You were my squad leader. E co 1/162. I remember doing the machine gun competition with Goin and you were our coach. We used a rucksack to carry the weapon system and we smoked all the other teams in the 2 mile run. And you were like" the rules dont say how to carry it". Its good to come across your you tube channel. I really enjoy it. -Joel Marsh
Hey Joel, Great to hear from you. For everyone reading this: Joel Marsh Was one of those troops that you could always count on, especially when things got stupid, which they frequently did.
Congrats good sir. Get some pistols if you can. You will love it. Im addicted to tokarevs personally. My tokarev therapist is struggling with helping me heal 😂
I think the chronograph was taken out by a stray buck shot. Both ammo's seemed great and it's a reminder of the awesome stopping power of a shotgun. As always Paul get well soon, were all rooting for you even as far away as gun free Australia.
@@chaddesantis4191 Yeah. different game requires different tools to hunt. 12 gauge is good, but there is definitely a need for 20 gauge and I think even 16 gauge too. I've never found much use for 410 though.
With a long and clear explanation of his interpretation of the necessary velocity required to kill different types of insect and whether or not it's bad luck to spill salt when you're using it as a weapon.
@@SierraBravo347 best thing i ever did was switch to diet after learning i was diabetic, its so gross that it hits that craving just right but you dont wanna keep chugging it eventually you learn to live without it
It was a regular day at the Rio HQ office when Geoff, the head of PR bust in violently abusing the normality. "What's that?" asked Dave the office manager, referring to a standard letter sized paper in Geoff's right hand. "Paul Harrell just reviewed our twenty gauge number one buck ammo" A deadly silence descended in the office, no one spoke, no one moved, no one even dared. Geoff slammed the paper down on the nearest desk that just happened to belong to Linda, the head of marketing. She jumped, startled by the sudden action. "Here's the transcript" Geoff announced "Take a f****** look." Slowly, Rio's finest began to creep over to Linda's desk while Linda herself could only stare at the transcript, seemingly entranced by the implications this document would summon. With what was unreasonable restraint, Dave took hold of the innocent looking paper, the rest of the staff experiencing a strange ambivalence wishing Dave would pick up the pace, but simultaneously not wanting to know. Dave's eyes scanned the words, as he read the others unconsciously edged closer affixing the poor office manager with looks of expectation and dread. Finally, Dave gingerly placed the transcript back onto the desk, making deliberate eye contact with everyone. "Paul Harrell says" he paused for effect, "He would use the ammo himself". All eyes widened, a manic look began to show on everyone's face, the two seconds silence that followed was louder than any mere tock concert. Then, all hell broke loose.
Educational and informative as well as entertaining. As only Paul can do. The Monarch 20 ga, 2¾ incnh, #1 Buck, 9 pellet out of my Mossberg 500 with cylinder choke patterns center and extremely tight. At $13 for a box of 25 ( price can vary depending on region) I can't complain one bit. That is my 20 ga shot gun yours my preform differently.
I've learned so much from you Paul, and I trust your advice. I've watched all of your you tube videos, and I learn a lot from each one. Keep them coming please.
Paul, Thank you for your dedication and intuitive thoughts on all things. With that said, I too, use a 20ga. side by side. And I face some very large feral hogs on my place in the woods of East Texas. A few took both barrels to stop with #3 buck. I'm grateful for your evaluation of this particular cartridge with #1 buck.
Thanks for sharing your experience with #3 on hogs. Having owned a couple of double barrels and using them to hunt in bear country, if I were you, I would load one barrel with the Rio and one barrel with a Brenneke 20 Gauge 2 3/4" Green Lightning Slug. The Green Lightning slugs are hardcast and are devastating. The Brenneke 20 Gauge 3" Silver Slugs are even better (hardcast as well but even more powerful) but are impossible to find right now except on Gunbroker. Hit a charging hog or bear with the Rio #1 buckshot to break the charge and then follow up with a Brenneke Green Lightning to make sure it stops for good. I use this same loading type in 12 Gauge Pump or double barrel guns. Buckshot to break the initial charge and then follow up with Brenneke hardcast slugs. The buckshot, even if it doesn't put the hog or bear down, will almost always make them pause and then they start biting at themselves for a moment before resuming the charge. That's when you hit them with the slug and then immediately reload in case those didn't do it. Gotta be creative when you only have two shots!
