Choosing the Best Buckshot for Your Home Defense Shotgun

The only way to really know what the right buckshot is for your home defense shotgun of choice will be, is to test it out. Maximum effective range comes down to being able to safely and reasonably account for every pellet that leaves the muzzle of your firearm. With a pistol or a rifle we often have a single projectile to account for with ever press of a trigger. With 00 buckshot out of a shotgun, we have a pattern of 8 or 9 pellets to account for every time we pull the trigger. While this makes for a very effective means for threat neutralization, it also presents potential risks for collateral damage if we do not understand what our firearm and our ammunition are producing with every shot (both at the muzzle, and at varying distances down range). Hopefully this short video will give you some insight as to what to look for in your own research with ammo selection for your home defense shotgun selection.
0:25 - What is the right buckshot for your home defense shotgun?
1:03 - Why every responsibly armed citizen should learn how to use a shotgun effectively for self and home defense.
1:11 - Why you should test the ammo you choose for your self defense shotgun.
2:07 - My favorite buckshot choice for home and personal defense use.
2:47 - Testing generic 00 buckshot at 10 yards.
4:25 - Testing generic 00 buckshot at 15 yards.
5:48 - Testing Federal FLITE Control at 10 yards.
6:33 - Testing Federal FLITE Control 00 buckshot at 15 yards.
7:52 - Side by side target comparison.
Learn more about FLITE Control ammo by following ‪@federalpremiumammo‬
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Eye Protection: Gargoyles Performance Eyewear with ‪@HuntersHDGold‬ specialty lenses
Shotgun: Breda B12i with ‪@BrileyManufacturing‬ upgrades
Targets: ‪@ShootSteelcom‬
Clothing: ‪@VIKTOSbrand‬
Be sure to follow my friend Ken Stretz at ‪@StretzTacticalinc‬ as well!

[@maxmccain8950]

I agree. I use the 8 pellet load though. The 9 pellet always seems to produce a flyer.

[@SeanGoBoom]

That is certainly a common issue with some loads in certain shotgun makes and models. It's nice to have the 8 shot option.

[@markgotschall2914]

#1 buck for me at home, when I was a Deputy, Federal Flight Control 00 buck was the issued load, all about public safety.

[@Woowoo88]

I used to think the Winchester #1 buck was the Goldilocks generic load for the 12ga. Until I figured out how Fiocchi made their Defense Dynamics 00 buckshot have less recoil while still advertising 9 pellets. Their pellets aren't true 00 pellets they are closer to #1 buck and they made them out of something besides good old lead. I'll always Have a good stockpile of either 8 pellet flight control 00 from federal or Hornady Critical Defense 00 buckshot which has 8 pellets. Something about the way they are stacked so I don't get that flyer with 8 pellets loads. But I have a nice stock of Fiocchi Defense Dynamics 00 buckshot for the upcoming global meltdown.

[@6254KLR]

A tight pattern is great, but honestly I want some spread. If I wanted to shoot a fist size target at 15 yards, I would use my AR15 or a SBR. We are talking home defense, tight quarters, and speed. The longest shot in my home is from one side of the basement to the other and will not exceeed 15 yards, 90% of my shots would be under 7 yards inside the house. For my purposes, 1 inch of spread for every yard is perfect. If I am in camp or at the cabin I would want a tighter pattern for sure and will use a different shotgun/ammo combo. Just my opinion...

[@SeanGoBoom]

The cool thing about removable chokes is you can adjust your pattern according to your needs and application. 1" per yard is a good estimate to start with, but absolutely not a replacement for doing your homework and knowing your loads with your chokes in your shotgun. I would never argue shotgun vs AR-15. That's like arguing hammer vs pliers. Different tools for different applications. One is not inherently better than the other; context is everything. This video is about patterning and applying ammo choice to your shotgun, so let's stay on topic.

[@bobg3633]

Bro do you live in a mansion lmao?

[@freedomfirst5420]

An oblique or side shot would nessitate a tighter group, putting more buckshot on target, and reduce collateral damage.

[@jeffpaul8260]

I have a double barrel coach gun. Different pattern

[@bansheerider619]

Just use bird shot beo

[@jakeevins3231]

If you have a soft shoulder use federal. If you want something with good power use Remington.

[@googlechicken]

Flight control is pretty much everyone’s go to home defense load and rightfully so. Good stuff

[@SeanGoBoom]

I wish what you said were true, but too many people (WAY too many) think having 'mOrE spReAd' in their pattern is a good idea.

