I am looking for opinions (or facts) regarding the best self-defense shotgun ammo. Specifically, I'm comparing number of pellets versus velocity in a 12 gauge 00buck. I know that there are lots of other choices, but at the moment I am only comparing 00 buck in 2 3/4" and 3", due to the popularity and availability of 00 buck and guns with these chambers, and to limit the size of the comparison. This is the information that I've gathered thus far:
Brand/Product Size Number of pellets Velocity
Hornady Critical Defense 2 3/4" 8 pellets 1600 fps
Hornady Superperformance 2 3/4" 8 pellets 1600 fps
Federal Premium 3" 15 pellets 1100 fps
Federal Premium 2 3/4" 9 pellets 1325 fps
Federal Premium 2 3/4" 12 pellets 1290 fps
Remington Express Buckshot 2 3/4" 9 pellets 1325 fps
Remington Express Magnum Buckshot 2 3/4" 12 pellets 1290 fps
Remington Express Magnum Buckshot 3" 15 pellets 1225 fps
Winchester Ranger 2 3/4" 9 pellets 1145 fps
Winchester Super-X 2 3/4" 9 pellets 1325 fps
Winchester Super-X 3" 15 pellets 1210 fps
[I attempted to space out this data in table form, to no avail. If someone can make it more readable, please do so.]
So, this list is not exhaustive, but it is illustrative, of the current offerings. Frankly I got tired of doing the research, and I'm sure that others make great products and special products targeted toward home defense or law enforcement. It seems that I'm seeing a trend based on the physical constraints of the shotshell and/or firearm.
But basically my question is the value of 15 pellets at 1225 fps versus 9 pellets at 1325 fps, or 8 pellets at 1600 fps. I suppose the higher velocity shells would have better penetration, but I'm not sure if that is significant for home defense, and may even be a detriment. I would also suppose that there are differences in recoil, but again I don't know if that is a significant factor in home defense.
I'm aware of the reduced recoil loads, and of the 'flight control' loads, etc, that aim for better patterning. Again, significance in home defense?
My gut says go with the 3", 15 pellets, at 1225 fps. What say you all? Please limit discussion/advice/argument to shotguns and buckshot. I wouldn't mind additional input as to mixed loads or other preferred shot sizes, but please don't turn this into a caliber/ballistics war.
Brand/Product Size Number of pellets Velocity
Hornady Critical Defense 2 3/4" 8 pellets 1600 fps
Hornady Superperformance 2 3/4" 8 pellets 1600 fps
Federal Premium 3" 15 pellets 1100 fps
Federal Premium 2 3/4" 9 pellets 1325 fps
Federal Premium 2 3/4" 12 pellets 1290 fps
Remington Express Buckshot 2 3/4" 9 pellets 1325 fps
Remington Express Magnum Buckshot 2 3/4" 12 pellets 1290 fps
Remington Express Magnum Buckshot 3" 15 pellets 1225 fps
Winchester Ranger 2 3/4" 9 pellets 1145 fps
Winchester Super-X 2 3/4" 9 pellets 1325 fps
Winchester Super-X 3" 15 pellets 1210 fps
[I attempted to space out this data in table form, to no avail. If someone can make it more readable, please do so.]
So, this list is not exhaustive, but it is illustrative, of the current offerings. Frankly I got tired of doing the research, and I'm sure that others make great products and special products targeted toward home defense or law enforcement. It seems that I'm seeing a trend based on the physical constraints of the shotshell and/or firearm.
But basically my question is the value of 15 pellets at 1225 fps versus 9 pellets at 1325 fps, or 8 pellets at 1600 fps. I suppose the higher velocity shells would have better penetration, but I'm not sure if that is significant for home defense, and may even be a detriment. I would also suppose that there are differences in recoil, but again I don't know if that is a significant factor in home defense.
I'm aware of the reduced recoil loads, and of the 'flight control' loads, etc, that aim for better patterning. Again, significance in home defense?
My gut says go with the 3", 15 pellets, at 1225 fps. What say you all? Please limit discussion/advice/argument to shotguns and buckshot. I wouldn't mind additional input as to mixed loads or other preferred shot sizes, but please don't turn this into a caliber/ballistics war.