Why a 20 Gauge for Home Defense?<\/h3>\n![\"Winchester](\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/20-Gauge-defender-into-gelatin.jpg\" "\\"Winchester")
This Winchester Defender 20 gauge buckshot gives you the chance to put 20 pellets worth of neutralization into a threat.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe 20 gauge, when used appropriately, is a perfectly acceptable weapon for home defense. There is simply no doubt that a 20-gauge shotgun, loaded with buckshot ammo, will do significant damage to virtually any target, including a home intruder. Look at the image above, the Winchester buckshot offers 20 pellets you can throw at a threat. In this case, we fired it into ballistic gelatin and through a 4-layer fabric barrier. The results are impressive!<\/p>\n
The main advantage of a 20-gauge shotgun over 12 gauge for home defense is less recoil. By using a smaller shotgun load, shooters can reduce recoil into their shoulder while lowering barrel rise. All of this results in better control of the weapon, which in turn means a higher chance of effective, accurate follow-up shots.<\/p>\n
With less recoil, there is also a better chance that the user will actually practice. 12 gauges can be painful on smaller or less-experienced shooters, and this can result in little to no practice; as all responsible gun owners know, practice is essential for proficient use, especially in a high-stress emergency situation.<\/p>\n
The lowered power of a 20-gauge could also reduce the chances of over-penetration, which is always a concern when using a weapon indoors.<\/p>\n
For a variety of reasons, the 20-gauge can be an effective home-defense tool. So why aren\u2019t they used more?<\/p>\n
\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/static-cdn.ammunitiontogo.com\/pimages\/image\/512x\/e0266470459c8672771a1cb2d1bebeb3\/2\/5\/256c3e8bd92e835134ae952fab7ed5b3_4.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n $89.95 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n ![\"logo\"](\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/themes\/atg\/assets\/img\/mc-logo-gray.svg\")
\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n 250rds \u2013 20 Gauge Winchester Super Target 2-3\/4\" 7\/8oz. #7.5 Shot Ammo <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/static-cdn.ammunitiontogo.com\/pimages\/image\/512x\/e0266470459c8672771a1cb2d1bebeb3\/9\/a\/9adeac35736c8764e19fd9afbba94fbc.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n $17.95 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n 25rds - 20 Gauge Federal Top Gun 2-3\/4\" 7\/8 oz. #7 Shot Ammo <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/static-cdn.ammunitiontogo.com\/pimages\/image\/512x\/e0266470459c8672771a1cb2d1bebeb3\/8\/0\/802d8efc037da973d5b28e0600babf80_4.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n $89.95 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n 250rds - 20 Gauge Federal Top Gun Target Load 2 3\/4\" 7\/8oz. #8 Shot Ammo <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/static-cdn.ammunitiontogo.com\/pimages\/image\/512x\/e0266470459c8672771a1cb2d1bebeb3\/0\/a\/0a593f82095832c0304560e52fba59d6_5.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n $11.95 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n 25rds - 20 Gauge Federal Top Gun Target Load 2 3\/4\" 7\/8oz. #8 Shot Ammo <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/static-cdn.ammunitiontogo.com\/pimages\/image\/512x\/e0266470459c8672771a1cb2d1bebeb3\/b\/0\/b0c0382dabe33e01a86011787e10026e_4.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n $10.95 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n 25rds \u2013 20 Gauge Winchester Super Target 2-3\/4\" 7\/8oz. #7.5 Shot Ammo <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/static-cdn.ammunitiontogo.com\/pimages\/image\/512x\/e0266470459c8672771a1cb2d1bebeb3\/9\/5\/95d6c63a6663922b1f705e04c66ec9c9.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n $10.95 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n 5rds - 20 Gauge Federal Power-Shok 2 3\/4\" #3 Buckshot Ammo <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/static-cdn.ammunitiontogo.com\/pimages\/image\/512x\/e0266470459c8672771a1cb2d1bebeb3\/5\/6\/56d56e52bd9cb74393870f6533fdf335_5.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n $11.95 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n 25rds - 20 Gauge Federal Top Gun Target Load 2 3\/4\" 7\/8oz. #9 Shot Ammo <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/static-cdn.ammunitiontogo.com\/pimages\/image\/512x\/e0266470459c8672771a1cb2d1bebeb3\/2\/d\/2d0db924ecc4464d8efdd0bd30f5dc52_4.