Until the Federal LE #1 Buck with Flitecontrol wad becomes available, what is the best buckshot to load for defensive/combat use? I assume it’s a 00 load, but which one? I see 9-pellet, 9-pellet reduced recoil, 3" magnums, etc. For what it’s worth, I have an 870 that can take 2-3/4" and 3" shells.
Also, is there an ETA on when the #1 buck Flitecontrol load will be available for purchase?
Okay… my apologies for not digging deep enough. I had done a search for this in this forum and I just did another one and saw that Doc recommends any buckshot from #1 to 000 from any major manufacturer and giving a slight nod to Federal LE132-00.
The best buckshot load available is the Federal #1 Flight Control LE132-1B; we just received some yesterday with regular production packaging and lot numbers…
My department is ready to make a purchase as soon as it is available!
Until you can get the #1 buck the Flightcontrol reduced recoil OO buck is VERY good ammo.
So here are a few more questions about shotgun ammunition. (I’m pretty new to shotguns as defensive weapons):
What is it exactly that makes a “low recoil” shell have lower recoil? Is it less powder charge, less pellets, or both? I see that Federal 00 buck usually has I believe 12 pellets, but reduced recoil Federal 00 has 9. I read somewhere that reduced recoil rounds will actually penetrate deeper. Is that true? Why so?
I currently have on hand some Federal 00 Buck 9 pellet reduced recoil buck (without Flight Control wad) and some Remington 16 pellet #1 standard velocity. I am assuming that they are both just fine, but we all know that #1 buck is recommended as the best defensive shotgun load. Is the primary thing that makes the the LE132-1B load the best just the Flight Control wad/better pattern? That is to say, will the Remington #1 still penetrate as deeply as needed?
Just how deep will #8 through #5 birdshot penetrate in ballistic gel at “across the room” distances (4 yards or less)? I don’t ever plan to use these for self defense, but my dad has his shotgun stacked starting with #8 and working up to 00 buck. I want to tell him that this isn’t the best idea, but he insists that birdshot will still be fatal at distances less than 3 or 4 yards. I would just like some hard data to contradict that if it’s out there.
(1) low recoil and tactical loads are traveling around 1200 fps. has nothing to do with the size of projectile only the speed. we did find unplated buckshot would penetrate deeper in a low recoil round because of less deformation. the high velocity buckshot loads showed flattened pellets. plated buckshot is the wise choice.
(2) number 1 buckshot will penetrate deep enough but 00 is a time tested manstopper also. we find the remington rounds loaded with the white plastic buffering material doesnt pattern as well but ymmv. i would not worry about size as long as it was #1 or #00 i would be happy. lots of dept’s require #00 due to requal scoring system.
(3) birdshot is a notorious wounder and leaves a shallow cavity. i worked a shooting where birdshot failed to penetrate the chest from 15 yards. left a nasty crater but if your using deadly force to defend yourself use something that will stop the threat and its ability to recover quickly.
Another very good option is Hornady low recoil TAP. It also has some sort of flight control wad and has amazingly tight patterns. I get about 7-9" at 25yds from an 18" Remington 870.
That said, my HD load is standard Remington #1 buck. More pellets, larger pattern at room distances, good penetration.