00 BUCK - Do You Prefer 9 pellets or 12 pellets?

M

mathman

New member
I'm curious...on the one hand, I like the (slightly) higher velocity of the 9 pellet load, but on the other hand, I like the larger payload of the 12 pellet load. What do you guys think? Does one load pattern better than the other (in general)?
 
9 pellets.

Since my HD shotgun has a 2 3/4" chamber, I use the 9 pellet rounds. They are easy to find, inexpensive, and effective. Right now I have Winchester shells that will place all nine pellets in about a 12" spread (sometimes less) and have a high enough velocity to provide plenty of confidence in the round's defensive capability.
 
In my experience the 9s pattern tighter than the 12s.
12 is a greater payload, but they're mostly a shorter range load.
Denis
 
I was wondering if anybody knew the advantages of the 8 pellet over the 9 pellet? From what I've been able to read the 9th pellet usually goes astray so they just eliminated it? I have the Federal Tactical 9 pellet, I'm going to pattern it this weekend out of my shotgun.
 
I know that I've gotten better performance from my Hornady 8 pellet loads in both my 870's and my Ithaca 37 then I got from 9 pellet Federal.

I patterend all my shotguns out to 25 yards (5, 10, 15, and 25) with different loads (Winchester Ranger, Federal Tactical, and Hornady TAP) before I settled on the Hornady. Though I don't use them for HD, my Stevens 620 Riot and Winchester 97 Riot also did better with the 8 pellet loads.

I've heard very good things about the 8 pellet Federal that came out earlier this year/late last year, but haven't tried it.
 
Federal Reduced Recoil 000 buck

I like the 8 pellets. they are bigger too. I don't know if that is just for LE or if anyone can get them though.
 
12 pellet.

They do make a 12 pellet load for 2 3/4 shells...
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Yup, several manufacturer's do. I just find that it is easier to get the 9 pellet loads around here. Even some of the full-line gun shops don't carry them.

I can get 9 pellet 2 3/4" rounds at Wally World, which is convenient being about 8 miles from the house.
 
Between your two choices... 12 pellets

However I'd prefer Number 4 Buckshot...

It has 21 pellets in the 2/34" shell

And it patterns better... :)
 
FWIW, the only 12-pellet load I tried did not have a shot cup. As a result, it left nasty lead streaks down my bore. Hard to clean. 9-pellet loads I've tried all have shot cups. They leave my barrel clean.
 
FWIW, the only 12-pellet load I tried did not have a shot cup. As a result, it left nasty lead streaks down my bore. Hard to clean. 9-pellet loads I've tried all have shot cups. They leave my barrel clean.
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That's good info...I didn't think of that.
 
If you can chamber 3" Mag.

The Federal Premium 3" 00 buck load has 15 pellets at 1450 fps.

They pattern tight and carry a lot of energy down range.

The Federal Premium 2 3/4" 12 pellet 00 buck also have the "full metal jacket" style plated pellets and pattern tightly.

I assume you are planning on using these as defensive loads?

12 pellets gives you greater pattern density and very importantly puts more holes in an armed felon's chest. Until he looses around 30% of his blood pressure/volume he can still stay on his feet and fight.

Two quick shots to the chest, it is a choice of 24 holes or 18. I'll take 24.

Tim
 
9 or less. Less kick so faster following shots. And, the huge amount of energy a standard load dumps into a target illustrates "Overkill" nicely.

I have worked with some 6 pellet 00 loads. For home defense, these would be excellent if marketed by a major maker.
 
I was wondering if anybody knew the advantages of the 8 pellet over the 9 pellet? From what I've been able to read the 9th pellet usually goes astray so they just eliminated it? I have the Federal Tactical 9 pellet, I'm going to pattern it this weekend out of my shotgun.
Click to expand...

gdeal mentioned this already but the Federal 2 3/4" "tactical" 00 is nine while the 000 is eight pellet. I have patterned both and I am happy to shoot either from my HD 870.

Mike
 
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