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n $209.95 <\/div>\n \n $179.95 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n 250rds \u2013 20 Gauge Rio Royal 2-3\/4\" 9 Pellet #1 Buckshot Ammo <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/static-cdn.ammunitiontogo.com\/pimages\/image\/512x\/e0266470459c8672771a1cb2d1bebeb3\/a\/f\/afa95c5c830fe65a5f9e1ed2348aad9b.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n $7.95 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n 5rds \u2013 20 Gauge Winchester Super-X 2-3\/4\" 3\/4oz. Rifled Slug Ammo <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/static-cdn.ammunitiontogo.com\/pimages\/image\/512x\/e0266470459c8672771a1cb2d1bebeb3\/9\/c\/9cc4940af742497b0747cf8ab11aac87.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n $289.95 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n 250rds - 20 Gauge Winchester Super-X 3\/4 Ounce 2-3\/4\" Rifled Slug HP Ammo <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/static-cdn.ammunitiontogo.com\/pimages\/image\/512x\/e0266470459c8672771a1cb2d1bebeb3\/4\/5\/45114512a9930f84048d843e21d52d4b.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n $22.95 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n 5rds - 20 Gauge Remington Premier Accutip 3\" 260gr. Bonded Sabot Slug Ammo <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/static-cdn.ammunitiontogo.com\/pimages\/image\/512x\/e0266470459c8672771a1cb2d1bebeb3\/c\/0\/c0b55a3f8167b793ac81bf98672784c4.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n $17.95 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n 5rds - 20 Gauge Hornady 250gr. SST Sabot Slug Ammo <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/static-cdn.ammunitiontogo.com\/pimages\/image\/512x\/e0266470459c8672771a1cb2d1bebeb3\/c\/7\/c7630c5b8a33bddbd52003740ef14bbf_4.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n $11.95 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n 25rds - 20 Gauge Winchester Super Target 2-3\/4\" 7\/8oz. #8 Shot <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/static-cdn.ammunitiontogo.com\/pimages\/image\/512x\/e0266470459c8672771a1cb2d1bebeb3\/8\/8\/882299f136bfeda27f732b7909eb1923_4.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n $94.95 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n 250rds - 20 Gauge Winchester Super Target 2-3\/4\" 7\/8oz. #8 Shot <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/static-cdn.ammunitiontogo.com\/pimages\/image\/512x\/e0266470459c8672771a1cb2d1bebeb3\/9\/7\/971269e88533d74fec3b64bb95f9a4d5.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n $114.95 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n 250rds \u2013 20 Gauge Winchester Xpert Game & Target 2-3\/4\" 3\/4oz. #6 Steel Shot Ammo <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/static-cdn.ammunitiontogo.com\/pimages\/image\/512x\/e0266470459c8672771a1cb2d1bebeb3\/3\/e\/3e2a2a657360186fba21c096f5ff6dbd.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n $16.95 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n 25rds \u2013 20 Gauge Fiocchi High Velocity 2-3\/4\" 1oz. #6 Shot Ammo <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n ![\"left](\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/themes\/atg\/assets\/img\/mc-arrow-left.svg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n 1 <\/div>\n \n 2 <\/div>\n \n 3 <\/div>\n \n 4 <\/div>\n \n 5 <\/div>\n \n 6 <\/div>\n \n 7 <\/div>\n \n 8 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n ![\"right](\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/themes\/atg\/assets\/img\/mc-arrow-right.svg\")
\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\nDisadvantages<\/h3>\n![\"12](\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/12-gauge-shell-next-to-20-gauge-shell.jpg\")
A round of popular 12 gauge buckshot (red) next to a 20 gauge round of buckshot (yellow).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nQuite frankly, it\u2019s not the size and design of the 20-gauge shell that makes it less popular for home defense. Rather, the largest barrier is the firearms industry. A 20-gauge shell has the foundation to be an outstanding home-defense load, but the ammunition and weapons manufacturers simply don\u2019t support it.<\/p>\n