[@googlechicken]

@@SeanGoBoom ya that’s why Flight control is a good load it keeps a tighter pattern

[@jameshutchins3396]

Excellent video. Flight control is almost like a slug. Very impressive. Thank you for taking the time to film and post.

[@dash8465]

A tight pattern is great, unless I miss, then its a softball-sized mess plowing out into the unknown. I live on an acre and still wont use Flight Control 00 buck or slugs for home defense. My nightstand option is a 590 Shockwave loaded with Shorty #4 buck. #4 is around the size of a 22lr and moving about the same speed except the Shorty delivers 15 of them at once. If only half hit the job is done.. any that miss are unlikely to escape the inside of my house with enough energy to enter anyone else’s. I’ve sent many boxes thru the 590 with that clip thing stuck in the well and zero failures. Plus, the recoil and sound is minimal. Imo the #4 Shorty’s are a win any way you look at it, unless of course you’re objective is to put your intruder’s guts out onto the front lawn… a result a competent prosecutor in a typical dem run anti self-defense hellhole city could use against you… and most certainly will if even one 00 makes it into someone elses home.

[@markn4526]

I'm beginning to think that #4 buckshot should be the load of choice for most home defense scenarios. The Federal Power-Shok #4 buckshot patterns really well for shorter, less than 10-yard, home defense distances. One errant pellet of #00 buckshot flying thru your wall and into your neighbors' house and guess what...you've become the perpetrator trying to defend yourself in court.

[@robertgoodrich8953]

Stay in a Free state! Run from Blue!

[@NoName-rg3np]

Just a question, and not here to offend, but wouldn't having a wider pattern be better? If the goal is to hit the target, then I just feel like it makes more sense. It's barely 9 yards from one end of my very average sized home to the other. I'm not shooting the intruder who's breaking down my front door from my back yard... Am I the only one of the opinion that you might as well be shooting slugs if your goal is to keep that tight of a pattern?

[@jacobackley502]

Lots of people feel that way. Coupled with the fact that flitecontrol is a relatively wimpy round (federal's "00 buck" pellets are ~0.315 which is closer to #1 buck or 0 buck, which typically have 16 or 12 pellets respectively) that kicks disproportionately hard due to the wad having no cushion section, the round is somewhat unattractive beyond surface depth. If you like super tight patterns, flite control doesn't offer it beyond 20 yds. A proper buckshot choke and good loads will deliver tighter patterns all the way out to 50+ yds than flitecontrol can do at 30. So yeah, it's kind of a gimmick that just happens to fit the average youtube gun guy's vision of what they want.

[@kevincielski5597]

No, you're right. The generic 12g round here provided what I determine is a better pattern. Better vitals hit probability by far. If I wanted a single hole at 10 yards, I'd use a single projectile slug.

[@natantorres6164]

Anytime you send any rounds down range you want to be accountable for each one, that’s why a tight pattern is preferred. If you have rounds flying out anywhere they’re bound to hit something/someone that you didn’t intend to hit

[@m.m4982]

​@@natantorres6164but with the other buckshot you can hit someone with 4 or 5 pellets and be good. With flight control you miss the tiny slug sized window and now you have 9 buckshot flying down range.....

[@Woowoo88]

Depends on where you live. If you live alone on a farm or in the woods or something the spread won't matter as much as if you live in say an apartment or have a family because a 00 pellet will go through a wall and 1 00 pellet can kill someone.

[@podsmpsg1]

Force X2 by Federal would be a great choice. 9 pellet 00 buckshot where the pellets break into two equal pieces on impact. Much less chance of overpenetration and much higher transfer of energy.

[@MichelleObamaIsPackinASack]

Fishing weights my friend..

[@davidr7872]

Paul Harrell has a video testing shotgun use for home protection/over penetration. He tests 00 buck, #4 buck and 5.56 AR platform. The #4 buck is the clear winner, a good pattern and no over penetration. Check his video out, it's quite interesting.

[@Woodyperckerhead-ni3ti]

#4 buck fox coyote home evasion goose hunt

[@SeanGoBoom]

There are plenty of videos out there there demonstrate the capabilities of #4 buckshot over penetrating inner and outer walls. I love Paul's video, but the biggest measure for prevention of over penetration, is developing one's skills and ability to perform with a shotgun. Based on my own tests with ballistic gel and layers of clothing #4 doesn't penetrate what I want it to penetrate enough, and I need that first shot to get the job done.

