Different shot sizes in 20 ga for H/D

[ZVP]

I just located a site with #,3 and4 Buckshot in 20 ga shells. I ordered one of each to just try to see the patterns from my 20 Ga SxS. I don't know how much difference on pper it'll make but actual preformance under "real" conditions would likely be very different.
Larger shot would probablly tear up worse than small.
Maybe more like a 12 ga?
The problem of overpenetration of walls would happen with larger shot.
The real reason for wanting bigger shot is to reach the vitals of a fooe and stop an attack. Who cares if he dies? Just stop.
ANyone have any experiences with these different 20 ga shot sizes?
Thanks,
ZVP

 

[WestKentucky]

I have tested some loads of bb through #4 with hunting loads of various types. I settled on #4 turkey loads. They pack a heck of a punch but from my bedroom door to my front door it's a wad the size of a baseball that punches through 2 layers of drywall easily enough but not so easily on glass, and nothing on brick. On plywood it looked good. Hopefully I never find reason to test it any further than on plywood.

 

[ugaarguy]

I just located a site with #,3 and4 Buckshot in 20 ga shells. I ordered one of each to just try to see the patterns from my 20 Ga SxS. I don't know how much difference on pper it'll make but actual preformance under "real" conditions would likely be very different.

The terminal ballistic differences between sizes of buckshot is minimal. Anything that can penetrate a human torso with enough depth to reach vital structures and effect a physiological stop is going to punch through drywall. Buckshot in its various sizes is still typically a lower over-penetration risk than JHP handgun rounds.

Use whatever load patterns best in your gun, and understand that each shotgun is a law unto itself. The same size shot in different brands and even different lines within the same brand will pattern differently in the same shotgun because of a variety of factors including shot hardness (or plated / non plated shot), buffering, wad, and average velocity. So, with shotguns it's absolutely critical to buy the specific load (or loads) that pattern best in your gun.

 

[ZVP]

Yea I do have some testing to do!
I' looking for stopping power from whatever aptterns best, bigger the better cause it'll penetrate better.
I too hope it NEVER comes to that!
I hve a couple .38's and a .357 for home protection but feel better with a shotgun. Getting old and the eyes are going. Easier to aim a shotgun.
Both of us are disabled and the 20 ga makes more sense far as recoil goes. I have a shortened 12ga pump but it's sorta heavy and does kick a bit.
2 3/4" from the 20 oughta control better I hope.
Basically the revovers are mine and she dosen't have much time with em. I do OK with em.
Thanks for the good replys guys1