Fiocchi is now openly stating this is #1 buck, but was not when I began purchasing this loading. Many if not most ammo sites still have this categorized as 00buck, which is confusing because Fiocchi DOES offer an 8pellet 00buck load AND a 9 pellet 00buck load under the Defense Dynamics brand.
I got a case (250) of this from Midway during my birthday week pricing (check that out if you don't know) and I paid less than .59 a round after tax and delivery. Total luck that I selected this stuff based on price and now I wish I got more. The round cycled perfectly through my Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol. This stuff is absolutely amazing with regards to recoil and it patterned perfectly, keeping all pellets on a B-27 silhouette out to 25 yards... I emptied the gun several times per target with no fliers. Really happy to hear about the performance in gel as well, and yes it's definitely #1 buck but marked as 9 pellet buck (same box and velocity).
I have this load except its the lastest version in the clear hull with low brass item # 12EX9P. The pellet size in my example measures .30 - .30 1/2 cal. Pellet weight 41.4gr each, total 9 pellets 372.6gr. Powder charge of 18gr, flakes are big and flat. I also get about the same performance as you did in your video. I think its a great soft shooting load that is perfect for tactical and defensive use. I have no autos only pumps.
So are you still finding the blue-hull stuff? I went looking, and acquired some of the current "Defense Dynamics 9-pellet 1250fps" load. The SKU is 12EX9P. It appears they have changed it to a white/clear low-brass hull... Has a different wad too. The load is the same: nine 0.30" (1B) pellets weighing 360 grains total. The pattern is very tight-- 4-5" at ten-yards. The recoil feels like Walmart birdshot. Nice load.
Especially remarkable about this load is the absence of a "ninth pellet flyer" that is common for all other nine-pellet loads, including Federal Flight Control 00B. I guess the smaller diameter allows nine pellets to stack symmetrically inside the hull. Also remarkable is the lack of penetration of an old sheet of plywood after 16 in of ballistic gelatin.
"Number 1 buck is the smallest diameter shot that reliably and consistently penetrates more than 12 inches of standard ordnance gelatin when fired at typical shotgun engagement distances." (Tactical Briefs #10, Oct. 1998) Get the velocity low enough and it will not penetrate adequately, and things like leather jackets may give it trouble (i.e. won't penetrate the jacket), say, around 40 yds, maybe shorter.
Another great budget option is to buy target load. Then use a Lee Buckshot Mold or Slug Mold and mold the shot into a slug or buckshot of choice. Then you simply drop the buckshot or slug into the target load shell and you have a "low power" buckshot or slug. They may have reduced recoil, but they are MORE than capable of extreme damage, and for 25 cents a piece.
I have a Benelli m4 and it eats anything. Oddly enough I get a failure to cycle about every 3rd round with this ammo. It sucks because the round recoil is nice but seems like it gives just enough power to spit the used shell out but won’t load a new round. Any ideas what the issue may be?
This was my go to load in my 1301. When I bought my 1301 I went out an patterned about 10 different loads and I did notice this load was light recoil and decent patters.
I've been saying this for a while now - the Fiocchi DD patterns very well out of my 590. Just as good as a few other much more expensive options. People think if they pay more, it must be a better performing load, but that isn't always the case. Then again, many people never bother to pattern their shotgun in the first place, or they'd know that.
Nice presentation. Never used #1 buck. I have cases of #4 buck and 00, some 000. A fellow on another page just clued me in on your content as the Shockwave or one of a couple of shorty Turkish 12 gauge autos tend to accompany me into the woods and swamps for things a handgun might not do well enough in a hurry.
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Fiocchi is now openly stating this is #1 buck, but was not when I began purchasing this loading. Many if not most ammo sites still have this categorized as 00buck, which is confusing because Fiocchi DOES offer an 8pellet 00buck load AND a 9 pellet 00buck load under the Defense Dynamics brand.
