For a while now the go to recommendation for defensive buckshot has been some form of Federal's 00 Flite Control loads. The king of the hill being the low recoil 8 pellet version (LE13300). It was pretty easy. Need your gun to shoot consistent, tighter patterns out to 25 or 30 yards? Just use 8 … Continue reading Trouble in Paradise: Issues with Federal’s 8 Pellet Flite Control (LE13300)
Author: Nate
Goldilocks is Dead: Federal’s LE132 1B (#1 Buckshot Flite Control)
Somewhere around 2012, Federal introduced a #1 buckshot option in their Tactical product line. It used Federal’s game changing Flite Control wad to deliver acceptably tight patterns out to 20-25 yards with what is often considered the "optimal" pellet size for defensive use of the shotgun. LE132 1B is loaded with 15 copper plated pellets. … Continue reading Goldilocks is Dead: Federal’s LE132 1B (#1 Buckshot Flite Control)
A Basic Pattern Target
I pattern a lot of buckshot loads. One of the problems with patterning is that it consumes a lot of targets. Being able to compare one load to the next also means always having the same type of target on hand. Or at least a target with the same size scoring area as the other … Continue reading A Basic Pattern Target
Hornady Varmint Express 4-Buck
This is a repost from my old blog. One of the more popular post on the blog is THIS ONE, about pattern testing #4 buckshot. I figured I would revisit, and keep the series going. Current leader is Hornady’s #4 buckshot load with the Versa-Tite wad, so it is back to defend its title. This … Continue reading Hornady Varmint Express 4-Buck
2022 Defensive Shotgun Course Master List
The journey of learning should never end. The shotgun doesn’t get the same level of attention as pistols or rifles, but there is still quite a bit of available training out there. I have compiled a list of classes that I would take and that I feel comfortable recommending to other people. So far, there … Continue reading 2022 Defensive Shotgun Course Master List
The Rifled Slug
As part of my participation at the Rangemaster Shotgun Instructor Development Course I had to give a presentation on a topic assigned before class. My topic ended up being Foster and Brenneke slugs. This is essentially that presentation as a blog post. How Did We Get Here Before shotgun slugs evolved into what they are … Continue reading The Rifled Slug
Does Bass Pro Have a Winner: Herter’s 8 Pellet Low Recoil Buckshot
This isn’t the first Herter’s load I have tested. Having a Bass Pro local makes it pretty easy to keep up with their offerings. Herter’s, if you are not familiar is a house brand for Cabelas and Bass Pro. My understanding is that it has been around for a while, but not always manufactured by … Continue reading Does Bass Pro Have a Winner: Herter’s 8 Pellet Low Recoil Buckshot
Rangemaster Shotgun Instructor Development Course AAR
The shotgun is not the cool gun anymore, but it is a gun that many people still turn to for home defense. The Rangemaster Shotgun Instructor Development Course (IDC) is specifically geared for instructors who are most likely going to be teaching defensive shotgun to private citizens who are using their shotguns for home defense. … Continue reading Rangemaster Shotgun Instructor Development Course AAR
The Shotgun Side Saddle
What side saddle to use for this gun, or that gun, is a question I see often, and get asked personally on a fairly regular basis. there are a lot of options out there, which I guess is why people ask. I have found one option to be universal, effective, and budget friendly, the Vang … Continue reading The Shotgun Side Saddle
Estate 00 Buckshot
A look at one of the better budget buckshot options available.