Stuff You Should Know About Buckshot [Part 1] 

Don't care what you do or don't eat, this is one of the best researched and presented firearms channels on the web.

Bruh, what a hero. Dude creates a whole 12:44 video (and even a part 2) but still tell you what's up in the first minute to save people time. You have earned my 👍🏻 and even my remaining 25:48 for this and part 2.

Love this guys humility, rare in this day and age.

For several years, I've watched your clear, logical, INFORMATIVE presentations. I started out ignorant & curious. Now, I still have LOTS things I wonder about & don''t KNOW. So please keep 'em coming. You & Lucky Gunner are MUCH appreciated.

missed opportunity. could've been titled "what you ought to know about buckshot"

Lucky gunner and Paul Harrell are my collegiate level RU-vid professors!

Years ago when i was still in LE (10-man local PD in NorCal), i tested Flite Cintrol, Hornady TAP, and the standard Winchester 00 that we were carrying, in my personal 20" 870 with an IC choke tube and a dept 870 with open choke. 2 of the 3 ammo types were at my own expense. Long story short, Flite Control is excellent stuff. It extended the usable range of buckshot to 25 and possibly 30 yards. Out of open bored shotguns, the Winchester stuff was already getting dicey at 15 yds. In my IC choke, it was ok at 15 yds and getting marginal past 20. The TAP was good too, but not as stark as the Flite Control. I already knew that my IC choke tube gave pretty good patterns and very good slug accuracy (rifle sights on my barrel). So we switched to Flite Control right away. For a few years, the mandated load had been 1 slug and 3 buck, also at my suggestion, which i had been doing for many years. We had extras of each type readily available. Slugs generally do not overpenetrate as much as many people believe, and usually break into 3 large pieces, which also helps. The low recoil reduced velocity slugs actually tend to penetrate more due to less expansion. So test your slugs carefully. Anyway, that is my 2 cents. I agree that plated shot often throws better patterns. It is harder and thus stays rounder and does not deform as much upon firing. My house load is #4 buck due to my living situation. When i have more space, i will likely switch back to 00, or very probably #1. STAY SAFE!

Great video. I understand everyone's concern with slugs, lot of penetration. The reason I have slugs after 3 rounds of 00 Buckshot in my home defense pump shotgun is because if I have to rack a 4th round....clearly I am in deep doo doo and need something different!

I'm 70 and I grew up on a Farm and the Family had the weapons normally found on a Country Homestead. We had our .22 LR and our 30 Cal Rifles in addition to our 12 ga shotguns, both in double-barrel and pump. I love shotguns.

An aside on shot pattern: I don't recall where I heard this, but "every bullet that leaves your barrel has a lawyer attached to it."

8:43 "Don't miss" , my eyes are tearing from laughing, thanks for that.

You have been the most helpful vegetarian on RU-vid to me. You explain things in a very clear, easy manner where anyone can understand. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

He's wearing a coat, and Paul Harrell wears a coat, so I listen.

I remember your last video about shotgun shells because I have a shotgun, and years ago, you made one of the simplest yet informative videos about shotgun loads. A lot of the reason I carry what I carry is because you recorded the tests you did and included information like barrel length which gets overlooked so often. So thanks for that 🤙

Years ago the US Army developed a formula to describe how buckshot compared with a single projectile. They determined that when a highly developed mammal is struck simultaneously with multiple projectiles that it’s nervous system reacts as though it was hit with the square of the number of pellets. That answers the question I had about why small game hit with a few little pellets reacted as opposed to a rifle cartridge with a single higher energy projectile.

I like how this man is coming straight forward with his topic, even in his advertisement, Such a rare human

Chris, you manage to pack a lot of great info into 12 minutes. I always learn something from your videos.

I live in an apartment and I hate my neighbors. I am looking for an over penetrating round. Also, if the round could go vertical that would be great.

I love how at the beginning of the video you gave a quick recommendation of a good honey defense type of buck shot! That was very thoughtful

So far my wife and I are hooked on this channel. Thanks again! Just bought the Mossberg Maverick 88 Youth 20 GA and have been putting it together and taking it apart for fun and practicing using it empty. Going to buy some snap caps for better practicing on loading and shooting. It is good to know that there are so many helpful videos on this subject of shotguns. Thanks so much, Mr. Lucky!

