🚀 go-pugleaf

In-Reply-To: <2597@jade.BERKELEY.EDU>

I disagree with the advice to use such small shot.  Even at close ranges
#8 would most likely produce mayhem but not lethal force.  #4 buck is as
large as I would go but I would think very hard before using anything
smaller than BB.  A 12 gauge generally has muzzle energy comparable to
a 30-06 but you can spread it too fine.  Very small shot dissipates all
of its energy in barely 2-3 inches of penetration -- fine for birds, and
less than half of what is needed, according to study, for a stopping-grade
hit.  It is definitely not enough for someone high enough on drugs or
adrenalin or psychosis to attack a man holding a shotgun.  The truth
probably lies somewhere between #4 buck and BBs.