Shotgun Ammo

[ManBearPig]

Have any of you all had any experience with #4 shot for home defense? Ammoman has a 12G product called "Winchester Drylok". my eye sight is not as good as it used to be. I know most people use 00 but maybe a larger pattern might work better.

 

[ssgrock3]

I like #4 buckshot in a 20ga especially. Light, lots of holes

 

[Garrett]

I live in the country so for HD I use nothing but 00 for my 12 ga and I use #3 buck and #1 buck in my 20 gauges......

 

[dennishoddy]

If your planning on using it in your house for HD, at the range you will be shooting 00 buck and #4 shot will have the same pattern. Similar to a rifle or pistol.

At hallway distances of 20' or less your pattern will be about 2-3" in diameter. Either will be devastating, but if the invader has heavy winter clothing on, the 00buck will have more penetration.
Garret has an interesting thread with pics about this very thing.

 

[Okie4570]

I thought Winchester Drylok were steel waterfowl loads?

 

[dennishoddy]

I thought Winchester Drylok were steel waterfowl loads?

It is. I have a box at the house. Makes no difference in the pattern at close range.

Always been a fan of a pistol or SBR rifle with more rounds for HD at home. Easier to shoot around obstacles.

Imagine yourself having to swing a shotgun around a corner of the bedroom to get a target down a hallway vs a shorter weapon.

At impact the shotgun is going to be more devastating. No debate there, and if you have kids, the #4 might prevent some over penetration, although I doubt seriously 00 buck will make much of a pass through on a human. A miss would bring up some concern.

 

[Okie4570]

I've shot coons off the front sidewalk in the winter at the cat food dish with 3" #2 steel and it's just like a slug entry/exit at a distance of 5-10 yards. Sparks go everywhere as it bounces off the sidewalk when it exits lol.

 

[dennishoddy]

I've shot coons off the front sidewalk in the winter at the cat food dish with 3" #2 steel and it's just like a slug entry/exit at a distance of 5-10 yards. Sparks go everywhere as it bounces off the sidewalk when it exits lol.

Hadn't thought of that. This now becomes one of my must do things. Sparks off the cement.

I've always had a big laugh watching the TV bad boys get showers of sparks from lead ammo on cement.

 

[ManBearPig]

Thanks, a lot of good info. I think I'll order some. I saw the other thread about online sales. Think I'll check there too.

 

[761mph]

you might also try natchez shooting supplies http://www.natchezss.com/ammunition/shotgun-ammo.html#a_03_shot=202543,202540&dir=asc&order=position