# 1 Buck

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7shooter

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Most sources suggest 00 buck for home defense but I recently read that some people think #1 buck is superior because it is less likely to over penetrate and has similar stopping power to the 00. John Farnam's book on shotguns says that it may be possible that # 1 is as effective but so far there have not been enough recorded cases to know that is true. I cannot find any empirical findings on the effectiveness of #1. Is there any recent research on this ?
 
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Most sources suggest 00 buck for home defense but I recently read that some people think #1 buck is superior because it is less likely to over penetrate and has similar stopping power to the 00. John Farnam's book on shotguns says that it may be possible that # 1 is as effective but so far there have not been enough recorded cases to know that is true. I cannot find any empirical findings on the effectiveness of #1. Is there any recent research on this ?
 
The ProArms podcast (episode 17 or 18 IIRC) discusses this. Our very own Mr. Ayoob is a proponent of #1.
 
I know it plays havic on pheasants!
icon_eek.gif


Accidently did that one year, had a few #1 in my vest. oops
 
If Mr. Ayoob is on here would you please comment on this issue ? I have been unable to find research on this and while the logic behind # 1 for HD is appealing 00 has a proven track record ( Sanow and others ).
 
The only problem with #1 is that it can only be obtained in 12 and 16 gauge.

For 10ga., #00 and #4 are your only choices
For 20ga., #3 and #2 (a Federal 3" load) is your only choices.

I do understand that some buckshot loads aren't loaded in particular gauges because the shot doesn't "stack" very well in those gauges.
I understand this better since I started loading buckshot.

As A side note, I do have some 28ga. Eley #4 buckshot- paper hull. I've never shot any of it though, and have no idea how it would do for home defense.

Anything smaller than #1 may have varying results for defense purposes- so I've read.

I do know that #4 buck makes a mess out of a coyote!
 
I've always been a believer in #4 buck due to the penetration issue, plus you get a lot more pellets and less wasted space in the shot cup. Also at the range you are talking about the spread is going to be minimal.
 
I use #4 buckshot because it patterns well in my gun. Notice I did not say that so and so SAID it was better or that I think it is better. I actually took gun, ammunition, and targets and went out and shot the stuff.
 
space inside a shotshell is limited, 00, while effective can be a little sparsely populated.
#4 can get a little light for the job. I personally opt for #0.
 
Some advocate #4, #6, or #8 birdshot at close ranges indoors. The pattern is real tight at close range, but it won't penetrate walls and hit your kids in another room . . .

However, when you hit that "turkey's" gut, he'll have to squat to gobble!

PS: Load buckshot but top it off with a couple of rounds of #4 or #6 . . . he'll probably wish you'd just shot him with buckshot before it is over!

T.
 
I've had my Mossy 500A 12GA locked and loaded for several years now. I did a lot of research on what to load it with and came away with #1 buck.
 
have you ever seen X-rays of someone shot at "household" distances even with birdshot? it is the most destruction of human tissue that you will ever see.

at typical indoor distances, ANY shotgun blast is going to put a world of hurt on someone.

that's why i am getting my wife a 20ga. semi-auto!
 
Goose loads are good. #2 birdshot, or BB shot is pretty effective at self defense ranges. I would suggest you first figure out what you're trying to accomplish. The answer will influence what you load in your shotgun. Are you planning on having this war between your kitchen and dining room? Or down the hall from your bedroom. Hint: it doesn't matter.

But if you're planning on taking it outside, the answer might be different. You hearing sounds out in the barn? Don't know if its human or critter? Factor that in, just for fun. When you take it outside, I'm thinking I'd lean toward heavy pellets.

Inside, when the druggies or home invaders kick in the door, I think I would go with whatever chambers in the 12 ga. I'm guessing a head shot with #8 or #9 would be adequate, and the guy that absorbed it couldn't tell the difference.
 
Birdshot is for birds. Buckshot is for human sized critters. We discussed this recently in the ammunition forum. One of our southern forum members lives in a locale in which deer are customarily taken with buckshot. Acording to him, the general consensus amongst hunters in his local area was that #1 buck is the best deer stopper.

Generally as shot sizes shrink, they pattern better.
 
It probably doesn't make 10 cents worth of difference, #1 VS 00 Buck.

Buy which ever is more expensive, I think it's the only way you'll be satisfied.

Emory
 
Originally posted by crofoot629:
It probably doesn't make 10 cents worth of difference, #1 VS 00 Buck.

Buy which ever is more expensive, I think it's the only way you'll be satisfied.

Emory
Click to expand...
I think you're spot on, Emory. I have 00 in my 870 because that is what I have stocked up. I shoot it rarely and will only consider changing shot sizes when it is gone. I have enough 00 that I likely will never run out.
 
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