For home defense, I have heard conflicting reports on the efficacy of #4 buckshot loads. I am asking because I live in an apartment at the moment and the risk of overpenetration is a very real concern.
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I am reading some claim it isn’t up to the job and is more of a varmint load, yet I came across this on another board:
I would feel confident with any high velocity 12 gauge 1 1/4 oz. high velocity {1300+} load. I once saw a wall that was shot with a 16 gauge load of 5s. from about 5 feet it blew an entry hole about an inch. Took out about 8 inches exiting the other side. This was an old style wood slat and plaster wall. Not plaster board. At in house ranges I don't think it would matter. No room for the pattern to open up anyway.
So there’s that supposedly.
What do you all think about the topic? Is #4 an effective load for home defense? Why or why not?