BullShooters: Will Birdshot Penetrate a Wall?

by
posted on July 3, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
birdshot_self_defense_f.jpg

The Myth
In the Internet world of tactical Rambos, I often hear that homeowners looking for a home defense round should use a shotgun “with birdshot” because it won’t penetrate walls and therefore can't hurt family members who may be in the next room. But in my experience as a hunter, I have seen the devastating power of birdshot at close range. So I wanted to know, will birdshot penetrate walls?

The Test
I built several false walls, made from 2x4s with vertical studs for the frame, and ½-inch thick sheetrock on both sides. I placed fiberglass insulation between them. Five yards behind the wall I placed a sheet of cardboard with a t-shirt over it to simulate an innocent bystander. Next, I loaded my 12-gauge Remington Versa Max with 2¾ inch, 1-oz. (the lightest) target loads, in No. 8 shot (it being among the most common “birdshot"). I fired multiple rounds from various ranges, from 5 yards out to 20.

The Results:
• 20 Yards:
Birdshot did not penetrate both sides of the wall.

• 10 Yards: Birdshot penetrated the full wall. Shot went on to strike the cardboard/t-shirt target behind it, but only made slight indentations that would likely result in multiple superficial “flesh” wounds.

• 5 Yards: Birdshot penetrated the full wall and fully penetrated the cardboard and t-shirt behind it. Even the shot wad was lodged into the cardboard enough to cause humanly damage.

The Conclusion
Birdshot can penetrate a sheetrock wall (two pieces of sheetrock and insulation) from 10 yards and in. While the blast at 10-yards may not be mortal to a bystander standing several yards on the other side of it, it would necessitate medical attention and could certainly blind them. At 5 yards and in, it could be deadly. As ever, always know what's beyond your target.

Latest

Trail Cam Lede
Trail Cam Lede

How To Use Trail Cameras to Find More Bucks and Bulls

Get some tips from Scott Haugen on how to optimize your trail cam grid this season.

New for 2025: Davidson's Exclusive Bergara B-14 FSP Hunter Stainless

Davidson’s has collaborated with Bergara to produce the first complete Bergara rifle with a stainless-steel barreled action available in the USA.

New for 2025: Leica USA Rangemaster CRF Max

Leica Sport Optics USA has unveiled the Leica Rangemaster CRF Max. Designed for hunters and long-range shooters who demand precision and reliability, the CRF Max combines Leica’s optical performance with cutting-edge digital integration and a new heads-up display.

Boone and Crockett Club Poaching Data Published

Did you know that the majority of wildlife violations never result in citations? Sure, with so much ground to cover, it may be easy to guess that most violations committed deep in the backcountry will never see the light of day, but the scale is still quite surprising. 

First Look: Horizon Firearms Exclusive

Custom & Collectable Firearms proudly unveils the Horizon Firearms Exclusive, a 1-of-50 limited series built for hunters and anyone who values accuracy, value and dependability.

Boone & Crockett and Pope & Young Now Accepting Javelina Entries

The Boone and Crockett Club (B&C) and Pope and Young Club (P&Y) announced in August that they have completed scoring procedures and are now accepting entries for javelina (collared peccary, Pecari tajacu) in their record books.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.