Buckshot for 20 ga.?

[greyhound]

Anyone know what type of buckshot is available for a 20 ga.? Someone told me that #4 is the only type available. Also, any opinions on #6 birdshot as a self defense shell, especially on an apartment or townhouse?
Thanks!

[Preacherman]

No. 3 Buck is the standard in 2¾" shells, with no. 2 Buck available in some manufacturers' 3" shells. I know folks who handload their buckshot in 20ga., and they put in a couple of 00 buck pellets and fill 'er up with no. 3, so as to have a couple of heavier pellets for deeper penetration. However, the pattern tends to be uneven in this way, so I'd only trust those loads for close ranges.

Buckshot is freely available - try Wal-Mart, who are usually not bad, or a gunshow might yield a harvest.

[Dave McCracken]

If you're near Baltimore, try Clyde's Sport shop, they have a good selection for the 20. 3 buck is quite effective when used within its range limit.

[Mannlicher]

I have used #3 often, and have a lot of it stockpiled. It has been a few years since I have seen any of the #2 Buck around.

I killed my first deer, almost 40 years ago, with a Single Shot Stevens 20ga, still have the gun. The #3 Buck did the job at about 20 yards, on a running doe.