@@JohnB-dr8sk Thanks for the information. My 20ga side by side is modified & full choke R to L. Not to thrilled to shoot a slug through a full choke, but maybe in the modified barrel. I'm currently searching for #1 buck 20ga loads. Hope I can find some. Stay safe out there. 👍
@@anangryranger You're very welcome Ranger. The Brenneke's are also what Alaskan State Troopers use in their pump shotguns to deal with Kodiak Bears. Just make sure to seal the primers first with Markron or nitrocellulose nail polish because Brenneke primers have been known to allow moisture in under extreme wet conditions. I know the Brenneke Green Lightning's are currently available at Midway but haven't seen the 20 Gauge Rio's available anywhere. Your #3 would work fine to break the charge as long as you back it up with a Brenneke, because who knows when the Rio's will be available again. Best, John
Years ago I had the hardest time finding 20 gauge buckshot but I found like 5 boxes of these at a Sportsman’s Warehouse in Lewiston, Idaho. Bought them all and they have served me well ever since.
20 gauge is definitely hard to find especially buckshot. During covid all I could find was Winchester and Remington #3 buck. This year I've been able to scoop up Fiocci, Rio, S&B and armscor in #1 and #2 buck.
It's not just how much damage you do. It's what you damage. There's a lot of difference between "tore the heck out of the attacker's lungs, causing them to collapse and him to asphyxiate before emergency services reached the scene" and "poked a hole through the attacker's aorta, causing him to collapse immediately." Having to follow a deer for another five minutes and having to fend off a psycho ex-boyfriend for five minutes are *not* the same consequence.
@@TheDuckofDoom. Do you remember the #2 birdshot at 50 yards thing? It bounced off a t-shirt. I was wondering exactly that, because at short enough range it'll hit like a frangible slug. Far less threat to neighbours or flatmates than #1 buck, still effective at "affordable housing" ranges. If it doesn't over-penetrate, all that momentum gets transferred. *I SAID SIT DOWN!*
For about 20 years, my home defense load was one of those 20 gauge Winchester #3 buck loads. My wife and kids were better able to shoot it. My daughter took the 20 with her when she got her own place, so I promoted my 870 to a home defense rig with a streamlight flashlight and loaded with 2 3/4" #1 buckshot. I am okay with the 00, but I feel that the #1 gives more hit probability in my particular situation. It also patterns REALLY well compared to the 00 loads that I tested.
Another great presentation. Awhile back you did a show on using your middle finger to fire a pistol. It got me thinking about trying it with my Walmart parking lot assault weapons, micro 380s. I started out dry firing with laser cartridges. I was surprised at my increase in accuracy. So out to the range. I found there that slightly pinching the pistol between the thumb and index finger that was placed along the frame it reduced my tendency to pull the shot on these little guys. By sitting lower in the hand the felt recoil was less and using the extra leverage of the longer middle finger the hard pull of the double action was much easier. As with your findings I found this not comfortable with larger weapons. This is how I now train with my small 380s.
I bought some of this ammo and was favorably impressed. It is soft shooting and patterns, with a 20 inch mod choked barrel just about like Paul experienced. It can be had at a significant savings over other 20 gauge buckshot. I got it for about $12 for a box of 25 (Buds Gunshop) versus about $4 for a box of standard #3 Winchester or Remington. My only real complaint is that it is roll-crimped which makes it an overall longer shell, which, depending on your gun, might make a difference in capacity. It is what I am using for a self-defense load in my 20-gauge pump.
Once again, it was a pleasure meeting you a week ago. I was going to see Hickok45 at a show yesterday, but my vehicle has developed a problem, and my two friends were unable to drive us there due to illness. Hickok left me a comment, saying at least I got to meet the guy who has a brain (Paul Harrell). He also said he'd like to meet you at some point.
