The Best Turkey-Killing Pattern for $15 a Box? Birdshot in gelatin testing varies from three to six inches penetration, with only a very few pellets making it to six inches. If you do your homework, you will find the perfect choke/buckshot combination, capable of killing deer at 50 yards or beyond. Some of our northern readers may not even know what it is or be able to do it because its not legal in their states. Contact Form 7 or GravityForms plugin is required! Your email address will not be published. this.value = 'filled'; Larger buckshot can be effective in the traditional target zone. Thanks to the growing trend of using buckshot for predator hunting, many manufacturers have stepped up their game and begun producing higher quality, more accurate rounds. (Measurements from memory).
Most of those myths center on the idea that the buckshot pattern is a function of barrel length and that buckshot patterns all expand at the same rate as they fly away from the weapon. Results from testing the Hornady American Whitetail rifled slugs through the Benelli M4 at 50 yards. But, it was a dandy. The choke may deform the buckshot and make the pattern larger! One day I would like the chance to hunt deer with dogs and maybe write a column about the experience from a newcomers perspective. Now I can assure you that I didnt have a lot of money to spend. While buckshot is one of the most popular and effective loads for home/self-defense, hunters over the recent years have strayed away from using buckshot, even in states where it is legal. var fnames = new Array();var ftypes = new Array();fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';fnames[1]='FNAME';ftypes[1]='text';fnames[2]='LNAME';ftypes[2]='text'; try { var jqueryLoaded=jQuery; jqueryLoaded=true; } catch(err) { var jqueryLoaded=false; } var head= document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0]; if (!jqueryLoaded) { var script = document.createElement('script'); script.type = 'text/javascript'; script.src = '//ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/1.4.4/jquery.min.js'; head.appendChild(script); if (script.readyState && script.onload!==null){ script.onreadystatechange= function () { if (this.readyState == 'complete') mce_preload_check(); } } } var err_style = ''; try{ err_style = mc_custom_error_style; } catch(e){ err_style = '#mc_embed_signup input.mce_inline_error{border-color:#6B0505;} #mc_embed_signup div.mce_inline_error{margin: 0 0 1em 0; padding: 5px 10px; background-color:#6B0505; font-weight: bold; z-index: 1; color:#fff;}'; } var head= document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0]; var style= document.createElement('style'); style.type= 'text/css'; if (style.styleSheet) { style.styleSheet.cssText = err_style; } else { style.appendChild(document.createTextNode(err_style)); } head.appendChild(style); setTimeout('mce_preload_check();', 250); var mce_preload_checks = 0; function mce_preload_check(){ if (mce_preload_checks>40) return; There were no issues with cycling. Were doing something a little different today.
Email once or twice a month. try { Previous plan: lay low, hang out, play it safe. Hornady TAP Magnum Semi-Auto 8 pellet 00 Buck at five different ranges.
The following results were fired with an Ithaca Deerslayer. jQuery(document).ready( function($) { Best results at 25 yards was found with an extended, Trulock 0.700-inch (light-full) choke, but the openness was still too much to continue testing at 35 yards. 4 buck to .38 caliber for four-ought buck. msg = resp.msg; And then when we got out to 100 the #00 was doing what the #1 was doing at 50, which was kind of interesting to me. The Boar Blaster choke nearly replicated this level of performance. var validatorLoaded=jQuery("#fake-form").validate({}); Shotguns are typically considered close-range firearms, especially when loaded with buckshot. This site uses cookies to improve your experience. Familiarize yourself with slugs and keep them handy just in case.
2009-2022 LuckyGunner, LLC. Remington Slugger 1210 fps 3.6 in, Fiocchi Exacta reduced recoil 1100 fps 4.0in, Fiocchi Exacta 1312 fps 3.75in. }
Moreover, when utilized in dense cover, the odds that one or more projectiles penetrate the flora unaffected is greatly increased over the single rifle bullet or slug. With an old bull in spitting distance and his target bull still hidden, Brad Fenson needed a combination of precision and situational awareness to keep life and limb together, much less take his trophy. CHRIS: Yeah, it was around nine inches at 50 [yards]. The range, effectiveness, consistency, and accuracy have improved greatly, and it shows. Dead. In fact, when using the Trulock 0.700-inch choke tube, it placed six of the 12 pellets within 4 inches of the point of aim. } else {
Theres a common misconception that the tighter the choke constriction, the tighter the buckshot pattern. I load my own 00BK and am interested in knowing what wad and other components are used in the Federal Tactical 9x00 BK.