"Stay out of my home and you won't be on the receiving end of #00 buckshot". - saved 12 min right there.

Simple and barebones, yet educational and explanatory. Spoken with basic English with very little jargon and near crystal clear clarity and open honesty. That’s the traits of a high quality piece of work.

Chris, You're terrific... authoritative... and so appreciated!!! Jack

I've done lots of gun stuff, but I'm new to shotguns. Thank you so much for the comprehensive video!

Federal with flight conntrol wad is good for breaking and entering deer too.

Always look forward to your videos ,no BS ranting or raving but straight to the point and informative.

You make the best, most informative and thorough videos I've watched pertaining to firearms and the firearm community. Always great content.

" it just MIGHT not go through ALL of the walls in your apartment building... Soooooo....... Dont miss " Pure awesomeness.

LOL "He looks like he might even be a vegetarian."

Another excellent video Chris ! Interesting, informative, and I admire and applaud your efforts to present facts that are as accurate as possible (to the best of your knowledge). I've been sport shooting (handgun/shotgun) for almost 40 years, and I do NOT in any way claim to be an expert, but I've picked up a few things along the way. I have a LOT of respect for the individual who says, " I'm not really sure about that, I'll have to look into it". Thank You and keep up the great work.

“Go buy it from lucky gunner because my kids gonna need braces soon” well he’ll have braces now that your whole inventory got cleared out lmfao

I like this guy. Lots of good information, without it being a pissing contest or hype.

Great start to the series. My oldest just got braces. Makes me cry knowing she has $4000 worth of guns in her mouth.

Excellent information about the counter - intuitive nature of tight versus wide patterns. Thank you so much for all your great, down to the point, information about ammunition selection and decisions to be made.

Great video 👍 My first fire arm is a Mossberg Mavirick 88 I bought in 94. Have always loved the buckshot round and used for practice. OO buckshot is my round of choice before I even know it was a defensive round.

This video is so concise and informative, I love it.

I thoroughly agree with you on the importance of a tight pattern and, for that same reason, I agree with you top choice of ammo. I was the handgun/shotgun instructor for my old agency. We tried out the Flite-Control wad buckshot and I LOVED it! I shot it in Rem870s both 14" modified choke barrels and 20" Improved Cylinder barrels, as well as a few other models, and never failed to be impressed. If you'll pardon and indulge an old story, I was, days prior to my retirement, running a qualification course for a night shift squad. One crusty shift sgt, after arguing with me about even having to qualify with a shotgun he hated and "never would use anyway," dug his issued 20" 870 from his trunk and stomped up to the 50 yard line. I told him this was the slug portion of the shoot (5 shots total, 1@50y, 2@40y, 2@25y). He said he was loaded with slug. So he fired as I instructed, and I saw no big holes in his silhouette target. Looking closer, though .. hmm.. I called everyone to wait and went down range. He had, as I suspected, left his gun loaded with Federal "Tactical" 00B, with Flite-Control wads. ONE pellet was not in the scoring section of the target. ONE! It was a body hit, mind you, just not in the scored section. All the other pellets were in the scored area. Remember, 50 yards, 40 yards, and 25 yards! Up 'til then I mostly used slugs (especially Federal "low-recoil" slugs as my then issued 14" 870 and my own 18" S&W 3000 liked them). I began stocking up on that Flite-Control wad 00b from then on.

Outstanding, can't wait for part 2.

I appreciate your clear, complete information without umms and aahs. Great delivery and content.

Hell Brother, you're the reason I watch Lucky Gunner videos.. And 75% of the reason I buy from L.G. I appreciate your information , honesty and advice. And I've had nothing but great service and products for L.G.... 👍🇺🇸

Looking Forward to part 2..

“Looks like he might be a vegetarian” I almost spit out my drink when you said that it was so funny. 🤣😂🤣😂

I really enjoyed this video. It was very informative and I learned a lot of which I was never aware of. This video will greatly affect my next purchase of defense ammo. I can’t wait to watch the second part! I like how u KSU everything out for demonstration purposes too. 😁👍👍

As always, very good content. I appreciate Lucky for presenting useful info.

Thanks for the information, Chris. I always find your videos helpful or at least interesting. Your detailed review of the P365XL was a big part of my decision to purchase one. (I'd still love to see an aftermarket replacement for the manual safety switch.)

