The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - 12 ga, 2 & 3/4" 00 buckshot or 3" 00 buckshot for sd/hd?

Lee Lapin · June 16, 2011, 10:26 AM

I don't have any doubt that the 3" shell is more effective.

I do.

On paper, or just counting pellets, sure - it looks like a 3" maggie numb is 'better.' But as far as keeping those pellets where you want them to go is concerned, or managing faster follow-up shots, it might or might not work that way. It depends on how a given barrel patterns with a given buckshot load, and it isn't possible to say how a given shotgun and load will pattern - or whether or not it is actually "more effective" - until it's patterned at the ranges where it might be used. Buckshot pellets that miss their intended target are not only NOT "more effective," they are a positive liability - because each stray pellet has the potential to cause collateral damage. As Louis Awerbuck says - every pellet goes downrange with a lawyer in tow. And it depends on how well a shooter can manage a heavier recoiling load also.

That's 6 extra projectiles! Getting shot 6 times with a 33 caliber projectile is going to make a difference.

More stopped than stopped, or deader than dead? Too much is not enough? Concentrating on putting the payload where it needs to go is a better solution than worrying about launching a heavier, harder to control payload IMHO. Of course, my opinion is worth exactly what you paid for it...

lpl

June 16, 2011, 10:26 AM	#21
Lee Lapin Senior Member Join Date: September 7, 2004 Location: SE NC Posts: 1,239	I don't have any doubt that the 3" shell is more effective. I do. On paper, or just counting pellets, sure - it looks like a 3" maggie numb is 'better.' But as far as keeping those pellets where you want them to go is concerned, or managing faster follow-up shots, it might or might not work that way. It depends on how a given barrel patterns with a given buckshot load, and it isn't possible to say how a given shotgun and load will pattern - or whether or not it is actually "more effective" - until it's patterned at the ranges where it might be used. Buckshot pellets that miss their intended target are not only NOT "more effective," they are a positive liability - because each stray pellet has the potential to cause collateral damage. As Louis Awerbuck says - every pellet goes downrange with a lawyer in tow. And it depends on how well a shooter can manage a heavier recoiling load also. That's 6 extra projectiles! Getting shot 6 times with a 33 caliber projectile is going to make a difference. More stopped than stopped, or deader than dead? Too much is not enough? Concentrating on putting the payload where it needs to go is a better solution than worrying about launching a heavier, harder to control payload IMHO. Of course, my opinion is worth exactly what you paid for it... lpl __________________ Mindset - Skillset - Toolset. In that order! Attitude and skill will get you through times of no gear, better than gear will get you through times of no attitude and no skill.