This load/choke combination will definitely bring home the bacon, no doubt about that.
The Ithaca features rifle sights but certainly an optical sight would increase accuracy potential. The 3-inch is a compromise. $(':text', this).each( I agree with him and prefer a tighter pattern. Its worthy of note that, although ejection in the Benelli was consistent with these shells, it failed to lock the action open on the final shot. The red arrows denote the exit of the nickel-plated #00 buckshot: This is a clear shot of the extensive trauma to the lungs as the buckshot perforated through and through: In this picture, note how the liver was completely destroyed: As I look back on the this hunt with my post-mortem examination in mind, I concluded that this particular load was a bit much for Texas-sized deer. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. This is a bad error. CHRIS: What does it do?, yeah. Shotgun range is neatly divided into three standard ranges of usefulness. Now grab a few of the above options and head to the pattern board.
One thing I should mention that's an important part of buckshot pattern is choke selection. This is one of the earlier shotguns with a tight chamber but a smooth bore. But, I digress. JOHN: So, still potentially lethal absolutely. There's a common misconception that the tighter the choke constriction, the tighter the buckshot pattern. Birdshot may be stopped in heavy clothing or very light cover. Results and Conclusion: I was stunned by this shells performance. I recently got my Federal paperwork back from the creation of a short-barreled shotgun.
Concerning the aforementioned Boar Blaster choke tube, its optimized for use with 00 and 000 buckshot. };
The buffered, extra-hard buckshot is contained within a two-piece wad with full-length cuts made to the shotcup. }, The heavily buffered pellets are propelled by a two-piece wad with cuts approximately half the length of the shot cupa reason as to why it patterned so tightly. | An Official Journal Of The NRA, 10 Great New Optics For 2023 | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal, Firearm Industry Economic Impact Rises 322% Since 2008 | An Official Journal Of The NRA, Find More Great NRA Publications Perfect For Every Interest, Discover Everything That The NRA Has To Offer. Marketed as reduced-recoil, the shell nonetheless propelled its 1 ounce payload to 1350 fps. Like, for me, its still probably my go-to inside of anything where I can reasonably expect a 50 yard shot or in. And the other thing, too keep in mind the forward-facing area of those was like, what, 5x6, something like that? JOHN: But not passing the FBI standards. mce_preload_checks++; A large percentage of the land was agricultural and dairy farms, which meant patches of woods surrounded by pastures and fields. Dont forget that even though the small shot are buckshot they are not very large compared to double ought.
Before firing, the crimped cartridge starts off approximately one-half inch shorter. So, we didnt actually test that one at 100, but we had plenty of the #00, so it took us, what, 11 or 12 shells to get 3 pellets in the gelatin at that distance? Then at 50, the #00 was penetrating about where the #1 was at 25. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Reloaders Networkfocuses on firearms, shooting sports, reloading, bullet casting, and the related gear and accessories. options = { url: 'http://molecularrecipes.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe/post-json?u=66bb9844aa32d8fb72638933d&id=9981909baa&c=? Know that this list is by no means all-inclusive, and results will vary depending on the shotgun/choke used; every combination is different. html = ' Required fields are marked *. if (i.toString() == parts[0]){ (Extrapolated from another figure for 35 pelets). In other words the ranking will probably remain the same. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. input_id = '#mce-'+fnames[index]+'-month';
Pattern is more a function of the type of choke the shotgun has than its barrel length. The sizes of the choke tubes I tested were Full (designed for 3-3.5 #00-#000 buckshot) and X-Full (designed for 2.75-3 #4-#00 buckshot). The load I decided to use on this hunt was 18 pellets of nickel-plated buckshot, Ballistic Products Original Buffer, sitting on top of a very healthy charge of Blue Dot, all stuffed in a new, primed 3.5 Federal hull with a fold crimp. this.value = ''; Its relevant because if you use a shotgun for personal protection, you had better test your defensive load at the common ranges you plan to employ it.