I have this stuff and I love it. At 50 yards it kept a pattern of about 3’ with no flyers. I also tested some Federal 000 buck without flight control. At 50 yards it held a 4’ pattern with 2 flyers each time. The flyers were outside the main pattern by less than 1’ each time.

Sooo much props to you for putting the bottom line info FIRST!! I’m watching the entire video and going to your site after

I love the intro! No time waste, it is clear and to the point! :-)

Reference patterning, one of our officers had a 14" barrel, modified choke entry gun that would reliably place all eight 00 pellets from the Federal Flight Control low recoil load in a 6" group at 40 yards. Had I not seen it myself, I would not have believed it.

WOW, Chris, this was (another) greatly instructive and superbly executed video. MANY THANKS to you and to Lucky Gunner! I’ve used shotguns for more than 50 years, so I was aware of almost everything you stated, BUT - and this is a major “but” - your presentation was so coherent, concise, articulate, and sequentially-logical that it made reviewing all this information simple and straightforward (I’m certain it would be absolutely ideal for less experienced shotgunners). I also laud your comments - which I trust will be further emphasized in Part #2 - concerning pattern size. I can’t tell you I how many times I’ve had to explain (and often re-explain) to new shooters that a shotgun’s purpose is NOT to have a huge pattern, so even inaccurate shots will score a hit or two on a criminal-sized target. This is a prevailing - but very dangerous - myth (as you know better than I). Thanks, again, and I greatly look forward to Part #2.

I actually learned something today from this video, now I know why you get 1 less round in the tube magazines with a rolled crimp 2 3/4" shell versus a star crimp of the same size !! Thanx lucky gunner, for the great Vid !!

Lots and Lots of Great Information on Shotgun ammo! I had my player at 1.25 speed and had to slow it down to comprehend it all (or is it just I'm slow). Heading over for Part 2 of this series. A long-time Fan with a Big Thumbs Up!

"so... don't miss." Indeed. :-)

Love your videos they’re very detail oriented. As for looks, I think you resemble Eric Forman from that 70’s show only with a beard. 😅

"My kid is going to need braces soon..." Love it! Because of that I will buy from your website. TONS of knowledge on your site.

What a great presentation! Thank you!

"My kid is gonna need braces soon". I feel your pain.

Mine is loaded with #4 Buck. I was in law enforcement for 41 years before retiring. In both local and federal agencies. ANY TIME I thought I might actually need a gun, I took the shotgun out of the car. I believe that the presence of a shotgun in my hands settled a LOT of confrontations peacefully.

You are a great instructor and I’ve been following your channel for a long time now and got you at least 5 more subscribers. Your boss seems like a great guy and he’s also lucky to have you work for him. I can’t buy my ammo from you guys cos I’m living at the other end of the world but will support you as much as I can. Keep up the good work. Ps. Glad you are not a vegetarian.

Great video! I have always wanted to know this information and the illustrations pictures of the sizes and types... very impressed. This is why I buy my ammo from Lucky Gunner. Thank you

1:50 I really don't give a crap about people's qualifications compared to their testing and reasoning. If the provide significant evidence in a reasonable manner the logic will be self evident.

🖐 #4 buck over here in my shotgun. If I was using it in an LEO capacity I'd probably go with full power 00 flight control. But I don't need the added range or barrier penetration that comes with that in my home or around it, which is a standard city sized lot with houses all around.

Pretty much the best information on buckshot anywhere.

I love the honesty of “buy it from lucky gunner cause my kid is gonna need braces soon” I’ll be picking some up soon! I love your videos. Keep it up!

3:57 "There's not a good reason to use anything other than 2 3/4" for self defense against humans" Now you're freaking me out! What else do I have to defend myself against? What do you know that we don't? Great video

I don't comment very often, but I always enjoy your videos. Edit: 2:52 😂

Wow thank you so damn much! I constantly get overwhelmed but the wide range of shells available lol great job 👍🏼

Great video, thanks. Will keep in my video list for a refresher later on too

I like this guy,, very good presentation...

"He looks like he might even be a vegetarian" As a veggie I find that hilarious 🤣

I buy stuff from you guys, so I listen to your info. And I really appreciate it. And, I just like the channel.👍

You are very knowledgeable and articulate - I really appreciate your videos - thanks.

“Evidence based...” Thank you.

Excellent video. When you are done, please do a one-off short vid specifically for 20 gauge. Good buckloads are harder to find.