I got a case (250) of this from Midway during my birthday week pricing (check that out if you don't know) and I paid less than .59 a round after tax and delivery. Total luck that I selected this stuff based on price and now I wish I got more. The round cycled perfectly through my Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol. This stuff is absolutely amazing with regards to recoil and it patterned perfectly, keeping all pellets on a B-27 silhouette out to 25 yards... I emptied the gun several times per target with no fliers. Really happy to hear about the performance in gel as well, and yes it's definitely #1 buck but marked as 9 pellet buck (same box and velocity).
This has to be the best kept secret for good buckshot. They did change to a clear-colored low-brass hull in the last case I bought.
I have this load except its the lastest version in the clear hull with low brass item # 12EX9P. The pellet size in my example measures .30 - .30 1/2 cal. Pellet weight 41.4gr each, total 9 pellets 372.6gr. Powder charge of 18gr, flakes are big and flat. I also get about the same performance as you did in your video. I think its a great soft shooting load that is perfect for tactical and defensive use. I have no autos only pumps.
So are you still finding the blue-hull stuff? I went looking, and acquired some of the current "Defense Dynamics 9-pellet 1250fps" load. The SKU is 12EX9P. It appears they have changed it to a white/clear low-brass hull... Has a different wad too. The load is the same: nine 0.30" (1B) pellets weighing 360 grains total. The pattern is very tight-- 4-5" at ten-yards. The recoil feels like Walmart birdshot. Nice load.
Especially remarkable about this load is the absence of a "ninth pellet flyer" that is common for all other nine-pellet loads, including Federal Flight Control 00B. I guess the smaller diameter allows nine pellets to stack symmetrically inside the hull. Also remarkable is the lack of penetration of an old sheet of plywood after 16 in of ballistic gelatin.
Damn. Ive had this stuff for a few years and never knew. Still haven't shot it yet.
"Number 1 buck is the smallest diameter shot that reliably and consistently penetrates more than 12 inches of standard ordnance gelatin when fired at typical shotgun engagement distances." (Tactical Briefs #10, Oct. 1998) Get the velocity low enough and it will not penetrate adequately, and things like leather jackets may give it trouble (i.e. won't penetrate the jacket), say, around 40 yds, maybe shorter.
Another great budget option is to buy target load. Then use a Lee Buckshot Mold or Slug Mold and mold the shot into a slug or buckshot of choice. Then you simply drop the buckshot or slug into the target load shell and you have a "low power" buckshot or slug. They may have reduced recoil, but they are MORE than capable of extreme damage, and for 25 cents a piece.
I have a Benelli m4 and it eats anything. Oddly enough I get a failure to cycle about every 3rd round with this ammo. It sucks because the round recoil is nice but seems like it gives just enough power to spit the used shell out but won’t load a new round. Any ideas what the issue may be?
Looks like they don't even state the shot size on this stuff. It just says "9-pellet" which people just assumed is 00B. If its
This was my go to load in my 1301. When I bought my 1301 I went out an patterned about 10 different loads and I did notice this load was light recoil and decent patters.
I've read #1 was superior, but 00 was the most popular for some reason and so #1 evaporated in my area a number of years ago.
This one patterns very well, many rag on this round for being too weak. I think this round deserves a bit more recognition.
I've been saying this for a while now - the Fiocchi DD patterns very well out of my 590. Just as good as a few other much more expensive options. People think if they pay more, it must be a better performing load, but that isn't always the case. Then again, many people never bother to pattern their shotgun in the first place, or they'd know that.
Was just looking to pick this load up. Great review.
Nice presentation. Never used #1 buck. I have cases of #4 buck and 00, some 000. A fellow on another page just clued me in on your content as the Shockwave or one of a couple of shorty Turkish 12 gauge autos tend to accompany me into the woods and swamps for things a handgun might not do well enough in a hurry.
#1 buck is hard to find and is an ideal HD load. Nice to know it is hiding. 70 cents is not bad in these times.
Good info. Well done
Dang, I’ve only been able to find Field Dynamics in my area. Glad that they’re now advertising it as #1. That will make looking for it easier.