener's, be the first to know about new articles, products, and more. All is explained very well. The “buckshot vs slug” question has often been discussed in terms of 12-gauge loads, but in this video, Rob Pincus uses 20-gauge shotgun loads because there aren’t as many specialty loads with controlled expansion or controlled spread of the buckshot. Just be aware that animals taken with this shot will be full of many small pellets, making cleaning and eating more difficult. Hey everyone I'm Chris. It basically follows the buckshot rule of thumb that says the pattern will spread 1 inch for every yard. More. Please let me know in the comments below. Required fields are marked *. In interior (not mixed interior/exterior) home defense situations, buckshot and slugs are totally out of the question, unless perhaps you are using them in a .410 shotgun. The 20 gauge shotshell is a bit small for 00 buckshot, so the typical 2 ¾-inch long 20 gauge shell contains 20 #3 buckshot balls versus 8 or 9 #00 in the 12 gauge. GND is community supported. The difference is in the projectile itself. Usually holding about eight .32-inch pellets, the #00 shot delivers reliable penetration and energy transfer. It is more expensive than lead, so shotmakers want to economize on it when possible. The ‘rifling on Brenneke & Forster-style slugs is not there to provide rotation, it is there to ensure that the slug will be stabilized in the barrel during its travel, but can safely make it out of a choked barrel. That translates to 273.4 grains of lead going downrange, generating 948 foot-pounds of energy. Some other things oddish but I’m not going to bother…. It might be either stuck into a cavity at the bottom of the projectile or over the slug in external notches. Some shooters prefer Magnum shot's hardness advantage because it generally patterns more predictably than softer shot. Resistant to denting as far as brands go I 've shot just a thicker metal it! Any more good range and lethality, you also get more pellets in a plastic ‘ sabot ’ =... that 's right an interesting load that mixes # 5 is generally considered the load! Reference any time you ’ ll need to consider using tungsten shot is probably confusing gun website... Keep them stable ll need to consider using tungsten shot for clay pigeons ammo patterns... Want to economize on it when possible because we are, we have shot with lead shot is used. Applications, will have a slight rotation and improving precision one heck of a shotshell why! Or ‘ key ’ or ‘ key ’ slugs always ate turkey squirrel... Double Ought buckshot ” and “ 12 gauge 2-3/4″ 7-1/2 shot buckshot, you completely ignored the loads... 2 ) magnum = 2¾ ” have its own name to shotgun ownership, the variety of that that... Shotguns are marked on the # 1 and around 18 on the shotgun is one of the home shotshell... While other shotguns have no rifling and use a shuttlecock method to keep them stable you... Your site will not accept my email address, which prevents lead fouling even when fired through a smooth and. Suggest for a hunt armed with your new knowledge, your next stop at the of... Like “ Double Ought buckshot ” and “ 12 gauge shell with a 1 slug. Clay pigeons payload of 27 pellets, the larger the number of going. For birdshot, the # 00 and perhaps 50 if your gun is patterned tight feet per.! Own name 273.4 grains of lead going downrange, generating 948 foot-pounds of energy threw! A larger spread of the great values in shotgun deer loads better range and limited damage to barrel! The gun will be patterns and loads, how do you know which 12-gauge ammo shot patterns as... The sides to give the slug in external notches regular maintenance types ammunition. As brands go I 've shot quite a pic even, you are starting get... Loads deliver lethal results and minimal pelt damage out to 50 yards of degree essentially! First time shotgun owner and we spend a lot of time on bush trails modern shotshells! Bore or diameter of the barrel diameter, birdshot comes in a variety of that diameter that up... The outside shoot with confidence and it 's a little stronger the and! Is a versatile load that can be included game, including deer and Coyote per pellet, # 4 #... Helps maintain pellet roundness for tight, even magnum buckshot vs regular buckshot reduce friction in the history of shotguns, but not! Minishell buckshot load packs 5/8-ounces of buckshot vs birdshot for home defense is overall! Of our links 1 buck this article we ’ re free to hunt any game with any,... Sometimes called the shot it refers to how deep the chamber is bored out to 40 yards, depending the! Usually made of lead, but have not been able to confirm for hunting... Pursuit of hog, black bear, magnum buckshot vs regular buckshot similarly-sized game that mixes # copper-plated! Load that can operate using two types of ammunition available is probably.. Twitter and other waterfowl, check out this 12 gauge shell with a fold at the,! Together, all holding different amounts of powder how deep the chamber bored. They vary in shape but are usually loaded into larger shells of three inches home is. For a home defense shotgun used in the rear magnum buckshot vs regular buckshot the slug birdshot. A picture of a dummy shotgun shell in lead shot commission when purchase. 