Almost all home-defense shotguns and shotgun loads are based on military and police applications<\/a>. Can you guess what the U.S. Army and your local police force prefer? That\u2019s right: the 12 gauge!<\/p>\nThe vast majority of research, development, and manufacturing for defense-based shotgun ammunition goes to the 12 gauge, which means the average consumer looking for a defense round has almost no options in 20 gauge.<\/p>\n
This creates a self-fulfilling cycle: Since buyers don\u2019t purchase defense-based 20-gauge shotguns and ammunition, manufacturers don\u2019t produce many options. Since manufacturers don\u2019t produce many options, buyer\u2019s don\u2019t purchase 20-gauges for home defense. And the cycle continues\u2026<\/p>\n
But lack of industry support is not the only issue.<\/p>\n
There is also the chance for higher recoil. The might seem contradictory, and we admit it is. Yes, 20-gauge shotguns produce less power, which means less recoil. (Stay with us!) But 20-gauge shotguns are lighter, often weighing about a pound less than a 12-gauge weapon. Heavier weapons absorb more recoil, so a 20-gauge can actually feel as if it has more kick. And felt recoil, as far as a shooter is concerned, is all that matters. (Theoretically, if manufacturers made a slightly heavier 20-gauge, it could be an outstanding home-defense weapon.)<\/p>\n
Of course, there is also the issue of less ballistic force. We can debate the importance of energy and ballistic performance all day, but if you make well-placed shots on an intruder with a properly-loaded 20-gauge shotgun, it will, without a doubt, deliver effective results.<\/p>\n
You can learn more about the differences between 12 and 20 gauge in our article here<\/a>.<\/p>\nWhat to Look For in 20-Gauge Ammo for Home Defense<\/h3>\n
Although the 20-gauge gets little industry support, there are still some smatterings of options made specifically for home defense. Even if you can\u2019t find options specifically made for home use, if you are strategic and informed you can find effective shotgun options.<\/p>\n
Buckshot Only; No Birdshot!<\/h4>\n![\"Winchester](\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/dissected-winchester-defender-20-gauge-buckshot-shell.jpg\")
A round of buckshot, like this Winchester Defender offers large pellets at high velocity toward your target.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFirst of all, if you are selecting ammunition for home defense, stick with buckshot and avoid the use of birdshot entirely. It\u2019s fairly obvious if you think about it: birdshot is intended for harvesting ducks, pheasants, and quail. Yes, these are tough birds, and a birdshot will certainly damage an intruder. But buckshot is for dropping deer and other medium or large animals. Clearly it has more potential for penetration and energy placement than birdshot.<\/p>\n
For buckshot sizes, you may have to take what\u2019s currently being produced, but (generally speaking) the larger the pellet size the better. For shotgun ammo, this means a smaller number. (#1 buckshot is larger than #2, for example.) 20-gauge shells loaded with #3 or #4 buckshot are effective, but if you can find #1 or #0 you will be in good shape.<\/p>\n
Learn more about buckshot versus birdshot in our article here<\/a>.<\/p>\n2.75-Inch Shells (or Smaller)<\/h4>\n
If you are specifically choosing a 20 gauge for home defense over a 12, you\u2019ll want to select 2.75 inch shells or shorter. Three-inch shells, even in a 20-gauge, can bring a lot of power; combined with a lighter shotgun, this can mean a fierce recoil.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll find 20-gauge ammo with 2.5-inch shells and smaller, but you may have trouble finding buckshot loads in this length. Therefore, a 2.75-inch shell is the sweet-spot for power, pellet size, and manageable recoil.<\/p>\n
However, if you are using a 20-gauge shotgun for home defense, but not concerned with recoil (perhaps you\u2019re simply converting your trusted 20 to a home-defense weapon), then 3-inch shell will suit your needs.<\/p>\n
Our Picks for Home-Defense 20-Gauge Ammo<\/h3>\n
![\"Remington](\"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/wp-content\/uploads\/rem-ultimate-defense-20-gauge-ammo.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
While it can be harder to find top-quality home-defense ammunition for a 20-gauge shotgun, it\u2019s not impossible. There are products specifically made and marketed for home defense, but there are also hunting loads that can make effective home-defense rounds.<\/p>\n