[@robert4027]

10 yrd pattern with generic buck is perfect for my shooting distance in my home defense scenario ... you can keep the flight control I don't want it

[@SeanGoBoom]

That's a lot of pattern separation. Why on earth would you not want all the energy and impact of the pattern to be closer together? A) Less risk of a stray pellet causing collateral damage, B) less need to aim more carefully to make sure all your projectiles hit... tighter patterns allow for more margin of error when aiming without risking strays AND delivering more effective impact and penetration.

[@m.m4982]

​@SeanGoBoom doesn't look like flight control is allowing your shot at home defense distance to act as a wall of gunfire to stop the intruder. Looks like you need to treat it like a slug at that point. For better or worse the energy seems to be concentrated rather than dispersed. If someone is intruding and moving and jumping out of the way I would rather have at least a bit more spread to to cover a larger area. Flight control at 10-15 yards doesn't look much different than how a low velocity slug would act

[@twiggybones7040]

@@SeanGoBoomyour “B” sounds crazy. Less need to aim? If your pattern is as tight as a rifle round, then you have to aim. Every 3 feet is one inch of spread. Generally speaking. More factually speaking, a shotguns job is to send shot out there. You want to tighten the pattern, load a slug in it. 10 yards is 30 feet. That’s a 10 in spread. I am happier to see a 8” spread at 10 yards. A shotgun is not a rifle. Not the same purpose, not the same anything.

[@JohnLee-jk5ew]

@@SeanGoBoomdon’t forget the adrenaline, fear, and an insane feeling not many people have had. That needs to be apart of the equation too! Thanks for the cool and educational video

[@SeanGoBoom]

@twiggybones7040 Buckshot behaves completely different upon impact than a slung, regardless of how tight the pattern is. The wider the spread on the pattern, the more careful you have to aim to ensure all the pellets hit, otherwise what doesn't hit your intended target, will continue to fly until it hits something (or someone) else. The power of buckshot is NOT accuracy by volume, it is delivering a multi-projectile hit in a concentrated space... with 00 you get 9 hits for one press of the trigger. Watch and learn kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGmrYnuuaaunq8ksi=PXfBzXreiGXu3HpB

[@Loadrunner620]

I live in the suburbs and I have to think about over penetration. Inside of a house, does most damage and does not over penetrate. Maximum distance inside of a house, 10 yards. Number #4 Buckshot 22 rounds of 1/4 inch diameter balls. Verses 9 rounds of 30 caliber diameter balls double 00 Buckshot.

[@JohnLee-jk5ew]

Heavy Shot used to make #4 and 00 frangible shells. Not 100% sure of their pattern(s) but sounds good for the jury

[@SeanGoBoom]

Are you talking about penetrating walls or over penetrating the threat? There are plenty of videos on the internet demonstrating that #4 buckshot over penetrates sheetrock inner walls and outer walls very effectively. The best remedy for not hitting walls is to train and get good enough to hit you intended target. Unlike a shooting range, engaging a threat straight on is not your only option. You have upward and downward angles to consider too that could greatly minimize risk of over penetration.

[@davidgiffordsr.930]

Generic would be fine for my little house. Furthest I could use it in my house might be just under 10 yards. Thanks. Still helped me I expected it would have been a 2" pattern for like 30'.

[@SeanGoBoom]

Tighter patterns are often more effective with all the impact form the multiple projectiles focused on one area, and there is way less risk of collateral damage from a stray pellet. Also, consider with a bigger pattern you are required to be more precise with your shooting to ensure that all the pellets hit and you don't have any fliers, whereas with a tighter pattern, the possibility of any missing decreases.

[@nate4036]

I use 00 or 000 in my 2.75-3” guns. I use #4 buck in my Versa Max and Super Mag. Even through a cyl bore choke 54 pellets of #4 is my ideal defensive/offensive scatter gun

[@SeanGoBoom]

54 pellets in a 2.75” 12 gauge #4 buck load? Might want to cut one of those shells open and count the pellets yourself. You’re probably going to find something closer to 24 pellets.

[@nate4036]

@@SeanGoBoom no I mean 54 in the 3.5” Versa Max and 3.5” Super Mag. Those shells were designed for that heavy payload/capacity My apologies for the confusion, I should have clarified that better.

[@mcburcke]

Several years back, the Feds ran some tests and decided that the best defensive shotgun load was to use nickel-plated #4 Buck. Fiocchi makes it in ten-round boxes.

