The main difference between #4 birdshot and #4 buckshot is the size of the pellets. The #4 birdshot is composed of smaller pellets than the #4 buckshot. The #4 birdshot is also better for hunting smaller, faster-moving targets like birds, due to its smaller spread.
On the other hand, the #4 buckshot is composed of larger pellets and has a much wider spread. This makes it better for hunting larger and slower-moving targets like deer. Let’s know more about #4 birdshot vs #4 buckshot.
What Are Buckshot And Birdshot?
BUCKSHOT
Buckshot and birdshot are two types of shotgun ammunition. Buckshot is a type of shotgun shell that contains large pellets, typically .24 to .36 inches in diameter.
- The pellets are usually made of lead, steel, or other materials.
- Buckshot is most commonly used for hunting large game such as deer, wild boar, and other large animals.
BIRDSHOT
Birdshot is a type of shotgun shell that contains smaller pellets, typically .12 to .20 inches in diameter. The pellets are usually made of lead, steel, or other materials.
- Birdshot is most commonly used for hunting small birds and other small game.
- Birdshot is less likely to cause excessive damage to the target since the small pellets spread out more on impact.
In-Depth Comparison: Buckshot VS Birdshot
- Size: Birdshot is typically much smaller than buckshot. Birdshot ranges in size from #9 (the smallest) up to #2, while buckshot sizes range from #000 (the largest) down to #4.
- Pellet Count: Birdshot is made up of hundreds of small pellets, while buckshot is made up of fewer, larger pellets.
- Penetration: Birdshot is designed to spread out upon firing, making them less effective for long-range shooting. Buckshot, on the other hand, is designed to maintain a tight pattern, making it more effective for long-range shooting.
- Damage: Birdshot is less effective at causing damage due to their small size and low penetration. Buckshot, on the other hand, is much more effective at causing damage due to its larger size and increased penetration.
- Use: Birdshot is often used for hunting small game, such as birds or rabbits, while buckshot is typically used for hunting large game, such as deer or wild boar.
Key Difference Between Buckshot & Birdshot
The main difference between buckshot and birdshot is the size of the pellets. Buckshot consists of much larger pellets than birdshot. And this makes it more effective for hunting larger games or for self-defense. Birdshot consists of much smaller pellets, and it makes them more effective for hunting small game or for clay shooting. Both types of ammunition have their own advantages and disadvantages depending on the situation. Let’s see through the chart below.
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Buckshot |
Birdshot |
| Buckshot consists of large pellets, usually 0.33 inches or larger in diameter. | Birdshot consists of small pellets, typically .12 inches in diameter or less. |
| It is commonly used for hunting large game and self-defense. | It is typically used for hunting small birds and upland games. |
| Buckshot is more powerful and has a greater range than birdshot. | Birdshot has less range and less power than buckshot. |
| It is often used in shotguns with a choke, which provides a more focused spread of pellets. | It is often used in shotguns without a choke, resulting in a wider spread of pellets. |
What Is A #4 Birdshot And A #4 Buckshot? And What They Used For?
#4 Birdshot:
#4 Birdshot is a shotgun shell that contains the smaller size of pellets. As the smaller pellets are less likely to cause damage to the edible meat.
- It is used for hunting birds and small game.
- It is also used for clay pigeon shooting, as the smaller pellets are more accurate.
How Many Pellets In 4 Birdshot?
4 birdshot can contain anywhere from around 200 to 500 pellets, depending on the size of the birdshot. Generally, birdshot size #7.5 will contain around 250 pellets per 4 birdshot, while birdshot size #8 will contain around 200 pellets per 4 birdshot.
#4 Buckshot:
#4 Buckshot is a shotgun shell that contains a larger size of pellets. As the larger pellets are more likely to cause more damage and can penetrate deeper into the animal.
- It is used for hunting large game such as deer.
- It is also used for home defense and law enforcement, as the larger pellets are more likely to stop an attacker.
Is #4 Buckshot Used For Home Defense?
Yes, the #4 buckshot can be used for home defense. It is a popular choice due to its power and spread. It also provides a greater chance of hitting the target and stopping it.
#4 Birdshot vs #4 Buckshot: A Complete Comparison Chart
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Parameter |
#4 Birdshot |
#4 Buckshot |
| Size | #4 birdshot pellets are .13 inches in diameter | #4 buckshot pellets are .24 inches in diameter |
| Use | #4 birdshot is best for hunting small game, such as quail, dove, pheasant, and partridge | #4 buckshot is best for hunting medium game, such as deer, wild boar, and bear |
| Range | #4 birdshot is effective only at close range | #4 buckshot is effective at both close and long-range |
| Made With | Usually made of Lead, Steel, or other metals | |Usually made of Lead or Steel |
| Cost | Generally cheaper | More expensive |
| Penetration | #4 birdshot has less penetration power than #4 buckshot | #4 buckshot has greater penetration power than #4 birdshot |
Well, What Is A 12 Gauge 4 Shot Used For?
A 12 gauge 4 shot is mostly used for recreational shooting, hunting, and home defense. It is a shotgun that is capable of firing up to four rounds of 12-gauge ammunition at once. The shells are generally loaded with either birdshot, buckshot, or slugs, depending on the intended purpose. Birdshot is typically used for recreational shooting and hunting, while buckshot and slugs are more commonly used for home defense.
For Self Defense: How Strong #4 Buckshot Are?
In terms of stopping power, #4 buckshot is considered to be very effective.
- The pellets are large enough to cause serious damage to a human target.
- The size of the pellets also makes it easier for the shooter to hit the target.
- At close range, the shotgun blast can cause devastating damage, and the pellets can penetrate multiple layers of clothing and body armor.
In terms of range, the #4 buckshot is effective up to about 25 yards, depending on the shotgun and the shooter’s skill.
- The pellets spread out as they travel. So the further away the target is, the less effective the shot is.
- It is important to practice proper shooting techniques and use the right type of choke to ensure accuracy at longer distances.
Overall, the #4 buckshot is a very effective round for self-defense purposes.
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- Its large size and power make it a formidable weapon in close quarters.
- And its range makes it suitable for many defensive situations.
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Would You Trust Your Life To #4 Buckshot?
No, I would not trust my life to #4 buckshot.
- While #4 buckshot is a relatively good stopping power, it is not ideal for self-defense or personal protection.
- Additionally, the size of the pellets can cause the shot to spread out quickly. And this makes it difficult to hit a target accurately at close range.
Therefore, if I were to trust my life to a type of ammunition, I would opt for something more powerful, such as #00 buckshot or even a rifle cartridge.
Final Verdict
The #4 birdshot is the preferred choice for hunting birds, while the #4 buckshot is the preferred choice for hunting large game animals. The size and shape of the pellets, along with the velocity are the primary differences between the two types of shotgun ammunition.
Moreover, the #4 birdshot is designed to spread out quickly and deliver a wide pattern, while the #4 buckshot is designed to penetrate deeper and deliver a more concentrated pattern.
