#4 or even #2 shot will make a horrific looking shallow wound. Often times the shot won't penetrate more than a very few inches. If the pellets just make a nasty looking superficial wound the person shot might take umbrage to you shooting them. #4 BUCK SHOT is the smallest shot I would use in a home defense situation and only if nothing larger was available.longdog wrote:I read an article over 20 years ago that advocated using #4 shot for home defense. The main concern was that in a house with residents in different rooms, 12 ga 00 buck would pose a danger due to over-penetration. The author presented a good case citing the increase in surface area ofa #4 shell over buck being a superior load at in-house ranges. The argument was that the increased surface area of more and smaller pellets at close range (out to 30 ft) would be just as or more devestating to a bad guy with less chance of penetrating multiple walls.
The author was very convincing with his data. I don't remember too much about it as it was a long time ago.
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Return to “Best Shotgun Shells for Home Defense”
- Sun Aug 18, 2013 11:27 pm
- Forum: General Gun, Shooting & Equipment Discussion
- Topic: Best Shotgun Shells for Home Defense
- Replies: 28
- Views: 5078