[@phild8095]

because of our age and worn out shoulders our HD shotgun is 410 with 18" barrel. Any of the common 410 defensive loads or my handloaded 3 of 000 buckshot on top of 18 grains of Hodgdon's Lil Gun will also do fine. The recipe came from Ballistic Products.

[@MichelleObamaIsPackinASack]

Im no shotgun expert ... but I have 3 870"s and they all pattern way differently.. not in a bad way but definitely different..

[@SeanGoBoom]

That's why doing your homework with your go-to shotgun is so important. Thanks for sharing!

[@brian6697]

I like the Winchester segmenting slugs because it's a slug so no spread but once it hits it breaks into 3 smaller pieces Kinda the best of both slug and buck

[@SeanGoBoom]

They are interesting loads for sure.

[@richardsmith4187]

Sean I agree the Federal flight control 00 buck round would be my choice. I just purchased a Mossberg 940pro tactical which will completely fit my needs for home defense or personal defense. I wasn't able to determine what brand shotgun you were using ? Great video !!

[@SeanGoBoom]

It is a Breda B12i. They aren't imported into the US anymore. Maybe again someday. Closest comparison is a Benelli M2. All of the modifications on it were done by Briley Manufacturing.

[@minotaurus91]

Are you asking what ammo I would use for home defense? 12 gauge, 2.75" cartridge loaded with #4 Buckshot, without fail. The pattern is excellent, even at close range, and the bullets are not too penetrating. Coincidentally, it is the ammunition chosen by the FBI. Seeing is believing!

[@wildmanturner]

I live in the woods and don’t have people in other rooms. Flyers don’t bother me. But I do like tight patterns

[@SeanGoBoom]

Better pattern density = more damage on impact. What's not to like :)

[@harrypeterson9287]

#4 buck for me. 1: It will penetrate enough at HD distances. 2: It will penetrate significantly less through the typical home than 00 in the event of a complete miss. You know, walls, TVs, dressers, cupboards, appliances etc. 3: It has a massively wider combined area than 00. 9 times .33" equals 2.97". 27 times .24" equals 6.48". That's a lotta damage! 4: The patterns are similar in size for both within HD distances but upon impact the #4 scatters out into more of a cone pattern whereas 00 tends not to deviate much from its initial path on impact. I'll take 27 distinct diverging wound tracts over what practically amounts to a single, ragged linear wound tract.

[@SeanGoBoom]

You also have A LOT more projectiles you are accountable for that don’t land on target.

[@JimwombatLand]

#4 Buck Lots of pellets

[@tombishop5835]

I don’t need the best buckshot, just what works

[@SeanGoBoom]

Isn't the best buckshot load the one that works?

[@taintedgooch]

i have both federal and hornady i prefer hornady both are good tho

[@SeanGoBoom]

It is such a uniquely personal choice. Every shogun / buckshot combination is unique. Glad you found what works best for your blaster. Keep training!

[@haileymaya2030]

I watch your videos as much as I can to get input I recently obtained the g-force GF3T can you do a video what is the best shotgun ammo for home defense for that particular model

[@blackheartgaming6121]

I'm thinking of getting a shotgun soon myself

[@SeanGoBoom]

They are a uniquely personal firearm platform.

[@baltimorejae7397]

I'm not really a skilled gunman. I just bought a Kel Tec KS7 I understand what mean by the shotgun choke. My question is do you think this ammo good for my weapon.

[@ShaunPanzer]

I’d like to see a Buck Kicker choke with the generic because it seems to give a very nice pattern like the flight control. Thanks for your great Vid !

[@SeanGoBoom]

That would be cool... I'll see about doing that.

[@poseidon5003]

T shot would be brutal.

[@user-it7sj7kt1v]

Awesome video shotguns for me only it's just my personal preference

[@SeanGoBoom]

I love them all, but scatterguns will always have a special place in my heart.

[@michaelshanahan4965]

Your choice of ammo is great, but, good luck getting it (expensive). Rio 00 Buck 9 pellet, I’ve always been able to find and it’s about $20.00 for 25 rounds.

[@SeanGoBoom]

It is available everywhere I've looked. Local stores, websites... Google is your friend.

[@t2deck]

Very informative! Good job and thank you👍🏻👍🏻

[@SeanGoBoom]

My pleasure. More on this topic coming soon!

