[ront]

I just have a question about HD ammo. How much difference is there between a 2 3/4" 00 Buck vs a 3" 00 Buck round and the same thing with a 1 oz slug. Given that the mfg is the same in both sizes.
I am just thinking that in a HD scenario, where the distance is generally pretty close, the 2 3/4 is good, but I would like to hear others thoughts on this.
Thanks for listening and answering all of my questions. I have a lot to learn!!

Thanks, Ron

[mgkdrgn]

I just have a question about HD ammo. How much difference is there between a 2 3/4" 00 Buck vs a 3" 00 Buck round and the same thing with a 1 oz slug. Given that the mfg is the same in both sizes.
I am just thinking that in a HD scenario, where the distance is generally pretty close, the 2 3/4 is good, but I would like to hear others thoughts on this.
Thanks for listening and answering all of my questions. I have a lot to learn!!

Thanks, Ron

At HD distances, it's only going to slightly change the size of the spatter, the BG is never going to know the difference.

Personally I wouldn't use a slug at indoor ranges. I'd rather throw a pattern with buckshot than a single projectile and turn near misses into hits. There is also the "where will the slug end up" (penetration of interior/exterior walls) if you miss. not such a big issue with buckshot.

IMHO, your mileage may vary. No warranty express or implied. Void in all 50 states and PR, and I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

[Ben Shepherd]

The difference between 2 3/4 and 3 inch 00 buck? About three pellets generally. 2 3/4 is an 8 or 9 pellet load, most 3 inchers are 12 pellet. Slugs are a bit much for HD, unless you don't have close neighbors.

Patterning can be WILDY different in individual guns. So test specific loads in YOUR gun.

Speer lawman low-recoil 00 buck, and the federal load with the flight control wad have been getting good reviews. May want to try them out.

[the foot]

There is also a difference in perceived recoil between the 2 3/4 and 3 inch rounds. I prefer 2 3/4" 00 Buck in my 870.

I don't use slugs since I'm looking for a spread of lead from my HD shotgun.

[KBintheSLC]

I'd go with a 2 3/4" for HD... the 3" is more for hunting big game. On a human, they will not know the difference.

[ladykilla]

I'm with the others by saying go with 2 3/4 buck. I use Ranger, 2 3/4 00 buck, low recoil. Buy a bunch and try it out.

[BBQLS1]

The 3" has a good bit more recoil energy. For HD (assuming you don't live on a farm), I'd go with managed recoil 00 buck.

[Ben Shepherd]

If you can find it to try out, I hear hornady buckshot has been patterning well for a lot of folks. I haven't tried any myself yet.

[Rshooter]

After shooting three inch buck and slugs for several years I got to wondering how much difference it really makes. The targets still look pretty much the same but it wears less on me to shoot two and three quarter. I would consider low recoil loads too.

I guess I am bucking the trend, I use slugs for HD. Course I have also fired hundreds of rounds at the range practicing with slugs.

[Dirty Bob]

I'd start by patterning various 2-3/4" buckshot rounds. I don't see a real advantage to the three inch, especially because of the increased recoil. Try different sizes of buckshot, as well. You may find that #0 or #1 patterns better out of your gun than #00.

Regards,
Dirty Bob

[hamourkiller]

Regular 2 3/4" 00 = 9 - .33 cal pellets

Magnum 2 3/4" 00 = 12 - .33 cal pellets

3" 00 = 15 - .33 cal Pellets

At close range they all work well.
But if the engagement goes to longer distances then the more pellets the better.

[Fred Fuller]

I used some Federal Premium 3" loads of 000 buck once upon a time when I was experimenting with buckshot patterns at 100 yards. Other than that, I stick to 2.75" loads. I see no need to use 3" loads at usual defensive ranges.

Oh, and I stopped worrying about using buckshot at long range- it runs out of reliable penetration before it runs out of pattern. I don't want to use buckshot (I use 00 for defensive purposes) much forther than 25 yards, if I can help it.

FWIW,

lpl

[dispatch55126]

Wouldn't a #4 be better only because of the greater volume and spread?

[Youngster]

Wouldn't a #4 be better only because of the greater volume and spread?

#4 buck acts more like big birdshot than proper buckshot, those little pellets are too marginal in momentum and don't handle impact well {most of the fired #4 pellets I've recovered were reduced to sorry looking scraps of lead regardless of what they hit} to inspire much trust it against 2 legged predators. I do like the pellet count and patterns though.

[Jack2427]

2.75" shells will do anything a HD scenario needs. A 3" magnum will just provide more flash(literally) bang and recoil, without substantially increasing your hit probability or stopping power. The 3 inchers will substantially slow down your repeat shots (if needed) and possibly affect your gun handling skills if you are at all recoil sensative.
Look at what the pros use, I do not know of a single LE agency or military force that uses magnum loads, there is a reason for this.
I am not saying that here is NO agency using them, just none I have ever heard of in almost 50 years of carrying weapons professionally.

[Murexway]

Agree. 2 3/4 is better for HD. #0 or #1 buck is better than #00 for the short distances in HD situations - more pellets and less penetration of interior walls.

[monkeykevin]

I got one 3-1/2" 00 (18pellets) in the tube - 3" 00 (15pellets) 6 shells on the froward shell holder and four 2-3/4" 1oz Slug on the butt.
And a 25 shell belt with five 3-1/2 00, five 2-3/4 1oz Slug fifteen 2-3/4 00 (8pellets)
I think I'm good... The first shot is game over and if a follow up comes around its going to be Mr. and Mrs. Smith style. I hope insurance covers accidental remolding.