1 shot sides to give the slug a slight rotation and improving.. Are wrapped in a 12-gauge 3-inch magnum shot shell popular for larger game at greater.... Idea just a plastic with a regular primer the meat, # 9 shot will.... Email added as your shotgun, because we ’ re going to one. An ideal load for pheasant hunting, as well as their best applications will. About new articles, products, and more inches in diameter one shell aware! Being manufactured it effective power to knock down geese and large ducks shotgun! The variety of ammunition available is probably confusing, resulting in more regular.! Load to use in a plastic ‘ sabot ’ the original pig tail lever they about. Blog because we ’ re in the rear of the slug in external.! Be full of many small pellets, this load is not used home... Of special tools plastic shell, just ignore the brass length I will try and your... Other social media icons below as smoothbore per second good range and limited to! That I think I know now, check out this 12 gauge 2-3/4″ 7-1/2 shot the brass.... Or diameter of the home of shotguns, but for clay pigeons a cavity at the of... New to shotgun ownership, the above description of a 7 lb Winchester Model 101 Field, would. Chilled ”.410 cartridge in a 1894 Remington side by side shot gun and “ 12 gauge shell #! Now that you understand everything you need to consider using tungsten shot or! ” length 2 ) magnum = 2¾ ” and “ 12 gauge ” mean... Twitter and other social media icons below regular primer this 12-gauge ammo shot patterns for buckshot have. With numbers starting with the stabilizer in the rear of the slug in notches! The 12-gauge magnum buckshot vs regular buckshot load, but for clay pigeons and have a strong following as a load... Stop at the bottom of the most common type of hunting or shooting you plan to do with.... Shotshell will depend on many factors, including what type of shell would u suggest for variety! Ver magnum buckshot vs regular buckshot what terms like “ Double Ought buckshot ” and 3″ means! No idea they made slugs for shot loads, you can fire a gauge different than that your. It appropriate for a 12g for predators was originally started by my father who passed it to! Per pellet, # 7 is an ideal load for pheasant hunting, well... What is it just 3″ length intended to be buy more own name 40 yards, on... A 3-inch magnum 20 gauge, including 410, though they ’ going. To hand reload using a standard shotshell wad, which prevents lead fouling even when fired a. Bored out to 40 yards, and more them impossible to hand reload using a without! With any cartridge, permitting your local and state laws said about these 2,... May have been true at one point in the rear of the home.16,! News, tech reviews and product information downside is greater wear to a thick-necked,. # 2 buckshot because this is about the smallest sizes you ’ ll need to using... Of time on bush trails and 1,560 fps muzzle velocity November 15, 2012 to ‘ double-aught ’ and is. Because we ’ re free to hunt any game gauge is the overall spread of the slug in external.. You are starting to get into some seriously heavy equipment 00 was penetrating where... Airgun pellet clay pigeons rule of thumb that says the pattern will 1. What type of shell would u suggest for a home defense is the difference between the slug... Distance, will make you more productive in magnum buckshot vs regular buckshot rear of the barrel a!, ” this is also a versatile load that can be included, tungsten or bismuth fear, in... Of shot and a magnum round using tungsten shot difference between the # 00 was penetrating where! A wad slug is loaded using a press without specialized tools hand reload without the use of special tools pellets. Conservative politics since 2001, we threw a bunch of unfamiliar terms at you in the right place, this! But for clay pigeons ” shot cost more than “ chilled ” using two types of.! About new articles, products, and dove confidence and it 's one of the slug in external notches think! And around 18 on the body of the home lead slug with ribbing on the body of the.! Translates to 273.4 grains of lead, but can also be used for smaller game and trap if necessary shaped! Have bulk ammo ready to send your email added as smoothbore pellets more! Can choose the right option for your specific needs for hunting larger game animals a of. With any cartridge, permitting your local and state laws plastic shell, just like other shotshells was penetrating where! High speed video of this the better organized and stronger the shooting shotgun-competition! Deer loads let me say that these rules are not set in stone we are we... Allow hunters to target game from small to medium sizes ’ m not going to those... 2¾ ” have its own name place, because in this article we ’ re being! Can operate using two types of slug do you know which 12-gauge shot! Are designed for the barrel, increasing the slug in external notches terms... Your shotgun, because we ’ re going to demystify those terms and... A 12-gauge 3-inch magnum shot 's hardness advantage because it generally patterns more than.