Good info. I asked myself the same questions before he mentioned them at the end. Waiting for part 2.

Well worth my time. Great info. Thanks.

That beard is legendary. Great video.

Buckshooooot!!! Helll yeeaaaa

Love seeing another Rangemaster shotgun instructor alumni. That class was an awesome knowledge pick up

Just found your channel and hell,I’ve learned a shitload from watching only 3 of your videos, great job!! Will continue watching,thanks

I use something kinda unconventional for home defense shotguns it sounds unusual but I use frangible breaching slugs. I’ve tested them pretty extensively they average 10-12 inches of penetration in ballistic gel they will punch through 4 layers of denim beef ribs and still disintegrate a pork roast without putting a hole in the plywood behind it. I haven’t shot drywall with them yet but but I have shot plywood spaced 4 inches they go through the first one like a slug punch a fist size hole in the second and almost nothing in the third. A 2x4 will snap in half but the plywood behind is fine. In my opinion based on my own test they are more than capable of stopping any threat that may be in your home with the least risk of over penetrate or collateral damage. so far the only down side I have really seen is they are expensive.

I have a 20 gauge Mossberg shotgun so I hope this will apply. Doc said the shoulder won't handle 12 gauge any more.

Knowing you sell ammo, with this crazy shortage going on. I'm so glad I discovered ya!!! Awesome!!!

Thank you for a concise walk through.

#4 Buck is perfectly acceptable for most home self defense.

As always, Chris is humble, honest and attempts to present without flash. In addition, any bias is acknowledged beforehand. Only "700 hours of professional firearms training." To catch up, I'll just have to buy more ammo and get to the range more!

Excellent VDO - Thank you.

The mini shell are for more firepower/more shells in shotguns with tubes. The Mossberg 12 ga. need an adapter to feed the mini shells to function reliably. One of these devices are sold by OPSol Mini-Clip & cost about $20 USD.

Good food for thought here. I've always considered bird shot (7 1/2) to be a good load for home defense in my home. Max distance being maybe 10 to 12 paces. My primary concern has always been over penetration or errant projectiles. Never having shot any ballistic jell, my observations with bird shot on the range, at various targets (milk jugs with water, old doors, etc...) made me comfortable with bird shot at close range. This video might at least make me buy some more ammo... Oh...BTW all those previously mentioned targets were collected and carted off. People, please stop leaving your junk where the rest of us shoot! Thank you to those responsible enough to leave the site cleaner than when you arrived.

I use gravel for my scattergun, cuts down on my overhead.

3:33 Thanks, just answered my question. Im thinking about getting the Stoeger double defense shotgun and I didn’t know whether to get the 12 or 20 gauge. Great info in all ur videos, thanks again!

Thanks for your videos. I've had great luck with Lucky Gunner Ammo, even during this overhyped coronavirus hysteria where almost every outlet is out of ammo, or takes forever to ship.

I'm supposed to listen to this guy, even though he never once mentioned a high tech fleece bullet stop?

I have done a lot of shot shell testing in the last 10 years or so, mostly out of a Benelli Super Nova tactical shotgun and I have made some surprising discoveries. #1 being that the reasonably priced Fiocchi nickel plated buckshot puts up just as good of a pattern as the ultra expensive shells like Federal Flight Control and the Remington buffered loads (can't remember the exact name). Also cheap ass Rio 00 buckshot shells from from my local Cabelas do pretty well and are a bargain. I still have all my shot shell testing targets packed away. Maybe I will have to get them out again so I can jog my memory a little bit more.

Paused your video at 50 seconds to go buy your recommendation. By the end, I was glad I did. I went back and bought 1000 rounds of 9mm too! Keep up the good work!

This video was incredibly helpful and exactly what I was looking for. I wish I would've found this 6 videos ago!

Has anyone else just skipped all that, and claymore'd their entire house? I'm positive I'm not the only one.

I wish that Federal would make #1, #2, and #4 Flite Control loads. I think #4 would be sufficient for myself but could be persuaded to use #2 if it patterned nicely. I would be very concerned about #00 over penetrating if I were to miss in the moment. I know they did make #1 Flite Control previously, but from what I understand it was discontinued. Someone from Federal read this please lol.

This is a great video. Thanks so much for making and sharing!

I appreciate your presentation. Thank you