I agree that any most .410 shot shell loads are pretty useless except for snakes (or perhaps issuing a wide area wake-up call). I have worked with #4 and #7 shot loads at 15' thru my judge and they completely and evenly cover a large silhouette target (probably with considerable overspray.)
I agree that .410 slugs are useless when you have the option of using .45LC instead.
.410 000 is another matter. I have had absolutley no problem finding a variety of 2.5" handgun loads. In my area, I've had a lot more trouble finding .45LC than .410 handgun ammo. Winchester packs 3 pellets to the shell and Federal makes a 4 pellet load, each with a muzzle velocity over 1200fps. Each pellet is essentially the diameter of a .38 and I usually get about an 8-10" group at 15' on a large silhouette at the range. Five pulls of the trigger and target is pretty much destroyed. Precise shot placement is not an issue, it's pretty much point and click.
And the reviewer should note the Judge is available with a 2.5" chamber OR a 3" chamber.
The Judge was not available with both chambers at the time of the test, and it’s pretty clear that even the buckshot is not a reliable penetrator from the Judge.
Each 000 pellet weighs only 70 grains. Simple physics. They are too light and there are too few of them.
Compared to a 9mm or 38 bullet, it’s no contest.
The Judge is also larger than a regular pistol would be.
It’s okay for home defense with the .45’s, but much better options are available than a Judge with buckshot.
“...I usually get about” an 8-10 inch spread at five yards...
That is interesting. I bet it is fun too.
The Judge makes a great “anti-carjacking” gun. One .410 blast to the face will blind the perp and tear up their face pretty bad. I load mine with the .410 in the first two chambers and full house .45Colt in the last three.