Sellier & Bellot 12 Gauge - 2-3/4" 12 Pellets #1 Buckshot - 10 Rounds

Nine pieces of 00 buckshot? Oh no, no, no. How about twelve pieces of #1 buckshot instead!

This shell is loaded with #1 buck, which is a great deal less popular than ubiquitous double-aught. And like Martha would say, that’s a good thing. More pellets equal more points of impact and wound channels, and lighter pellets equal comparably less striking energy.

That’s not to say this shell can’t kill whitetail! Far from it, as its shot column’s combined muzzle energy amounts to over 2,500 ft lbs. But because a #1 buck pellet weighs approximately three-quarters as much as a piece of double-aught, it can’t help but strike softer than the larger shot would have. That carries an inherently lower risk of over-penetration during a home defense altercation, and reduces the chance of hide-damaging exit channels.

This ammo hails from the Czech Republic, where its very old manufacturer loads it with recoil-absorbing felt wads and 0.49” brass heads.