Paul, sometimes when we get old and face crises we wonder about our legacy, could we have done things differently. If you ever have these moments; know that you have taught well, offered your best advice, been clearer than most and are respected by hundreds of thousands. With most sincere respect and admiration, Phil
No one makes more methodical content. Appreciate every second of video you post Paul. Meat target testing is probably what I find to be most useful, but I think the Thanksgiving special is the most fun :)
Have to admit I love the holiday specials. Every presentation is a winner but Paul shows his humor in those specials & we hear some really good stories about his experiences.
We run Rio #1 in 20 ga, an Win or Fed plated 00 buck in 12ga, an yes we can hunt deer with a shotgun here, ( FLA ). Much the same results with the 20 ga, but it will kill 2 legged or 4 legged critters. Thx for the vid Paul
Great as always. Might you consider doing an episode on field dressing a dear. Gutless vs gut method? Also one on cooking the deer meat in the field maybe in the Dutch oven? Thanks.
Going to be using this load this season for my deer and hog hunting this year. The shotgun I will be shooting will be a stevens 320 20 gauge with a modified choke
I love shotguns! I only have 12ga, but they are fun. Dove, turkey, quail, are my primary hunting ventures. I keep a Mossberg 590A1 by the bed for defense at home. My wife likes 20ga. She is an excellent shot.
You know, Rio used to kind of suck. I always got meh patterns and velocity was inconsistent. They were cheap though. Seems from what I am seeing, they have improved their consistency. I am glad.
I've been going back though Paul Harrell videos and past over this one because like a comment before, I don't have a 20ga. However I just enjoy the heck out of these videos!😊 Who knows, Maybe I'll get a 20ga someday. Might be good for youngsters & ladies.
OK, it's completely plausible that it is new and improved, and one can clearly see that it is high tech, but is it REALLY fleece? Best gun channel out there, thanks for all you do Paul. Viva Pop Tarts!
The pellets in that Rio load aren't actually #1 buckshot. The measure just a hair under 0.295" instead of the standard 0.30" of #1 buckshot. They did this to allow the pellets to be stacked 3 per layer. Something that is typically not possible in a 20 gauge hull with standard #1. That being said, the difference is minimal. And they didn't want to have to explain what #1.5 buckshot was to the public, I am sure. The thing is, #1 buckshot seems to hit the sweet spot in terms of pellet mass, striking surface area, and how many pellets can be crammed into a specific volume. If you go with smaller pellets, they start to lose penetration. If you go larger, you get more penetration, but have to reduce how many pellets you have in the shell. Which both decreases hit probability and overall striking surface on the target. Yes, both larger and smaller pellets have their uses. And both can do some things better than #1. But for all-around performance, #1 still has the edge. The Rio loads have long been a favorite of mine, though they all but disappeared during and right after the plague. I am hoping to find them on the market again soon, as they are the go-to home defense shotgun round at our house. I would prefer a 12 gauge, but the wife and daughters are much better with a 20 gauge, so I made the switch once the kids were old enough to handle them.
Interesting and thanks for sharing. I love companies that innovate like this. I recently tried Rio's 12 Gauge Low Recoil 00 Buckshot just because it was the cheapest at my local rural store. I was shocked that it patterned better than any of the Winchester, Federal, Remington or Fiocchi loads I'd been using for many years.
I remember in the 1990s #1 buckshot in 20GA seemed pretty common. I still have some #1, #2, and #3 from back then. I dunno why but it seemed like sometime in the 2000s I started to only see #3.
Im a viewer from the uk, i love watching these videos, very entertaining and fun to watch. If you keep making them then i will certainly keep watching them!, I wish you well 🙏🙏
Paul made a good point when he said most 20 gauge buckshot is #3. I prefer #1 buckshot for 20 gauge and only buy Rio, Spartan, or Monarch brand 20 gauge buckshot as they are all #1 buckshot. I’ve tried the Winchester #3 buck 20 gauge and my Ithaca 37 doesn’t pattern as good for me as the #1 loads and I like the overall performance of the #1 better. Amazing video Paul and thank you for doing this one. There just isn’t enough 20 gauge buckshot tests out there on TH-cam and yours is the best I’ve seen period.
