universal_exports 18 Posted February 12, 2012 Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 so who makes the best buck shot for home defense? what is best 00 buck, 000 buck? would you prefer 23/4 or 3 inch? I have mags for both, but my 10 round mags are for 23/4 I am looking for some good strong ammo, since the 20 is lacking when compared to a 12 gauge, thanks. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
timy 1,185 Posted February 14, 2012 Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 I don't run a 20 myself and judging by the responses you've gotten no one else does either. From what I understand selection is limited for the 20 gauge. Three inch 00 would pretty much have to be about as good as it gets. If you can find it. 2 or 3 shot should be adequate too. There's another thread here about Rio ammo. It seems they do make 00 for the 20. Good luck. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Marc 147 Posted February 15, 2012 Report Share Posted February 15, 2012 Federal, in their Premium Vita-Shock line; has a copper plated #2 buck 18 pellet 3" 1200 fps load, a copper plated #3 buck 20 pellet 2 3/4" 1175 fps load, and in their Personal Defense line a #4 buck 24 pellet 2 3/4" 1100 fps load. They also offer these loads in non-copper plated buckshot in their Power-Shock line, Remington and Winchester also offer similar loads. When I kept my 20 ga loaded for HD it was loaded with the 2 3/4" #3 buck and never felt it was "lacking" in any way...don't underestimate your 20 ga, its got more then enough bad guy stopping power. Only reason I don't keep my 20 loaded for HD anymore is because we moved deeper into the country and a rifle is more appropriate, I feel. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Anathoth 4 Posted February 17, 2012 Report Share Posted February 17, 2012 (edited) The Federal Premium 20 pellet #3 buck load mentioned above is probably one of the better loads you'll find for your stated use. Better penetration than the #4 buck, without the increased recoil of the 3" #2 buck offering, and copper plated to resist pellet deformation/promote consistent penetration depth. I'm not familiar with the Rio 20 ga 00 buck offering. If it is copper plated and buffered it may be worth looking into, though I tend to like to stick with known quantities for non-plinking use.. The above poster is right, with a good loading your 20 ga is more than suitable. Edited February 17, 2012 by Anathoth Quote Link to post Share on other sites
timy 1,185 Posted February 18, 2012 Report Share Posted February 18, 2012 The Federal Premium 20 pellet #3 buck load mentioned above is probably one of the better loads you'll find for your stated use. Better penetration than the #4 buck, without the increased recoil of the 3" #2 buck offering, and copper plated to resist pellet deformation/promote consistent penetration depth. I'm not familiar with the Rio 20 ga 00 buck offering. If it is copper plated and buffered it may be worth looking into, though I tend to like to stick with known quantities for non-plinking use.. The above poster is right, with a good loading your 20 ga is more than suitable. The Rio 12 gauge 00 buck I use isn't copper plated so I would assume the 20 gauge isn't either. I just use it for range ammo but have had no issues with it and would use it for HD if need be. I agree about the 20 being adequate as a defensive weapon. Those that say "12 or nothing" are being close minded IMO. I would still run three inch #2 or 00 for defensive purposes though. The more the merrier, I say. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Steppe Sweeper 22 Posted February 8, 2013 Report Share Posted February 8, 2013 You can get Dupleks too if you want a mag of slugs around Quote Link to post Share on other sites
grendelbane 0 Posted February 13, 2013 Report Share Posted February 13, 2013 I have never seen #00 buck for a 20 gauge. I don't see how it will stack in a 20 gauge. The Federal #2 load is the most effective I have found, but also the most recoil. Handloaders have loaded #1 buck in the 20 gauge, it will stack side by side, the same way that #000 stacks in the 12. There is at least one boutique loader who makes a couple of examples, though I haven't tested it. At close range, #3 works very well indeed. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
timy 1,185 Posted February 13, 2013 Report Share Posted February 13, 2013 I have never seen #00 buck for a 20 gauge. I don't see how it will stack in a 20 gauge. The Federal #2 load is the most effective I have found, but also the most recoil. Handloaders have loaded #1 buck in the 20 gauge, it will stack side by side, the same way that #000 stacks in the 12. There is at least one boutique loader who makes a couple of examples, though I haven't tested it. At close range, #3 works very well indeed. Rio does indeed make 20 gauge 00 buckshot. Check out AbleAmmo.com. Of course, they are out right now, but what else is new? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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