5 yards self defense load in a M4

[Lou Giordano]

I’m trying to pick a self defense load for a 5 yard target. Suggestions appreciated 

[Sukhoi_fan]

Personally I’m a huge fan of 000 buck however at five yards just about any 2 3/4” rounds of 00 buck won’t disappoint. 3” shot shells are a waste of money and magazine space IMO.

Typically a shot pattern opens up about 1” for every yard traveled so at five yards the shot pattern will be about five inches in diameter.

[Lou Giordano]

1 hour ago, Sukhoi_fan said:

Personally I’m a huge fan of 000 buck however at five yards just about any 2 3/4” rounds of 00 buck won’t disappoint. 3” shot shells are a waste of money and magazine space IMO.

Typically a shot pattern opens up 1” for every yard traveled so at five yards the shot pattern will be about five inches in diameter.

Thanks 

I was concerned that it would look like a slug hole at that distance. I was thinking of # 1 or # 4 buck.

I ordered a Benelli cylinder choke for my M4.
The ranges in my area don’t allow you to get any closer than 15 yards. 

[Sukhoi_fan]

Smaller shot size such as #4 buck is preferred for safety when one is concerned about barrier penetration. IMO that’s the only reason for using #4 buck, it just doesn’t retain energy like 000 or 00 buck.

[NCswamp13]

I love PMC high velocity #4 buck. It is very spicy and shoots well out of my m4. 

[benelliwerkes]

This. You choose.

 

[Blain]

Anything at 5 yards, even birdshot, is going to drop them like a rock.  Esp if out of a tight choke!