Remington Ultimate Defense: #3 Buckshot, 2.75-inch Shell<\/a><\/h4>\nThis is one of the few 20-gauge loads made specifically for home defense. Loaded with #00 buckshot, these rounds deliver devastating power to a target. Intended for tight patterns at short-ranges, this is an effective option for your home.<\/p>\n
Rio Royal Game Load: #1 Buckshot, 2.75-inch Shell<\/a><\/h4>\nWith #1 buckshot and a muzzle velocity of 1,345 fps, this deer-hunting load is perfectly capable of stopping a home threat. #1 buckshot is also a popular choice for home defense, as it has less chance for over penetration while still delivering a strong impact.<\/p>\n
Federal Premium: #3 Buckshot, 2.75-inch Shell<\/a><\/h4>\nUsing copper-platted #3 buckshot pellets, this ammunition is intended to deliver precise performance to the field. But with impressive stopping power for deer, hogs, and predators, it will certainly deliver enough force to stop an intruder.<\/p>\n
\n \n \n \n
The 20 gauge, when used appropriately, is a perfectly acceptable weapon for home defense. There is simply no doubt that a 20-gauge shotgun, loaded with buckshot ammo, will do significant damage to virtually any target, including a home intruder. Look at the image above, the Winchester buckshot offers 20 pellets you can throw at a threat. In this case, we fired it into ballistic gelatin and through a 4-layer fabric barrier. The results are impressive!<\/p>\n
The main advantage of a 20-gauge shotgun over 12 gauge for home defense is less recoil. By using a smaller shotgun load, shooters can reduce recoil into their shoulder while lowering barrel rise. All of this results in better control of the weapon, which in turn means a higher chance of effective, accurate follow-up shots.<\/p>\n
With less recoil, there is also a better chance that the user will actually practice. 12 gauges can be painful on smaller or less-experienced shooters, and this can result in little to no practice; as all responsible gun owners know, practice is essential for proficient use, especially in a high-stress emergency situation.<\/p>\n
The lowered power of a 20-gauge could also reduce the chances of over-penetration, which is always a concern when using a weapon indoors.<\/p>\n
For a variety of reasons, the 20-gauge can be an effective home-defense tool. So why aren\u2019t they used more?<\/p>\n
\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\nDisadvantages<\/h3>\nA round of popular 12 gauge buckshot (red) next to a 20 gauge round of buckshot (yellow).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nQuite frankly, it\u2019s not the size and design of the 20-gauge shell that makes it less popular for home defense. Rather, the largest barrier is the firearms industry. A 20-gauge shell has the foundation to be an outstanding home-defense load, but the ammunition and weapons manufacturers simply don\u2019t support it.<\/p>\n
Almost all home-defense shotguns and shotgun loads are based on military and police applications<\/a>. Can you guess what the U.S. Army and your local police force prefer? That\u2019s right: the 12 gauge!<\/p>\nThe vast majority of research, development, and manufacturing for defense-based shotgun ammunition goes to the 12 gauge, which means the average consumer looking for a defense round has almost no options in 20 gauge.<\/p>\n
This creates a self-fulfilling cycle: Since buyers don\u2019t purchase defense-based 20-gauge shotguns and ammunition, manufacturers don\u2019t produce many options. Since manufacturers don\u2019t produce many options, buyer\u2019s don\u2019t purchase 20-gauges for home defense. And the cycle continues\u2026<\/p>\n
But lack of industry support is not the only issue.<\/p>\n
There is also the chance for higher recoil. The might seem contradictory, and we admit it is. Yes, 20-gauge shotguns produce less power, which means less recoil. (Stay with us!) But 20-gauge shotguns are lighter, often weighing about a pound less than a 12-gauge weapon. Heavier weapons absorb more recoil, so a 20-gauge can actually feel as if it has more kick. And felt recoil, as far as a shooter is concerned, is all that matters. (Theoretically, if manufacturers made a slightly heavier 20-gauge, it could be an outstanding home-defense weapon.)<\/p>\n
Of course, there is also the issue of less ballistic force. We can debate the importance of energy and ballistic performance all day, but if you make well-placed shots on an intruder with a properly-loaded 20-gauge shotgun, it will, without a doubt, deliver effective results.<\/p>\n
You can learn more about the differences between 12 and 20 gauge in our article here<\/a>.<\/p>\nWhat to Look For in 20-Gauge Ammo for Home Defense<\/h3>\n