I discovered Paul’s video platform a few months back, and began binge-viewing his videos last week while resting & dealing with some health issues. I’ve now watched *all* of them. Even the ones which do not contain any information relevant to me, like cartridges I’ll never own a weapon chambered in; outdoor cooking that I will most likely never do; drills I’ll probably never run; etc. But damn, I must say each & every one has something I’ve learned and never thought of. Thank you, Paul, for being the dude you are & providing so much useful & important data. I really hope to see some handloading videos at some point. Oh, most importantly: *Thank you for your service, Sir*
Hey Paul, wanted to take a moment and say thank you for all of the editing, recording, and general educating you do, always happy to see you upload a new video and I hope you’re doing well, love you brother God bless
Great review, Ty. It's interesting to see the results from ammo I've never, and probably won't ever, use. In my 20g's I shoot Remington, Federal, and Winchester birdshot. Glad to see these numbers.
Interesting how the Winchester is lower-velocity, but seems to do a little more damage as a result of the higher pellet count. But I think the Rio would be the way to go between the two for home defense; it's penetrating deeper and making bigger holes without the recoil being awful.
I’ve seen underpenetration with magnum 12 gauge loadings as well. Really inconsistent power from pellet to pellet. My brother shot an old TV. Some pellets penetrated steel; others were lodged in plastic!
Thanks Paul. This is of interest to me bc I gave my son the Stoeger double barrel coach gun that he used shooting Cowboy Action with me as a boy. I did give him some buck loads but I have no idea what loads... the idea is that this is something his wife can operate too as it's a pretty basic operation... and while it does kick of course, it's pretty light.
Great info, I’ve really taken a shine to the 20 gauge for EVERY use. There’s not a ton of information on 20 gauge buck though, so this was VERY useful 👍
Thanks for the video. Someday, I'd like to get a 20 gauge shotgun. This presentation is useful to know that #1 buckshot is available at a price that's probably pretty good Rio tends to be a budget ammunition.
Paul, I just recently picked up 2, 20ga shotguns. One is a Mossburg pump the other is an AT single shot. I've always been a 12 ga smooth bore or 410. I like this video, it answered my question on which rounds to get. Thank you.. and prayers still coming your way 🙏
Don't take his word for it, try your own shotshells as every gun is different and different ammo performs differently in every firearm known to man. If you're out shopping, always good to swing by a farm store or gun shop and pick up a couple boxes of shells to try out.
For home defense, I use 20ga #4 buck. Switch to 20ga long ago when I was doing A LOT of Skeet and Sporting Clays shooting and I could shoot that 20ga all day long. For hunting, I use 20ga for dove and quail, 12ga for duck.
Paul, my name is Kevin Blankenship and I love the vids that you put up!!! I love them all...some better than others....but really I love them all. Thank you for having plenty of advice, and all the other stuff. I am TRULY grateful!!!!
Glad to see this review as I recently purchased 2000 rounds of the Rio #1 buck at a great price from Bud's Gun Shop. In a self defense situation the heavier pellets will be of use if the bad guy is wearing something more substantial then a light shirt. Or is hiding behind a door or a piece of furniture. I liked that the #1 tended to group more in the center of the target where the #3 seemed to have a void in the center. As to the flyers, it is common for 9 pellet loads (in any gauge) to throw a flyer. From what I understand it has something to do with the way the pellets stack in the shell.
I have a 20 Gauge Shockwave with Streamlight TLR4 light and laser for home defense. I keep a turkey shot (warning crotch shot) followed by Rio #1 bucks. I'm glad to hear tight pattern and reduced recoil.
I'm glad to see some field test of some lighter buckshot. I don't remember where, but I remember seeing a write up suggesting #3 buck, for a target in the 150-250lb range is the lightest pellet that will reliably get enough penetration to have the intended effect. By extension it will also have the lowest likelihood of over-penetration (holes out the far side don't contribute much to the intended effect) and give the largest number of wound channels for a given mass of lead. These results seem to suggest that by that metrics #3 actually is the lightest you would want to go with and it's possible #1 or above might be trading off number of hits for only marginal per-pellet effect. I'd be interested to see a comparison of different pellet sizes holding all else as equal as possible (equal masses of shot, same brad of ammo, same gun, same velocity, etc.).
