a_canadian
Member
- Joined
- Oct 18, 2015
- Messages
- 189
... the exception being, in my opinion, when that birdshot becomes a temporary slug, capable of 12" of penetration by at least 50% of its 1oz mass as the wax comes apart in the target.
And I talked to a fellow who killed a deer at 10 yards by shooting it in the face with birdshot. Your results may vary.Less so than one would think. Individual pellet terminal ballistics for say #8 shot is abysmal. I keep Win. PDX-12 in the chamber, followed by Rem. "0" Buck. Of course, I live in a 1920's plaster & lath walled house, so I don't worry as much about overpenetration.
A guy that graduated the same year as me, at a different, school (My family moved away before high school) decided he'd peaked at graduation, and chose a Trap load from an 870 for self-termination. Put the muzzle under his chin, and lived for two more terminally agonizing weeks without a face before succumbing to his injuries. If isn't going to do the job at contact distance, I prefer either buck or slug (and in the PDX round, both), both proven shells, to stake my life on.
I will add the standard "birdshot is better than nothing" disclaimer here, but for HD, I try to plan ahead enough to have the right kind of ammo for the job.
#4 Buck
I like #4 buckshot for the interior of a home. Ample penetration, without over-penetration that you may experience from 00 or slugs.
Outside of the home 00 or slugs where shots are most likely farther.
Me too!old age and bad shoulders pretty much prevent me from using a stout 12 GA load these days. I have switched to a 20GA with either #3 or #2 Buck.