Although the 20-gauge gets little industry support, there are still some smatterings of options made specifically for home defense. Even if you can\u2019t find options specifically made for home use, if you are strategic and informed you can find effective shotgun options.<\/p>\n
Buckshot Only; No Birdshot!<\/h4>\nA round of buckshot, like this Winchester Defender offers large pellets at high velocity toward your target.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFirst of all, if you are selecting ammunition for home defense, stick with buckshot and avoid the use of birdshot entirely. It\u2019s fairly obvious if you think about it: birdshot is intended for harvesting ducks, pheasants, and quail. Yes, these are tough birds, and a birdshot will certainly damage an intruder. But buckshot is for dropping deer and other medium or large animals. Clearly it has more potential for penetration and energy placement than birdshot.<\/p>\n
For buckshot sizes, you may have to take what\u2019s currently being produced, but (generally speaking) the larger the pellet size the better. For shotgun ammo, this means a smaller number. (#1 buckshot is larger than #2, for example.) 20-gauge shells loaded with #3 or #4 buckshot are effective, but if you can find #1 or #0 you will be in good shape.<\/p>\n
Learn more about buckshot versus birdshot in our article here<\/a>.<\/p>\n2.75-Inch Shells (or Smaller)<\/h4>\n
If you are specifically choosing a 20 gauge for home defense over a 12, you\u2019ll want to select 2.75 inch shells or shorter. Three-inch shells, even in a 20-gauge, can bring a lot of power; combined with a lighter shotgun, this can mean a fierce recoil.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll find 20-gauge ammo with 2.5-inch shells and smaller, but you may have trouble finding buckshot loads in this length. Therefore, a 2.75-inch shell is the sweet-spot for power, pellet size, and manageable recoil.<\/p>\n
However, if you are using a 20-gauge shotgun for home defense, but not concerned with recoil (perhaps you\u2019re simply converting your trusted 20 to a home-defense weapon), then 3-inch shell will suit your needs.<\/p>\n
Our Picks for Home-Defense 20-Gauge Ammo<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n
While it can be harder to find top-quality home-defense ammunition for a 20-gauge shotgun, it\u2019s not impossible. There are products specifically made and marketed for home defense, but there are also hunting loads that can make effective home-defense rounds.<\/p>\n
Remington Ultimate Defense: #3 Buckshot, 2.75-inch Shell<\/a><\/h4>\nThis is one of the few 20-gauge loads made specifically for home defense. Loaded with #00 buckshot, these rounds deliver devastating power to a target. Intended for tight patterns at short-ranges, this is an effective option for your home.<\/p>\n
Rio Royal Game Load: #1 Buckshot, 2.75-inch Shell<\/a><\/h4>\nWith #1 buckshot and a muzzle velocity of 1,345 fps, this deer-hunting load is perfectly capable of stopping a home threat. #1 buckshot is also a popular choice for home defense, as it has less chance for over penetration while still delivering a strong impact.<\/p>\n
Federal Premium: #3 Buckshot, 2.75-inch Shell<\/a><\/h4>\nUsing copper-platted #3 buckshot pellets, this ammunition is intended to deliver precise performance to the field. But with impressive stopping power for deer, hogs, and predators, it will certainly deliver enough force to stop an intruder.<\/p>\n
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Quite frankly, it\u2019s not the size and design of the 20-gauge shell that makes it less popular for home defense. Rather, the largest barrier is the firearms industry. A 20-gauge shell has the foundation to be an outstanding home-defense load, but the ammunition and weapons manufacturers simply don\u2019t support it.<\/p>\n
Almost all home-defense shotguns and shotgun loads are based on military and police applications<\/a>. Can you guess what the U.S. Army and your local police force prefer? That\u2019s right: the 12 gauge!<\/p>\n The vast majority of research, development, and manufacturing for defense-based shotgun ammunition goes to the 12 gauge, which means the average consumer looking for a defense round has almost no options in 20 gauge.<\/p>\n This creates a self-fulfilling cycle: Since buyers don\u2019t purchase defense-based 20-gauge shotguns and ammunition, manufacturers don\u2019t produce many options. Since manufacturers don\u2019t produce many options, buyer\u2019s don\u2019t purchase 20-gauges for home defense. And the cycle continues\u2026<\/p>\n But lack of industry support is not the only issue.