[@bobg3633]

Black aces tactical buck

[@xray5043]

Why not just use a slug then. You are getting the benefit of the swarm that you get with 00 when using flight control. I think flight control would be ideal for law enforcement that would be shooting in many environments. But for home nah I want some spread or I would just use any other gun

[@SeanGoBoom]

Buckshot behaves much differently than a slug does on impact. Here is a video explaining why a tight patter is beneficial kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGmrYnuuaaunq8k

[@xray5043]

@@SeanGoBoom hmmm I guess you have a point lol

[@Quality_Guru]

First time on your channel. Became an instant subscriber. I will have to look on your playlist to see what type of shock on you were using.

[@SeanGoBoom]

Breda B12i Tactical

[@jeffowens2051]

Mine is rather partial to Fiocci 00 hunting grade. Cylinder choke 18” barrel.

[@SeanGoBoom]

If it works in your gun with your distance needs, run with it. Sounds like you've done your homework and found a load that works for you.

[@wooddawg4868]

If I want a single projectile I will use my ar10 or use slugs.

[@SeanGoBoom]

So... this video is about multi-projectile loads... specifically buckshot. Not sure how that got missed, but thanks for watching.

[@markn4526]

Interesting video! It was pretty much predetermined that the Federal Flight Control would be superior. It's more or less become the standard for home defense. Have you heard of 8 pellet 00 buckshot patterning more consistently (without a flyer) than 9-pellet 00 buckshot? I'd like to see a comparison of 00 buckshot and #4 buckshot, as well as 9-pellet vs. 8-pellet 00 buckshot, at typical home defense distances.

[@SeanGoBoom]

That's a good idea for a video. I'll keep that in mind.

[@sylviacandler5541]

Home defense, super short range. Idiots would want to use a slug for that purpose which is what the Flight control is at 15 yards. Super cold weather where very heavy clothing is a factor is another issue where heavier pellet size is needed to penetrate. I had screw-in chokes installed in all of my straight-cylinder bore shotguns, now the Self-defense shot gun is a Turkey gun if I need it to be. Change a choke to extra full and get a 20" pattern at 40 yards which equates to a good 60-yard pattern. I have tested a lot of shotguns and shotgun shells. We also hunt deer and coyotes with shotguns. Shotguns are very different in how they pattern, night and day. Do your homework with different shotguns and ammo in your gun. At 15 yards, you want some spread due to the possibility of moving targets. An improved cylinder or modified, improved modified choke may be your preference. The old adage that a Cylinder bore patterns buckshot the best is pure horse manure. I have tested many hundreds of patterns with a variety of shotguns. You must be honest with yourself in the yardage you want to shoot. Another issue is gun fit. Since most shotguns have no sights, Gun fit will determine what your point of impact is vs your point of aim. I shoot very low and left with all Remington shot guns for instance, but I put a Burris speed bead on my Rem 1100 ten shot. Beretta makes shotguns with the least amount of recoil for heavy buckshot shells, even less than a Rem 1100. For home defense where the woman of the house may use the gun, a 20g would be prudent in a gas-operated shot gun. I hunted coyotes for over twenty years with various kinds of shotguns, near and far, and killed my share of deer with much different buckshot loads. I would advise you to put up a piece of newspaper at 20 yards, get a steady aim and squeeze the trigger checking how far off the center you are...get ready for a shock. This point of aim vs point of impact becomes a critical issue if you are shooting a Slug. At ranges of home defense, Number four buck shot is more than adequate, I can promise you that!

[@SeanGoBoom]

The idea that you want ‘spread’ on a target for defensive purposes is akin to saying you aren’t accountable for every projectile that leaves your muzzle. If you can’t guarantee all 8 pellets of your pattern will land on target, you’re being reckless and sloppy with deadly force risking unnecessary collateral damage. This especially a crucial consideration in home defense use as a single stray pellet can easily over-penetrate inner walls. Pick a home defense gun with a designated choke of your choice and a designated load that works for your intended application and learn it and know it cold,.. or pick a different platform for home defense.

[@JMedro]

This was a great video!! Thank you!

[@SeanGoBoom]

Glad you found it helpful.

[@billg6539]

Very Helpful, I'm now a subscriber! What are your thoughts on Federal #4 magnum Express as a defensive round. I only ask because I don't own any 00. What shotgun were you using and what attachments were on it. Thanks

[@SeanGoBoom]

I'm a big fan of #4 buck. Demo video with it is forthcoming.

