Birdshot Vs. Buckshot

When setting up a defensive shotgun, selecting the proper load is almost as important as the firearm itself. The most common types of shotgun ammunition are birdshot & buckshot - but is one better than the other?

Birdshot & Buckshot: What's The Difference?

The key distinction between birdshot and buckshot is the size and quantity of projectiles in each shell. As the name implies, birdshot utilizes a high number of small pellets for shooting birds and other small animals. Buckshot uses fewer, much larger projectiles that are ideal for taking down medium to large game.

Shop Remington Ultimate Defense 12GA 9 Pellet 00 Buckshot!

Self Defense Applications

The smaller projectiles in birdshot lose energy more quickly and thus pose less risk of overpenetration, which might seem preferable in a small apartment or family home. However, the loss of penetration inherent in birdshot can sometimes result in suboptimal results when deployed against an armed attacker in heavy clothing. 

For this reason, buckshot is generally favored for use as a self-defense load. The larger projectiles are more likely to incapacitate a target, whereas birdshot (while still quite lethal) may not immediately stop the threat.

Marines are issued 00 Buckshot for their Benelli M4s because it is the ideal load to stop the threat, but do minimal damage to sensitive materials such as other munitions in an Ammunition Supply Point. 

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Selecting The Best Buckshot

Most ammunition manufacturers offer a variety of defensive buckshot loads. Look for a high shot count with copper or steel-coated pellets, as these projectiles will generate the desired penetration in a tight pattern. This in turn produces better accuracy and maximizes the combat efficacy of your shotgun.

Shop Federal Vital-Shok 12GA 12 Pellet 00 Buckshot!

Click here to browse defensive buckshot and be sure to watch our video to learn more about home defense shotguns!