<\/p>\n There is also the chance for higher recoil. The might seem contradictory, and we admit it is. Yes, 20-gauge shotguns produce less power, which means less recoil. (Stay with us!) But 20-gauge shotguns are lighter, often weighing about a pound less than a 12-gauge weapon. Heavier weapons absorb more recoil, so a 20-gauge can actually feel as if it has more kick. And felt recoil, as far as a shooter is concerned, is all that matters. (Theoretically, if manufacturers made a slightly heavier 20-gauge, it could be an outstanding home-defense weapon.)<\/p>\n Of course, there is also the issue of less ballistic force. We can debate the importance of energy and ballistic performance all day, but if you make well-placed shots on an intruder with a properly-loaded 20-gauge shotgun, it will, without a doubt, deliver effective results.<\/p>\n You can learn more about the differences between 12 and 20 gauge in our article here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Although the 20-gauge gets little industry support, there are still some smatterings of options made specifically for home defense. Even if you can\u2019t find options specifically made for home use, if you are strategic and informed you can find effective shotgun options.<\/p>\n First of all, if you are selecting ammunition for home defense, stick with buckshot and avoid the use of birdshot entirely. It\u2019s fairly obvious if you think about it: birdshot is intended for harvesting ducks, pheasants, and quail. Yes, these are tough birds, and a birdshot will certainly damage an intruder. But buckshot is for dropping deer and other medium or large animals. Clearly it has more potential for penetration and energy placement than birdshot.<\/p>\n For buckshot sizes, you may have to take what\u2019s currently being produced, but (generally speaking) the larger the pellet size the better. For shotgun ammo, this means a smaller number. (#1 buckshot is larger than #2, for example.) 20-gauge shells loaded with #3 or #4 buckshot are effective, but if you can find #1 or #0 you will be in good shape.<\/p>\n Learn more about buckshot versus birdshot in our article here<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you are specifically choosing a 20 gauge for home defense over a 12, you\u2019ll want to select 2.75 inch shells or shorter. Three-inch shells, even in a 20-gauge, can bring a lot of power; combined with a lighter shotgun, this can mean a fierce recoil.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll find 20-gauge ammo with 2.5-inch shells and smaller, but you may have trouble finding buckshot loads in this length. Therefore, a 2.75-inch shell is the sweet-spot for power, pellet size, and manageable recoil.<\/p>\n However, if you are using a 20-gauge shotgun for home defense, but not concerned with recoil (perhaps you\u2019re simply converting your trusted 20 to a home-defense weapon), then 3-inch shell will suit your needs.<\/p>\n While it can be harder to find top-quality home-defense ammunition for a 20-gauge shotgun, it\u2019s not impossible. There are products specifically made and marketed for home defense, but there are also hunting loads that can make effective home-defense rounds.<\/p>\n This is one of the few 20-gauge loads made specifically for home defense. Loaded with #00 buckshot, these rounds deliver devastating power to a target. Intended for tight patterns at short-ranges, this is an effective option for your home.<\/p>\n With #1 buckshot and a muzzle velocity of 1,345 fps, this deer-hunting load is perfectly capable of stopping a home threat. #1 buckshot is also a popular choice for home defense, as it has less chance for over penetration while still delivering a strong impact.<\/p>\n Using copper-platted #3 buckshot pellets, this ammunition is intended to deliver precise performance to the field. But with impressive stopping power for deer, hogs, and predators, it will certainly deliver enough force to stop an intruder.<\/p>\nWhat to Look For in 20-Gauge Ammo for Home Defense<\/h3>\n
Buckshot Only; No Birdshot!<\/h4>\n
2.75-Inch Shells (or Smaller)<\/h4>\n
Our Picks for Home-Defense 20-Gauge Ammo<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nRemington Ultimate Defense: #3 Buckshot, 2.75-inch Shell<\/a><\/h4>\n
Rio Royal Game Load: #1 Buckshot, 2.75-inch Shell<\/a><\/h4>\n
Federal Premium: #3 Buckshot, 2.75-inch Shell<\/a><\/h4>\n
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