we're related, aren't we?
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For those who put stock in shooting Jello.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_c...&v=Rqwzghot1V4
I was in California L/E for 31 years and we carried #4 buck exclusively. We had low recoil slugs available for longer ranges if needed. Much testing proceeded the decision to go with #4, but it was determined to fulfill most situation requirements. Many of you will disagree and that's fine. Just offering my experience with the #4 buck.
Glitch in the matrix
I personally load with #4 after patterning both at about 15 yards. Greatly depends on the shotgun and choke. I tried Flite Control at that distance and it was literally one hole in the paper from my Benelli M4. Normal 00 with or without the filler, are still very tight, maybe like 3-4". #4 high velocity puts 28 pellets at over 1300 FPS with a much greater hit probability with no relevant loss of power, but stray pellets have far less over penetration.
It is unlikely you will confront an adversary that offers you a perfect B27 pose. My recommendation is to use enough pellet weight still be effective from oblique angles and through intermediate targets, like an arm. 4 buck minimum. I use 20 pellet 1 buck. Bird shot is for birds.
Every situation is different. Use the shot that best suits your circumstances. You must pattern the shot and gun you will be using to understand it's pattern. Chokes in the barrel and barrel length also make a difference on the effectiveness of your shot.
Well said. I would add...through heavy winter clothing. I don't believe birdshot will give reliable and adequate penetration. I see buckshot as a more reliable fight stopper. I would only rely on birdshot for HD if I had nothing else....or if I was expecting to be set upon by birds, rabbits, squirrels or sheets of paper.