00 buckshot.
Overpenetration is a secondary concern. You need to penetrate deeply enough to solve the problem. #1, #2, #3, and #4 will probably do that, but not as well.
If you're concerned about overpenetration, you should be concerned about #4 buck as much as you are about 00 buck because you don't really know what's going to happen. If you're really, really concerned about it, ditch the 12ga and get an AR.
You’re sayying 556 isn’t going to tear through someone like #4 buck? 556 is like 2100-3000 fps?
I think my Federal LE hollow point ammo is rated at 18-20” of penetration.
You’re sayying 556 isn’t going to tear through someone like #4 buck? 556 is like 2100-3000 fps?
I think my Federal LE hollow point ammo is rated at 18-20” of penetration.
223 / 556 is known to start tumbling and loosing energy after impacting drywall and other typical home building materials. Because of this, an AR (or even one with frangable rounds) has become a popular HD option.
That being said, an AR "typically" requires more rounds fired (read presses of trigger) to affect the same damage (and stop evil) as one well placed, aimed trigger press with a shotgun loaded with #00 buck.
YMMV, but most that I know using a shotgun for HD are using Federal Flight Control in either 8 or 9 pellet flavor. It all depends on how the ammo patterns with your barrel.
That being said, would you rather your close neighbor be weilding a shotgun or an AR pointed at your home?
I consider the most likely shot inside my home to be 20' max. Almost certainly within the same room. If that room happens to be the living room or master bedroom a projectile which misses the intended target is going to have to penetrate three walls before it leaves the house. I'm not to concerned about over penetration.
And..........The shotgun is actually option #3. The wife has a Taurus Judge in her night stand loaded with 2.5" Hornady Triple Defense rounds. . A Glock 30s full of Hornady Critical Defense HPs with a light stays in mine at night.
Surprised you’re going with handguns over a long gun.
I don't see it as an "either-or" choice but rather choosing the right tool for the task. Are you going to investigate a suspicious noise--to determine whether a threat even exists--or to round up your children and get them to your "safe room"? Take a handgun and light. Are you defending a choke-point where you've barricaded yourself? Use a shotgun or rifle.Surprised you’re going with handguns over a long gun.
00 buckshot.
Overpenetration is a secondary concern. You need to penetrate deeply enough to solve the problem. #1, #2, #3, and #4 will probably do that, but not as well.
If you're concerned about overpenetration, you should be concerned about #4 buck as much as you are about 00 buck because you don't really know what's going to happen. If you're really, really concerned about it, ditch the 12ga and get an AR.
223 / 556 is known to start tumbling and loosing energy after impacting drywall and other typical home building materials. Because of this, an AR (or even one with frangable rounds) has become a popular HD option.
That being said, an AR "typically" requires more rounds fired (read presses of trigger) to affect the same damage (and stop evil) as one well placed, aimed trigger press with a shotgun loaded with #00 buck.
YMMV, but most that I know using a shotgun for HD are using Federal Flight Control in either 8 or 9 pellet flavor. It all depends on how the ammo patterns with your barrel.
That's the beauty of 5.56 for home defense. It penetrates people nicely, but doesn't do the same to most building materials. Since your original message referred to residential area and homes close to each other, I assumed your primary concern was penetration through building materials. People are not reliable bullet stops. Drywall and framing lumber can be for 5.56.
So I guess the majority of you aren’t concerned with killing your neighbors or their kids. I probably wouldn’t put that out in the public.
You’re sayying 556 isn’t going to tear through someone like #4 buck? 556 is like 2100-3000 fps?
I think my Federal LE hollow point ammo is rated at 18-20” of penetration.