At 30 it shot about a three inch group. One of the best features of the shotgun is its versatility. Just the same a load of #4 or #1 at seven yards is predictably accurate. Support Active Response Training on Patreon! Can the newer, trendier 300 PRC unseat the Our hunting editorand certified turkey hunting nutbreaks down Due to severe winter mortality, Colorado Parks and Sign up for the Field & Stream newsletter and get the latest intelligence straight to your inbox. $('#mc-embedded-subscribe-form').each(function(){ But what if circumstances dictated that you had to take that shot anyway? var msg; This picture is a good example of what the inside of an average 00 Buck shell looks like. ', type: 'GET', dataType: 'json', contentType: "application/json; charset=utf-8", Join our community of over 240,000 fans and master the latest molecular gastronomy techniques. mce_init_form(); We didnt test it because birdshot lacks sufficient energy to penetrate at distances beyond close range and is not carried in serious social shotguns. Maybe not with the entire load, but enough to Hmmm, how many rounds are we going to fire to get enough pellets into this block?. A typical self-defense load, the 12-ga. 00 buckshot shell, . One of my favorite buckshot loads, Remingtons 3-inch Premier 00 with 15 pellets is, of course, no longer made. Therefore, you must test them in your gun to verify reliable cycling, or use them in a pump-action, single-shot or double (over-under/side-by-side). box at fleetfarm.com. Thats our control, thats what we do with our handgun ammo. function mce_init_form(){ Interestingly, the latter enabled the best patterns. At 25 yards, the Hornady shells produced consistently tight patterns without abusive (but still noticeable) recoil. Results and Conclusion: As the last shell tested, the density of the patterns produced by this generic, economical load though both the Boar Blaster and standard choke tubes was refreshing. Ballistic gelatin test results of Buckshot at 50 yards distance.Tested ammunition was:12 Gauge Federal #4 Buckshot 27 pellet (F127 4B) 2 3/4\"12 Gauge Federal Tactical 00 Buckshot 9 pellet (LE132 00) 2 3/4\"12 Gauge Hevi-Shot 00 Buckshot Dead Coyote 9 pellet (42209) 2 3/4\"12 Gauge Hornady Critical Defense 00 Buckshot 8 pellet (86240) 2 3/4\"12 Gauge Remington Express 000 Buckshot 8 pellet (12B000) 2 3/4\"Shot from a Mossberg 500 12 gauge shotgun with 20\" barrel length and full choke.Very special thanks to RW for facilitating this test. JOHN: Right.
Unbuffered buckshot will create the largest pattern. A basic understanding of buckshot can help you hunt better. Some states no longer allow the use of buckshot for one reason or another. The results are interesting to say the least. There are several options available for receiving notifications of new posts to include via email, push notifications, Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, Discord, and more. For example, in one of the best representative patterns, only three of the nine pellets impacted within 7 inches of the point of aim at 25 yards. Come join the discussion about optics, hunting, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! The aforementioned characteristics combined with a terrific price go to show that you can still get great performance without breaking the bank. Your email address will not be published. Rounds with a specialized shot cup (Federal Flight Control, Hornady TAP/Critical Defense) will shoot the tightest pattern.
