For superior stopping power in tight spaces — when quick action and forgiving aim is often required — no self-defense firearm is more effective than a shotgun. And that is why they are favored for close-quarters tactical applications and home security. Another attribute is simplicity. Shotguns are easy to operate — basically just point and shoot. Shotshell manufacturers have long recognized shotguns as a great tactical tool and have responded to the need for special-purpose shotshells for tactical and home-defense applications. Most military and law enforcement agencies favor buckshot when dealing with two-legged threats, and most of the defensive loads developed for civilian use are stuffed with muscle-bound payloads as well — available in all popular shotgun gauges and even .410-bore. And that’s why you, the savvy tactical retailer, recognize the importance of stocking your store shelves with a wide variety of selections, ensuring that each and every customer leaves your store properly equipped to protect life and liberty. And be sure to advise those patrons to experiment to find the load that patterns best in their personal scattergun — just like they would when purchasing new turkey or waterfowl shotshells. Check out these eight examples that will arm your shotgun-toting patrons to the teeth.
Barnes Defensive Buckshot
Available in 12- and 20-gauge 2 3/4- and 3-inch loads — with velocities that range from 1,140 to 1,335 fps — Barnes Defensive Buckshot delivers the massive terminal punch and consistent dense patterns needed when the stakes are at their highest. Every round of Barnes No. 00 Buckshot is produced with the uncompromising precision and reliability Barnes has built its reputation on, because every load just might be the one lives depend on. Barnes Defensive Buckshot comes in five-round boxes with 20 boxes per case. MSRP: $17.99-$21.99/Box of five.
Federal Premium Force X2 Shorty Shotshells
Federal has combined the power of two of its newest technologies to create a shotshell option that changes the nature of self defense. Force X2 Shorty shells measure just 1 3/4 inches but hold a payload of six FX2 copper-plated No. 00 segmenting buckshot pellets engineered to split into two equal pieces upon impact. When used with firearms designed to cycle sub-length shotshells, such as the Mossberg 590S, the loads offer much higher magazine capacities with up to twice the wound channels over standard buckshot loads. These loads have manageable recoil and produce less collateral damage risk from over-penetration. MSRP: $31.99/Box of 10.
Fiocchi Defense Dynamics Buckshot
Fiocchi Defense Dynamics Buckshot is a reliable and effective defensive shotgun option for both civilians and law enforcement professionals. The newest 2 3/4-inch 12-gauge offering in the Defense Dynamic line is loaded with eight chilled lead No. 00 buckshot pellets. With a muzzle velocity just over 1,300 fps, it provides superior performance and unprecedented knockdown power. Fiocchi’s dependability coupled with its demanding quality control, clean-burning powders and premium components make Defense Dynamics Buckshot ammunition and excellent choice for personal defense. MSRP: $10/Box of 10.
Hornaday Critical Defense
Personal defense just got a whole lot better. Hornady 12-gauge No. 00 Buckshot Critical Defense ammunition is engineered to deliver the pinnacle of threat-stopping power — even when environmental conditions are a factor. Specially loaded to ensure proper functioning in semi-auto and pump-action shotguns, these 2 3/4-inch loads contain eight pellets and produce a muzzle velocity of 1,600 fps. And Hornady’s Versatite wad technology delivers tight patterns every single time without gun modification. Hornady’s Critical Defense ammunition line includes handgun, rifle and shotgun options. MSRP: $22.73/Box of 10.
Lightfield .410 Rubber Buckshot
Lightfield .410 Rubber Buckshot is intended for close-range defensive use — a painful warning shot that can also be lethal under some circumstances. Those who might be reluctant to shoot at another person even in their own defense can now control their personal space with greater confidence and provide a greater margin of safety for innocent persons nearby. The shotshell’s four rubber balls have relatively high velocity but very low mass, and kinetic energy is shed quickly over distance. Penetration of the body is possible at close range, and some level of injury should be expected — ranging from serious injury or death to painful welts or bruising. Results can vary based on the weapon used, distance to target, body weight, etc. Retail: $13.99/Box of five.
Remington Ultimate Defense Buckshot
When the stakes are the highest, Remington’s Ultimate Defense buckshot delivers massive knockdown power and devastating patterns. At short common defensive ranges, patterns in smoothbore barrels are tight and effective for one-shot confidence. Ultimate Defense buckshot is offered in 12- and 20-gauge full-power and reduced-recoil load options, manufactured to exacting tolerances for smooth feeding in both pump-action and autoloading shotguns. Users can also maximize the effectiveness of their .45/.410 revolvers with the Ultimate Defense .410-bore buckshot load. Offerings are available from No. 4 to No. 000 buckshot. MSRP: $8.99-$10.99/20- and 12-gauge box of five; $27.99-$30.99/.410-bore box of 15.
Rio Royal Buck
Rio Royal Buck 12-gauge 2 3/4-inch nine pellet No. 00 buckshot shotgun shells are ideal for home defense and law enforcement applications worldwide — their sheer kinetic energy and knockdown power providing unmatched performance in the most critical situations when it’s needed the most. Rio Royal Buck produces a muzzle velocity of 1,345 fps and is a great choice for hunting medium to large game as well as competition shooting and home defense. Retail: $5.99/Box of five.
Sellier & Bellot 12-gauge Buckshot
Sellier & Bellot loads its 12-gauge buckshot shotshells in high-quality plastic hulls using premium high brass bases to ensure that they cycle flawlessly when using any shotgun action, while high-quality primers and powders produce surefire ignition. These buckshot loads are extremely versatile, well suited for everything from big-game hunting to pest control to home defense, producing a muzzle velocity of 1,214 fps. Buyers can choose from a wide range of pellet sizes and powder charges to match their specific needs. MSRP: NA.
