What 12ga ammo for home defense?

[Powermwt]

I agree... the common 12ga 1,325 fps, 2-3/4", 00 buck, nine-pellet shot shells are not only the standard but like other common shells are most likely to be on sale. I see Cabela's has them on sale for about $4/5 rounds right now for WW Super X. You may be able to get a better deal on a case of 250.

My last buy was a case of Federal Premium 00.

 

[Stiofan]

Lance: the penetration tests I've seen indicate birdshot is not able to reliably reach the vitals (especially through an intervening arm etc) outside of near contact range. Do you have evidence or life experience that contradicts this?

I had a friend who had the better part of his head blown off in a range accident about 30 years ago, about 5 yards. It was birdshot, not sure what size though. But at that short distance the shot is coming out in a near solid pattern.

I've seen so many threads where people say it isn't effective. I know different.