[@pistolpaulie4871]

Unless you have a pump shotgun… then there’s no problem!

[@SMcda]

very informative video, thx

[@SeanGoBoom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@moreme40]

Good video. I see Federal 00 pretty often in stores and online, but I can’t find the “flight control” variety anywhere ?

[@SeanGoBoom]

Online is always a good option to explore.

[@bowieupland6112]

The generic Buckshot does exactly what I want a home defense shotgun to do. Spread 4 to 6 inches, within 5 to 7 yards.

[@SeanGoBoom]

If it works for your needs in your living circumstance, run with it. For me and my living situation, it is too much expansion too soon, and I don't want to have to switch to slugs at 7 yards, that 's too close.

[@sailguy0321]

I like it when she spreads.

[@SeanGoBoom]

More spread requires more precision with your aiming. Here's why kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGmrYnuuaaunq8k

[@MichaelDay-ui8ep]

There are like 3 or 4 modes of flite control…would it be possible for you tell me what mode this is? Fc-127? 132LE. Etc etc

[@michaelmorrison5280]

Looks like flight control would be a great hunting shell, but at 10 yards it's functionally just a slug that you paid way too much for. What's worse, now you have to worry about multiple projectiles overpenetrating instead of just one--so much for shot accountability there. At 15 yards that's a nice pattern, but the only way I'm getting 15 yards in my house is if I'm standing at the far end of my living room and shooting through the kitchen.... It's just not practical for me in my modest suburban home.

[@SeanGoBoom]

Try testing slug penetration on soft targets vs buckshot before making assumptions like that. Even a low recoil rifled 1oz slug traveling at 1300fps will produce substantially more concentrated entry and over penetration than a relatively concentrated pattern of buckshot at 10 yards as shown in the video. They are nothing close to the same. A tight buckshot does a lot of damage to the intended target, and keeps projectile accountability in check, especially when considering an intruder will likely be wearing multiple layers of clothing. As a general rule of thumb for shotgun use of home defense, slugs should be saved for distances beyond the effective and accountable range of buckshot. As for the distances in your own home. Every circumstance is different and every ammo / shotgun combination is different. The shotgun unlike any other weapon platform is a deeply personalized one that is unique to each individual. Go to the range with different ammo products with your preferred gun of choice, do your homework and find what works best for your intended application. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@guymatsuda8660]

I heard there’s a 00 8 pellet Federal Flite Control out that has a better tighter pattern, but I can’t find any. Have you heard or tried? If so your thoughts and where can I get it?

[@SeanGoBoom]

You can get them wherever buckshot is sold. It is pretty common.

[@lablover3112]

I Don't have anywhere in my house further than 45 feet, IF their farther than that, their outside probably running away and I would not shoot.

[@harrypeterson9287]

In my town there was a shootout between an ex husband and the woman's new boyfriend. The husband was on the road out front shooting over the hood of his car into the house with a 9mm hi-point carbine and the boyfriend shot back with a 10-22. Probably a 40-50 yard distance between the two of them, nobody got hit. I drive by there just about every day, you can see the mismatched shingles they patched in where he shot the roof. Point is, there are some home defense scenarios outside the home.

[@SeanGoBoom]

According to the 2021 William English National Firearm Survey, nearly 75% of defensive uses occur outside the home, of which 54% occur on the person's property, outside the home. So while knowing the maximum distance you need to be accountable for indoors, knowing that you can account for every pellet when using in a slightly larger area with a bit more reach (such as your yard) is very useful, so consider working with a tighter pattern so you can have the extra reach if you need it.

[@timg7627]

Good video. Good info

[@SeanGoBoom]

Glad you found it useful!

[@OFLHLGZ28]

What shell holder is that? How is it fastened?

[@tboneitsallgood6757]

As far as Federal Flight control 12 gaugrle 00 buck, I have a Browning pump with a improved cylinder barrel/No chokes! Can I still use that ammo? Thanks

[@ricardogoodman1750]

Informative content 😎

[@SeanGoBoom]

Glad you liked it

[@Rubicon1776]

2 3/4” 00 Buck. But I’m using an AR-15. A shotgun is my least favorite option for home defense.

[@SeanGoBoom]

Interesting. Do you watch hammer videos and talk about how pliers are your favorite tool in the comment section? Different tools for different applications.

[@45acporbust73]

What shotgun is that? Stoeger M3000 with an MLOK hand guard?