Draper has been hunting for over 25 years and has been a key contributor and product evaluator for BowCountry.com. 4. } else { That leaves Federals Vital-Shok buck, which uses Federals FliteControl wad, as the tightest-patterning buckshot load Im aware of, and it performs in almost any choke so long as its not of the ported or wad-stripping variety. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. My best piece of advice for people wanting to try buckshot in the field would be to practice with your gun and ammunition and become familiar with its effectiveness. Results and Conclusion: This was a standout among those tested. Its amazing how tight a pattern this load shoots into the zombie targets chest at 50 yards. By After a couple of misses, I realized that patterning my gun was top priority. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. My next trip using buckshot was a success. Lets begin this report with a little caveat take the results with a grain of salt. When deer gun season came rolling around, I decided to try out the Kicks Buck Kicker Full choke on a live target. At 56 yards, 14 out of 18 pellets struck home. Buckshot traveling fast enough to make incapacitating hit at this range (12.0" or deeper penetration in nominal 10% ballistic gelatin). var mce_validator = $("#mc-embedded-subscribe-form").validate(options); As is amply evident, this is a versatile load thatll work across a variety of constrictions and at the maximum effect range of buckshot. At 10 yards and even 15 yards, the Fltiecontrol loads create a 50-cent-sized hole in a paper target . It certainly caught my attention. Good friends are worth their weight in gold. Any further than that was a crap-shoot. $('#mce_tmp_error_msg').remove(); } 1. I suspect it'll be around 40 yards, but that's a guess. } else { Wait, will or can? if (parts[1]==undefined){ function(){ Ask for advice on chokes for buckshot and youll get every answer from IC to Turkey Full. beforeSubmit: function(){ You really want most of your pattern to be on the deer. Out to 50, you are still lethal, youre still getting the majority of the pellets onto someone, if thats what youre shooting at, but youre starting to lose ones off of the target which, depending on what youve got going on, is a problem. The more I shoot my handgun, the better I like my shotgun. I tested a total of eight loads. Edited by Moderator Jun 13, 2014 On a recent post about sight off-set, we discussed using 00 Buckshot at close range. This past summer, Kicks IND sent two of their Buck Kicker buckshot chokes for me to review. } catch(err) { Buckshot will kill you at 100 yards. This brings me to the next target zone, the neck. So as a rule of thumb for buckshot (reloaders and non-reloaders), treat buckshot loads no differently than sighting in a rifle with different types of ammunition. The #1 was starting to fail the FBI test it was starting to be underneath the 12-inch penetration. Last time I patterned a bunch of buckshot, an extended Modified choke worked best for me. It is not intended for use with loads featuring the FliteControl and Versatite wads. The . JOHN: Would you still be hitting stuff at that distance? JOHN: So for me, I guess the big takeaway was that inside of 25, the shotgun is devastating. Taurus 856 TORO: An Optics-Ready Carry Revolver, Five Years with the Smith & Wesson M&P 9c, The Beretta Cheetah Series: Fun Size Duty Pistols. There are 24 pellets in a 3-inch 12 gauge load and with an IC choke you get a nice-sized pattern at 25 yards.
Lucky for me, I was able to shoot and pattern my gun in the backyard and not have to run back and forth to the range. I test Federal flite control. Remington Ultimate Defense BuckshotAs its name suggests, Remingtons Ultimate Defense buckshot load is marketed for personal-protection use; however, it nicely pulls double-duty for hunting, too. It should not be. For really long range shooting, Federals 00 buck loaded in its Flitecontrol wad is hard to beat for tight patterns. Huge thanks to Jason Marlin Mears for letting me wake him up at night to use this place to quarter my deer! Special thanks to Ballistic Products for having one of the largest selection shotgun reloading components in the USA. I went with the popular Remington 870 combo, which came with the slug barrel and bird barrel. [Federals advertised velocity is 1100 for the #1 versus 1145 for the #00. I cast and reload buckshot ranging from #4 to #000 buck. Wildly different patterning from four different 00 Buck loads. So if anyone tells you buckshot isnt very effective for killing deer past 30 yards, sendem my way. In fact, using buckshot loads that are not buffered or encased in a shot cup, patterns will get LARGER as the barrel length increases. There was a tremendous variation. Dave, where you live, shots can be long, and 50 yards is just a chip shot. The patterns were a single hole out to 20 feet. } else { They want to take your guns because they plan to do something to you that might cause you to shoot them. Not all 00 buckshot is equal. This is a little thing we like to call Stuff John and Chris Wanna Know. So John, tell us, what do we want to know today? Federal Premium Vital-Shok BuckshotA true magnum load, the Vital-Shok Buckshot offering from Federal Premium features 12, copper-plated pellets of 00 Buckor 1 ouncespushed to 1290 fps. The thought runs this way if you are using smaller shot such as #4 the pattern is much larger. Draper is a regular contributor to several outdoor forums sharing his wealth of knowledge and helping newcomers to the sport. Buckshot size and speed doesnt matter as much as buckshot quality. However, anytime I harvest an animal with a new bullet, broad head, etc, I like to examine the terminal ballistics of the projectile. The load that is a sure killer at 40 yards may be a crippler at 50. If I were starting from scratch shooting plain lead shot from Ballistic's products, I would focus on BB, T, and F buckshot. If i am hunting a thicket that only presents at most a 50-60yd shot the 870 with the patternmaster gets the nod. JOHN: So, for anyone watching, the reason why that is, is that the #00 pellets have a little more mass behind them so they're going to penetrate a little bit deeper if they're moving at about the same velocity, which those loads are pretty close. Maximum effective range is defined here as: Having a hit probability greater than chance (greater than 50% of pellets make scoreable hits on target). } else { Its not.
