12 gauge buckshot options
| Product Line | Load | Pellets | Count | Typical CPR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winchester Super-X | 00 Buck | 9 | 5—15 | $0.60—1.00 |
| Federal Power-Shok | 00 Buck | 9 | 5 | $0.60—0.90 |
| Federal FliteControl | 00 Buck | 8 | 5 | $0.80—1.30 |
| Hornady Critical Defense | 00 Buck | 8 | 10 | $0.80—1.20 |
What to know
00 Buck is the standard home defense shotgun load. Standard loads pattern 12—18" at 15 yards from a cylinder bore. Federal FliteControl patterns significantly tighter (6—8" at 15 yards) due to its wad design — worth the premium for home defense. The 2-3/4" length is standard; 3" magnum loads offer more pellets but much more recoil with minimal practical benefit at defensive distances.