#4 birdshot or #4 buckshot
- Thread starter Rem700
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Dave McCracken
Moderator In Memoriam
#4 buck is the smallest buck, and the FBI's choice at one time. It's effective, and some folks favor it for "Serious" work.
#4 BIRDSHOT is a good bit smaller, though it should also work for HD. Harder to find these days since non toxic shot was mandated for waterfowl. A good choice for a turkey load, vermin fox sized or smaller, and big ringnecks out there a ways.
For defense, I'd go for 4 buck out of the two.
#4 BIRDSHOT is a good bit smaller, though it should also work for HD. Harder to find these days since non toxic shot was mandated for waterfowl. A good choice for a turkey load, vermin fox sized or smaller, and big ringnecks out there a ways.
For defense, I'd go for 4 buck out of the two.
El Tejon
Member
Dave, #4 bird (the old Remington Nitro loads, especially #2s) are dynamic on crows as well.
Rem700, whether buck or bird would likely depend on the environment where one was using it.
Rem700, whether buck or bird would likely depend on the environment where one was using it.
sm
member
Rem700,
yes we get lazy or forget we have those new and learning. I guess we "take it for granted" one will "figure it out" ( context). Thanks for reminding us to remember where we came from.
Welcome to THR and yes, ask anytime you're not sure. "there are no dumb questions"...someone else is probably wondering also, just afraid to ask.
Me, the older I get, the more I realize what I don't know.
I do suggest you see the thread " Patterning 101" by Dave. Besides getting outdoors, having fun, I feel the pattern board is a great learning tool. Each shotgun and loading is unique.
FWIW at " contact distance" ( < 7 yds) that # 4 birdshot will surprise one. The # 4 buck allows for more penetration. What we look for is "pattern" at the longest distance + a bit more distance and penetration. In a residence and depending on layout figure the longest room , hallway, top of stairs...etc.
HTH
Again welcome.
yes we get lazy or forget we have those new and learning. I guess we "take it for granted" one will "figure it out" ( context). Thanks for reminding us to remember where we came from.
Welcome to THR and yes, ask anytime you're not sure. "there are no dumb questions"...someone else is probably wondering also, just afraid to ask.
Me, the older I get, the more I realize what I don't know.
I do suggest you see the thread " Patterning 101" by Dave. Besides getting outdoors, having fun, I feel the pattern board is a great learning tool. Each shotgun and loading is unique.
FWIW at " contact distance" ( < 7 yds) that # 4 birdshot will surprise one. The # 4 buck allows for more penetration. What we look for is "pattern" at the longest distance + a bit more distance and penetration. In a residence and depending on layout figure the longest room , hallway, top of stairs...etc.
HTH
Again welcome.
Cooter Brown
Member
Wad Wizard
The Wad Wizard choke tube makers web site now has an LE page. They have tactical 20 gauge SWAT tubes and their own hard hitting tactical 20 gauge low recoil #4 buckshot loads, and a very interesting-looking breaching and entry shotgun choke tube.
The Wad Wizard choke tube makers web site now has an LE page. They have tactical 20 gauge SWAT tubes and their own hard hitting tactical 20 gauge low recoil #4 buckshot loads, and a very interesting-looking breaching and entry shotgun choke tube.
Okiecruffler
Member
Right now my serious shotguns are loaded with #4 birdshot. In this 2 BR hut I now live in, the longest shot would be 5 yrds. At that range even a load of #9 ain't much more than a big sloppy slug.
0007
Member
Who/what is Wad Wizard and what is their contact number/website? Thanks. Been looking for 20ga stuff for a while now.
Cooter Brown
Member
For What it's worth,
I have #4 birdshot in my HD 870 (actually the rounds are in a 25 round sling in my safe-so i can grab gun/sling and go- I have slugs in there too, coz ya never know)
#4 bird is .13caliber pellets, and from house ranges you have the advantage of a really devastating load at close range. but what happens when you live in the suburbs/urban environment with buckshot? #4 bird is going to probably crack a neighbors window, and break skin at 125 yds, but buckshot will break skin at 350 yds and go right thru neighbors window and crack somebody's skull.
I feel that #4 bird is more of a socially responsible load WHERE I LIVE, that being said, what others do is fine, and I don't knock others choices because there are lots of variables in where we all live, how big our yards are, etc.
john l
I have #4 birdshot in my HD 870 (actually the rounds are in a 25 round sling in my safe-so i can grab gun/sling and go- I have slugs in there too, coz ya never know)
#4 bird is .13caliber pellets, and from house ranges you have the advantage of a really devastating load at close range. but what happens when you live in the suburbs/urban environment with buckshot? #4 bird is going to probably crack a neighbors window, and break skin at 125 yds, but buckshot will break skin at 350 yds and go right thru neighbors window and crack somebody's skull.
I feel that #4 bird is more of a socially responsible load WHERE I LIVE, that being said, what others do is fine, and I don't knock others choices because there are lots of variables in where we all live, how big our yards are, etc.
john l
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