For instance, loads of 12-gauge 00 buck are commonly available in 8 to 18 pellets depending on the lengths from 2 3/4 to 3 1/2.
https://paypal.me/NYPrepper?locale.x=en_US. } box at MidwayUSA.com. Multiple wound channels trump one. A revolver chambered for the 350 Legend, the Model 350 X-Frame is a dream for both handgun hunters and those who live in straight-wall-only states. The pellets are contained with a traditional-type wad and buffered to reduce deformation during firing. This is a standard chart based on 2 3/4 12-gauge round. Price: $10.49 per 5-rnd.
This is the most reliable shoulder fired stopper we have. #shotgun #12gauge #remington870In this video I shoot 2 3/4\" 00 Buckshot at 25, 50, and even 100 yards. var fields = new Array(); For home defense the buckshot load with manageable recoil. //
For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. $('#mce-error-response').hide(); CHRIS: I think the gel blocks are 6x6 and at 100, we put two of them side by side so we had a 12x6 area were trying to hit with a big buckshot spread thats only eight pellets. } else { A small bird need only be hit by a few shots of birdshot. We were putting on some deer drives in fields of goldenrod. In all reality, it was more in the 30-40-yard range. The shotgun must be aimed as carefully as a rifle at close range. I learned the hard way that it was not just as easy as loading your gun with buckshot and shooting deer. It would no doubt perform even better with high quality buffered loads. That gives me an idea on just how effective it performed besides just saying, Its a dead deer.. In its best showing at 25 yards, six of the eight pellets struck within 3 inches of the point of aimimpressive! Anybody that knows anything about deer drives knows that its rare for deer to come busting into a clearing and stop for the perfect shot. Blaser Group adds to its carbon series with the introduction of the Blaser R8 Ultimate Carbon bolt-action rifle. Plating aids hardness and/or reduces friction for deeper penetration. The goal was to determine which load may have the tightest average pattern. This is important for home defense and personal defense. Most hunters, tactical shooters and personal-protection practitioners are familiar with 00 buckshot, which is the preferred size in 12-gauge. The exit side. Meanwhile, the Boar Blaster had three pellets strike within 4 inches.
Brass Fetcher 28.3K subscribers 141K views 9 years ago Ballistic gelatin test results of Buckshot. Most of those myths center on the idea that the buckshot pattern is a function of barrel length and that buckshot patterns all expand at the same rate as they fly away from the weapon. That is a huge chunk of lead. Back when most of us started hunting, the choices in buckshot were limited, and for a lack of a better term, primitive. I was very surprised by the results. } Buckshot at 10 yards Photo 1 First, let's take a look at two photos of buckshot fired from a distance 10 yardsthe maximum range at which most self-defense shootings occur, according to law . CHRIS: If its the only we could come up with some scenario where it makes sense but its going to be pretty rare. TestingTo evaluate the downrange performance of five selected 12-gauge, 2-inch buckshot loads, three of each was fired through multiple chokes (except the Hornady, which wasnt paired with the Boar Blaster) at 25 yards, and then for those showing promise, again at 35 yards. There is even some argument that the wider pattern is better. This is 20 yards with most guns, a little longer with some. Scott said they experimented with different numbers of steps and five proved to be the best for 00 and 000 buck although he didnt know the reason why. Hornady American Gunner Reduced Recoil BuckshotThe Hornady American Gunner Reduced Recoilbuckshot load was unique in several ways. 1.