[@yipeeiaye]

Good info - Admittedly I would never have thought there was that significant of a difference. Thnx 👍

[@SeanGoBoom]

Glad it was helpful! The difference between the two isn't as important as knowing what you can and cannot accomplish with whatever round you choose to work with and use. Safety and responsible use is understanding what your projectiles are doing down range after they leave your firearm. FLITE Control rounds can help better manage expectations and consistency, but we all still need to do our homework.

[@yipeeiaye]

@@SeanGoBoom Exactly! Got some continuing education today!

[@tacktiician4978]

I just bought federal 00 buck copper plated for Home. Flight wad is awesome but whats the benefit of the copper?

[@michaelmorrison5280]

Helps prevent shot deformation when it's being fired out of the gun. If the shot becomes deformed it can fly off in wierd directions due to the shape, so basically the copper just helps keep them going where you're aiming.

[@ditchdigger93]

Unless you really need something that spread extremely fast my buckshot of choice is the Flight Control every time. Shooting anyone at in house distances with any 12 gauge shotgun shell, even yes, birdshot, is going to make a hell of a mess. It's very likely your maid is going to quit ok? LOL! My personal favorite as would be anyone's who's ever tried it or been fortunate enough to find any is the LE-132-1B load of 15 pellets of number one buckshot in a Flight Control wad. My reasoning? Who said every threat or reason to use a shotgun in defense is going to be in your kitchen? What if the fight goes outside and the range suddenly becomes say fifty yards? Your going to have probably eight rounds in your gun and I don't think your going to be granted a time out to load slugs or get a rifle and believe me, your going to empty that shotgun. I get thirteen inch thirty yard patterns with the number one buck load with MY shotgun, cylinder bore Mossberg 930 tactical. It's a shame this load is rarely available and I was fortunate to really stock up on it when it was. Number one buck is .30 cal. 00 is .33, number one is plenty effective and fifteen pellets goes over nine, one time.

[@SeanGoBoom]

A) Birdshot is never an ideal choice for personal protection. I advise against it 20/10 times, but something is always better than absolutely nothing. B) this video is not about nitpicking types of buckshot, but rather learning hot to pattern and responsibly use it. C) While I’m sure a scenario exists, 98% of self defense encounters involving a firearm are between 3 and 9 feet. So if anything involves discharging rounds at 50 yards, that would be a hard sell to a jury of your peers as necessary to prevent an eminent and immediate threat of serious bodily injury or death and have justified as self defense, even on one’s own property. State laws notwithstanding, that is way outside the scope of this video.

[@wokndedfan413]

All 9 pellets from Flitecontrol Fed through my Benelli M4 stays within 8” at 25 yards. Is that good enough? I plink with Fed #2 Steel though.

[@SeanGoBoom]

Depends on the distance you are planning to use it. It needs to be an effective and accountable distance. So, if you can account for all 9 pellets with moderate aiming, then I think you're good. If you have too much spread in your pattern, then it may be time to choke down, or switch to slugs at a particular distance.

[@Woodyperckerhead-ni3ti]

# 4 buck

[@SeanGoBoom]

Interesting trade off. Less risk of over penetration but a lot more projectiles to be accountable for. Principles are the same though... know your pattern, and know the limitations of the distances in which you can effectively engage while ensuring your ENTIRE pattern impacts the target.

[@adriano8809]

That’s a frkn Breda B12i T4??

[@SeanGoBoom]

It's the B12i Tactical customized and up-fitted by Briley Manufacturing. I shot for Team Breda USA until they stopped importing into the US. My understanding is there is a new importer, but I haven't looked much into it.

[@wooddawg4868]

If it goes bang it’s good

[@SeanGoBoom]

Hard to argue with that.

[@YY-zw2ec]

What do you think about 000 Buck? Its power could be considered as 8 9x19 mm bullets in a one cartridge ?

[@SeanGoBoom]

I like it, just not widely available, and with proper pattern density of 00 or #1, the amount of damage caused upon impact is more than significant.

[@Mr.Constitutionalist427]

That federal flight control looks pointless for home defense, in the house most people will never go past 5 to 10 yards as 10 yards is still 30 feet and most houses have few area with 30 feet of true open area for those shots, so with that tight of pattern justbuse a slug, now for hunting that flight control buck would be great

[@SeanGoBoom]

Buckshot behaves entirely different from slugs on impact. I'm not sure why 9 pellets to a chest cavity would be "pointless" for home defense, but whatever you think is best. It is your home after all.

