[Guvnor]

I did an unscientific test of the 2.5 inch, winchester 3-pellet 000 buck load, vs. the newer Federal 2.5 inch, 4-pellet 000 buck. The federal seems to be marketed towards the Taurus Judge handgun, but they seem to work just as well in shotguns.

Gun used was an H&R single shot with a 19 inch cylinder bore.

Distance was approx. 15 yards.

The Federal put all 4 pellets in a 1.5 inch group, with 3 of the 4 pellets making one ragged 3/4 inch hole.

The Winchester made a 4.5 inch group.

I am very impresssed with the Federal load. The pellets are plated, which might explain the tighter patterns.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/ian2283/Picture007.jpg

[Texas Gun Person]

A pretty significant difference... I assume all following shots showed a similar outcome?

[Guvnor]

Yes, subsequent shots produced similar results.

[Guvnor]

Just thought I should mention...

I cut apart one of the Federal shells, and they have a large plastic wad that surrounds all 4 pellets. They worked great in my cylinder bore 410, but it might not be a good idea to shoot these through a full choke like what is found on most 410's. The wad seems like it would be a very tight fit through a full choke.

[RatDrall]

My friend uses a Saiga .410 to clear his barn of racoons. The "3 round burst" effect of the buckshot at close range works much better than a semi-auto .22 did. He hasn't had a problem with stopping them on the first try.

[Pancho]

Guvnor, If you are in need of another "unscientific" comparison test try what I did to compare penetration of 410 buck and slug rounds. I bought, at a garage sale, a set of encyclopedias. I can't remember the results but you could quantify and compare the penetration of different rounds by what page number they penetrated to.
One of these days I'm going to try different popular rounds to see what they will do.

[GooseGestapo]

I too got similar results from the Federal 4-pellet load from the short barreled "Snake Charmer" at approx. 10yds. I was impressed. Along with the performance I got from a slug load, I've had to rethink my opinion of the .410's usefulness.

[cottonmouth]

I need to try these in my Fausti O/U 410. I have always wanted to kill a deet with it.

J.B.