We got out the ballistic gelatin and did some testing at 25, 50, and 100 yards to find out. I have buckshot specific barrels that I use, like an old Remington 1100 with a factory 30" full choke. He actively participates as a sponsored shooter in the Campbell Outdoor Challenge and is an accomplished outdoor videographer.
In my experience patterning buckshot, premium loads pattern better and, not surprisingly, 12 and 15 pellet loads of 00 buck put more hits on the target than does a 9-pellet load. Still, the animal on the other end of the shotgun gets the worst of it. Regular reader Jim in NC recently suggested I write more about buckshot, adding that I should not dismiss buckshot deer hunters as a bunch of knuckle dragging rednecks who should be shooting driven pheasants with Holland and Hollands. Hardly. [CDATA[ I can handle it. Price: $8.49 per 10-rnd. $('#mce-success-response').hide(); fields[i] = this; CHRIS: Yeah, theyre around 1100 feet per second. Details in the video below or keep scrolling for the full transcript. Buckshot patterns fall apart quickly. Double Ought is .34 caliber and 54 grains. i++; If you fire at greater range, in the outdoors, protecting a camp or area, or taking out feral dogs or coyote, you want a tighter pattern. Then zero the red dot for the farthest distance where the pattern is still tight enough to be useful. A forum community dedicated to Shotgun owners and enthusiasts including the Remington, Beretta, and Mossberg shotguns brands.
Many of your major choke tube manufacturers are now making choke tubes designed especially for buckshot loads, which will greatly increase pattern density and effective range. Buckshot has greater recoil to contend with but the trade off is excellent wound potential. CHRIS: Kinda like a meteorite John, thats right. So we set up a couple of blocks and shot it at ten feet. At 50 feet the group expanded to about seven inches in diameter with eight of the nine pellets easily staying withing the size of an average persons face.
}); } Daniel Defense firearms, parts and accessories. Im not sure if its due to more people using deer rifles because of their extended range, or that there are more areas that were once thick undergrowth and are now logged off and cleared for fields and food plots that allow for longer shot distances.
By swapping your trusty rifle for a 12-gauge when hunting in dense cover, youll maximize your odds of success. I experienced no cycling issues, either. A chance to follow in his fathers footsteps on a moose hunt in Finland proved to be irresistible to the author, who may never have become a gunwriter without his fathers pioneering trip 33 years ago. He also said these missing pellets drive LE range officers nuts when they have to account for every projectile fired in training. Before anyone jumps in with the you wasted meat comments, let me add that nothing edible on this deer was ruined. Less costly than its sibling, the blue box shell has nine, non-plated lead buckshot at 1325 fps. Of course, do you want to use a shotgun beyond 25 yards? Since it employed the Versatite wad, I restricted testing to the extended, Trulock 0.700-inch and 0.710-inch aftermarket chokes, as well as the factory, flush-fitting Benelli 0.703-inch tube. Range of effectively taking deer was usually limited to 30 yards or less. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Follow Lucky Gunner Lounge from your Inbox! It delivered focused patterns at 25 yards, and at 35 yards, pattern density was still such that a lethal strike was guaranteedespecially through the Boar Blaster choke . Although it has been around for centuries, buckshot seems to have died out in popularity with deer hunters. Please go to Appearance > Sidebars and drag a widget into User Submit Sidebar. With a 12 gauge shotgun and a selection of ammo from 9s to buck and slugs you can shoot anything on Earth that walks or flies. Now add a little buffer, wad, or both to further protect the buckshot from deforming, and youre well on your way of having a legitimate 50+ yard, tight patterning buckshot load. Breaking Auto Glass- The Right Tool for the Job. Ive got a Beretta 1301 that actually patterns with #1 at 25 about like what your barrel was doing, so probably about the same thing for that particular gun, but Ive got other shotguns that dont pattern like that. Stop missing and get a choke that works.