bushmaster1313
Member
How close do I need to be to stop an intruder with 12 ga. No. 8 target loads, the kind I use for shooting trap?
4. Birdshot does not excessively penetrate drywall walls. But it does not penetrate deeply enough to reach a bad guy's vital organs. Birdshot makes a nasty but shallow wound. It is not a good Stopper.
Use Birdshot for little birds. Use 00 Buckshot for bad guys.
Bushmaster, it's going to be darn close. Once the shot begins to spread, effectiveness drops off really fast, especially with anything smaller than #4s. I am a big proponent of lighter than buckshot loads for apartments and other areas where over penetration is a concern. I would not use #8s. FWIW, I have some #2s for my limited penetration areas. I'd strongly advise you to get some of the larger shot sizes for that mission.
As I was typing, it occurs to me that you may be thinking of a self defense application while carrying a shotgun for recreation. In that case, I'd think about 10 feet for a mammal, longer ranges aim for the face and hope you get a optics kill.
Go up to #4 shot + and leave the #8 for the Clays. If Recoil is a issue go to a 16 or 20 gauge.