Smythbusters: Is Birdshot Better Than Buckshot for Home Defense?
In this episode of Smythbusters, Steve and Caleb return to the range to settle the ongoing debate between birdshot and buckshot for home defense using ballistic gel tests. Responding to viewer criticism of their earlier recommendation for buckshot, they put various 12-gauge loads to the test using a Beretta 1301 Tactical. Birdshot loads, including #6 hunting and #7.5 target shells, demonstrate minimal penetration and ineffective wound channels. In stark contrast, 2¾-inch nine-pellet buckshot creates deep, decisive damage, clearly showing its superiority for stopping power.
What You Will Learn
From this episode, you'll learn the real-world performance differences between birdshot and buckshot in home defense scenarios. Through ballistic gel testing, the video clearly demonstrates why buckshot offers significantly better penetration and stopping power, helping you make a more informed choice for defensive ammunition.
Benefit
The benefit of watching this video is that it gives you a clear, visual comparison of how birdshot and buckshot perform in a realistic home defense context.
Birdshot vs. Buckshot: Home Defense Showdown in Ballistic Gel
In this special Smythbusters episode, Steve and Caleb head to the range on a cold, windy day to revisit a hot topic: birdshot versus buckshot for home defense. After receiving pushback on a previous episode where they recommended buckshot, they decide it’s time to let the gel blocks speak for themselves. With a Beretta 1301 Tactical and multiple loads of 12-gauge ammo in hand, they put the debate to the test.
Intro and the Reason for the Test
Caleb starts off by explaining why they’re out on the range in less-than-ideal weather. Viewers had pushed back on the idea that birdshot isn’t ideal for home defense, claiming it’s more than sufficient. Caleb makes it clear: it’s not that birdshot won’t work—it’s that buckshot is better.
To demonstrate the difference, they’ve brought out ballistic gel, a Beretta 1301 Tactical, and several types of 12-gauge ammunition.
Testing Birdshot at Defensive Distance
The first load tested is a number six birdshot hunting load—an 1 1/8 ounce shell fired from roughly 20 yards away. Caleb explains that while this is farther than typical inside-the-home distances, it's still a reasonable stretch for defensive use, like shooting across a hallway.
After firing, both Caleb and Steve are surprised by the result. The pellets barely penetrate the gel, creating minimal visible damage. Steve notes that the wad opened up fully, and wind likely affected the spread, but even with that, the gel penetration is shallow.
Trying a Clay Target Load
Next up is a #7.5 target load, typically used for clay shooting. They decide to shoot this load into the same gel block since there’s so little damage from the first shot.
Again, results are underwhelming. Only a few shallow pellet marks are visible—no deep penetration, no substantial wound channel.
Switching to Buckshot
Having proven birdshot's lack of effectiveness at this distance, they flip the gel block around to shoot the other side with 2¾-inch nine-pellet buckshot. They even opt for a fresh gel block just to be sure there's no influence from the earlier shots.
When the buckshot hits, the difference is immediate and dramatic.
The wound channel is clearly visible, and the buckshot’s ability to penetrate deeply and consistently stands in stark contrast to the birdshot and target loads.
Comparing the Results
Caleb and Steve agree: if you're trying to stop a threat, buckshot is the clear winner. Birdshot might cause injury, but it lacks the stopping power to reliably penetrate clothing and reach vital organs—especially at more realistic ranges.
They also point out that if heavy clothing had been placed in front of the gel during the birdshot tests, penetration would have been even worse.
The Final Verdict
Steve and Caleb reaffirm what they said in their original Smithbusters episode: the myth that birdshot is just as good as buckshot for home defense is still busted. Buckshot is more consistent, more powerful, and better suited for defensive scenarios.
That said, if birdshot is all you have, use it—but if you're choosing ammo for defense, choose buckshot every time.
Wrap-Up
The video wraps with a reminder that the conversation isn’t closed. If viewers have questions, comments, or opposing views, they’re welcome to reach out. The Brownells team always invites feedback and discussion.
Until next time, Steve and Caleb will be back with another Smythbusters episode—and likely another round of busted myths.
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