[@miles267]

The FFC LE133 00 8-pellet is nowhere to be found. Is their 9-pellet LE132 00 as good?

[@SeanGoBoom]

Depends on where you shop I suppose. Get several different loads and test them out. The same loads in the same model of firearm with the same chokes tend to perform differently. Shotguns are so very personal and you need to learn to get to know your own setup intimately.

[@jeffrobinette3720]

What shot gun would you recommend for a left hand shooter?

[@johnsunlight]

If you are thinking of a pump shotgun, consider a Mossberg 500/590. They have an ambidextrous thumb safety as opposed to a Remington 870, which has a finger safety behind the trigger, which moves the wrong direction for lefties.

[@judge4321]

Ok, question. Not sure if you'll see this sir but, Will the federal flight control perform the in a shotgun WITHOUT a choke or totally different?

[@metamando]

Yes it will, but you still have to test.

[@SeanGoBoom]

Absolutely. But like I said in the video, you need to do your homework and learn what your choice of ammo does in your gun. It is a very individual thing.

[@floydblack7115]

Love it

[@SeanGoBoom]

Thanks!

[@koolsolutionszx12r55]

So what choke were you using

[@SeanGoBoom]

Cylinder.

[@bobg3633]

Unless you own a mansion just use 4 or 5 bird shot. It will do almost the same damage on a human and not go threw the wall behind him and kill youre kid.

[@SeanGoBoom]

There is plenty of data out there that show how ineffective birdshot is when it comes to stopping a human threat. Penetrating inner walls is from missing, and even #4 buckshot will penetrate inner walls. The real key is to train and become competent with your firearm, and learn there are other angles and directions you can shoot from that minimize risk of over penetration of inner structure. I mean, if your gun is shouldered and someone is inside your non-mansion home, anyone who puts in the reps should be able to land a successful first shot. Make the idea of missing NOT an option, and use loads that are designed to stop the threat.

[@effeojnedib7208]

Thanks for your video. I believe through that shotgun, the Fed. FC would be a better bear defense than human, at those ranges. Personally, if my shotgun shot a group that tight, I'd opt for a rifle with less recoil and higher capacity "mags" than a 12 ga. Again, plenty of energy and lead to kill a bear. Way too much for anything smaller.

[@SeanGoBoom]

You must not have meth-heads where you live.

[@peabody4217]

STILL..... that is a kill shot for sure!!

[@SeanGoBoom]

I didn't see him moving afterwards.

[@charlesdaniel2313]

Depending on the State you live in.. Prosecutor will ask.. Why you got Hollow points. .Why you got buck.. Slugs.. They want you to have birdshot

[@SeanGoBoom]

I'm not aware of any case where this kind of point was made, and if such a case exists, it isn't the norm. In most jurisdictions in the US, the use of a firearm regardless of what it is loaded with or if it is loaded at all, is considered a use of deadly force, and if it is unjustified the prosecutor will treat it as the use of deadly force.

[@patcline6972]

I prefer a shotgun with 3 inch mag turkey load mo over penetration and more than sufficient follow me for more tips 😁😁

[@SeanGoBoom]

Having bird shot is better than nothing, but if you've never tested it with multiple layers of clothing and other less-than-obvious variables I'll have to say, it seems you're more worried about over-penetrating than being effective.

[@d.c.57.a.38]

👍👍👍👍😊🤘🏼

[@jar6588]

Yeah but its better to spread ,to make holes in several vital organs 😳🤣✌️🍺🇺🇸

[@SeanGoBoom]

Another solid shotgun myth.

[@peabody4217]

yup hes dead 4 sure!!

I do not agree with your ammo choice. The tight pattern of the Federal Flite control is far too tight for home defense. When awakened in the middle of the night, one is less likely be so accurate confronting some intruder in panic state. It would seem much better to have a 6-8 inch spread at 10 yards to be more likely to hit and disable your target intruder. Perhaps even #4 buckshot would be even better. You may only get one shot if the intruder is armed so you want to stop them in their tracks. A good solid hit with 00 or 4 buckshot is capable of that provided you hit them.

[@SeanGoBoom]

Regardless of the type of ammo you prefer, your reasons for preferring more spread in your pattern are a bit misguided. The bigger the spread in your pattern, the more precisely you have to aim. Here is an explanation why kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGmrYnuuaaunq8k

[@scott7684]

its 4 shot indoors

[@SeanGoBoom]

Why?