IMHO Need something slightly larger than 8 but smaller than 00.
#8 = one wall http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot14_3.htm
#00 = four walls http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot14_4.htm
I seen some tests with #4 bird that looked like a good balance between stoppage and penetration worries. I saw one recommend that first loaded #4 bird as first two shells followed by #4 buck followed by slug. If angle of fire in your home indicates probability of penetration into bedrooms, I would go with small. Remember to practice your angles in your home, learning where good retreat and ambush spots are and the most likely first shots from both directions. Remember they can return fire and they aren’t worried about over penetration. So don’t set up your defense position with the bedrooms with sleeping kids in them behind you. Pick a different spot so any return fire has a less dangerous backdrop.
I’ve been conducting loading tests to produce a shell for both twenty and twelve gauge guns that uses #2 buckshot n a 2 1/8 inch —before shooting— shell. I tried #4 shot but found it would not provide the recoil needed for the length of shell with either a plastic shaped shot wad or the usual wad discs. #2 ont he other hand can be supplimented with # 7 shot for even more effect. I’ve cycled them through pumps and semis and found them to be very reliable and devastatingly effective. It also allows these shotguns with five round mags to hold a sixth round.
Also IMHO, having nothing but a shottie loaded with birdshot for defense is suicide. This guy was very lucky to get that shot. He should load with buckshot.
Thanks for this.
http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot14_4.htm
For some reason, my computer service is blocking some of the tests.
So many of our homes have nothing but the studs/framework and dry walls. The nearest home to us is 75 yards away, and I’m not really worried about neighbors with our 1 inch siding and theirs.
However, even with a 2800 square foot home, grandkids or visitors could be in danger from 00 as it ripped through 3 to 4 dry walls.
What’s interesting about your #4 bird #4 buck. Decades ago a former police chief recommended low based #4s backed up by #4 buck for our home when our kids were at home.