Hevi-shot T shot - defense load - 12 gauge

[Austinite]

Hevi-shot has come up with a 1 ounce, T shot load with 34 .20 caliber pellets. Cartridge length is 2 3/4. This load is rated at 1000 fps which is below full power. I'd expect this load to be very mild.

I'm curious to hear thoughts on this load. While density of pellets is greater than lead, the somewhat reduced velocity leads me to believe that it probably penetrates no better than #4 buck (.24 caliber). This is a guess, as I've seen no penetration results. This load seems like another low-recoil/tactical load - just with smaller shot (a reduced recoil "T" load).

I think it would be a decent load for defense situations warranting lower levels of penetration (thin-walled apartments and such).

What do you think?

 

[Virginian]

I think it would work. I think I would prefer #4 Buck because I think it's softer, with less chance of ricochet or penetration. I have never met anyone as tough as a deer, and I have seen #4 Buck drop a deer dead. I also think there are going to be so darned few real world situations where all this tactical stuff ever gets used on a live target that all there will ever be is theoretical ramblings. If you ever get broken into by Jello I am sure there will be data for that, too.

 

[Fred Fuller]

The main reason I like LE 00 buck is that it DOES get used on the street, with reportable results. I don't have to wonder how effective these loads are. It sounds as if the load you describe should be a workable load for actual in-home ranges, but it'll be a long time before there is a database of shootings with it for anyone to analyze.

lpl

 

[Old Guard Dog]

I play around with reduced recoil loads in the 900 to 1000 fps range (1 oz #4 buck). I feel they are fine for HD range, and are easier to shoot. Also, if you are going to use PGO shotgun, they are fun to shoot, easy of the wrists. I also load them in a 2 1/4" shell, which feeds good (2" length), and allows an extra shell in the mag tube.