[Nanuk]

Using Birdshot of any size in a self defense gun is foolish. Flight control wads give nice patterns but remember, they do not impart any magical properties on the shot. They are still relatively small light projectiles that lose lots of energy at distance.

The maximum effective range for full power 00 buck is about 15-20 yards, slugs 35-50 yards.

Avoid reduced recoil loads for defense, they are also reduced power.

This is my opinion, gained through a career of law enforcement having seen people shot with about anything you can imagine.