question about buckshot??

[Super-Dave]

I am new to the shotgun world and have a question about buck shot.

Is the pellets the same size for 12 pellet 00 Buck as it is with 9 pellet 00 buck?

If it is the same why is the 12 pellet not better for home defense or hunting than the 9 pellet?

[castnblast]

Look close at the box...The 12 pellet is likely a 3" magnum, and the 9 is a 2 3/4".

[rantingredneck]

Actually the 3" magnum usually has 15 pellets of 00. There were (and maybe still are) 2 3/4" magnum loads that are 12 pellet. Usually in situations like this you are trading 3 more pellets for more recoil and slower followup shots (if needed). Whichever you are comfortable using will work fine.

and yes, all 00 pellets are the same size (roughly .33")

[Uncle Ben]

Is game or target ammo a total joke for home defense purposes?
I suppose I could practice with the cheap stuff, but load up the good buckshot just at home...

[Laz]

Sellier and Bellot loads a 2 3/4 inch 00 Buck (although its unfired length is longer than standard 2 3/4 shells) that contains 12 pellets. The shot is the same size as the 9 pellet 00 Buck but at less velocity - 1180 fps versus Winchester's 1325 for their 2 3/4 00 Buck. Twelve pellets at 1180 fps versus 9 pellets at 1325 fps. I suspect either would work though I use the Winchester or Federal. I wouldn't feel bad with the S&B.

[Mannlicher]

Some folks believe that birdshot is ok for HD. I am one of the others that thinks buck shot is more reliable.

[m24shooter]

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a391/m24shooter/shottard.jpg

[Slopemeno]

...um, ok.

Anyway, check out the low-recoil tactical buckshot being offered these days. MUCH better patterns, less recoil, flash and blast.

[Aqeous]

Are the Recoil loads really as effective in real life? And I'm not necessarily talking about in the penetration department I mean as a whole.

[Webleymkv]

I personally prefer either one of the finer sizes of buckshot or coarser birdshot. I prefer #4 or #3 Buckshot in a 12 or 20ga and keep my 10ga loaded with steel BB.

[T. O'Heir]

"...practice with the cheap stuff..." Don't. Practice with the ammo you intend using for whatever purpose.
"...pellets the same size..." 00 buck is 00 buck. Buckshot is useless for hunting anything. Especially deer. It's not reliable enough.