Loved the sight discipline. Reloading by touch. I never saw you look at the shotgun when removing and reloading shells. I use #1 shot, due to an FBI study i saw that stated that the #1 shot gave the best result with the least over penetration. I would love to see some independent shooting results on a meat target.
22 simi auto safety : I have been enjoying your videos. Here is a topic you might be interested in discussing, "most .22 simi auto rifles will chamber a round if dropped or struck on the butt" this is a well known safety issue with submachine guns such as the "sten", but I have never heard it mentioned when discussing safety with 22 sporting arms. If you take a 10-22 for instance, load the magazine and drop it butt first a foot or so onto a hard surface the inertia of its unlocked bolt will move far enough to strip a round from the magazine. This might not always cause a negligent discharge but is worth being aware of. Thank you.
Thanks, I bought a couple hundred of these as the "BEER" incident was winding down. It was available and I got it at a good price. I couldn't find much about it, but the little bit made it sound "OK". I was also hoping that since it had 3/4 ounce of shout, it would also have less recoil than the standard 1 ounce of #3 buckshot. This is important due to the lightweight 20 gauge Maverick shotgun I purchased to go with it. This review sows that I made a good choice.
I came to the same conclusion about the S&B #1 buck 12 pellet 12 gauge that was the only stuff out there for under a dollar a round: it will suffice for the zombie horde.
@@DB-thats-me There is a type of Beer (Corona), that Paul used to refer to a certain virus going around. TH-cam was picky about how the name of the virus was used.
I've enjoyed Rio shotgun ammo. Their 12g low recoil slugs are great deer killers out of a single shot. Their birdshot in 12g and 410 has patterned nicely out of my guns as well. Recently got a 20g, hopefully I can find some at the next gunshow.
I just checked our stash, which is very predominantly 12 gauge 00...there are 5 shells of 3 inch #1, and 5 shells of #4, along with 15 shells of 16 gauge #1...watching the performance of the #1 in this video I might need to pick up some more #1 If I can find it (we only buy at brick and mortar, never online)...I always appreciate Paul making me think about choices and options, even if I do take forever to implement them...
"Watching the performance of the #1 in this video" dude.... you have a 12ga. This is a video on 20ga. Just because the shells use the same shot doesn't mean you will get even SLIGHTLY similar patterns/ballistics. That isn't how any of that works.
Some cursory research shows a very clear reason why the Rio shot is reduced recoil in spite of a higher velocity: a lighter mass of shot. - 9 pellets of #1 Buck, nominally at 11 pellets per ounce, weighs in at 23.20 grams - 20 pellets of #3 Buck, nominally at 18 pellets per ounce, weighs in at 31.50 grams Thus, with a lighter total mass of shot, it's very easy to see how the larger pellets can have a lighter powder charge and still attain a higher velocity with a lower recoil. If I've done my math and conversions correctly, the Rio ammo has about 1837 J of muzzle energy while the Winchester #3 has about 2100 J of muzzle energy. For the velocities to be a "completely fair" comparison, a shell would have to have only 15 pellets of #3 instead of 20 pellets, and that weight of shot with _this_ (Winchester) shell's same powder load would likely achieve velocities around 1380 feet per second
FAQ 800k?
It's filmed and in post production. Should be on line in a few days.
@@PaulHarrell I'm here until I see you shoot an M60 somewhere, then I have completed my life journey. I see all those awards in the intros.
@@PaulHarrellhope you are doing well and we all pray you are cured
@@2aisabsoluteTim your prayers are anwsered, he isnt sick anymore.
You were my squad leader. E co 1/162.
I remember doing the machine gun competition with Goin and you were our coach. We used a rucksack to carry the weapon system and we smoked all the other teams in the 2 mile run. And you were like" the rules dont say how to carry it". Its good to come across your you tube channel. I really enjoy it.
-Joel Marsh
Adapt modify overcome.
Hey Joel, Great to hear from you.
For everyone reading this:
Joel Marsh Was one of those troops that you could always count on, especially when things got stupid, which they frequently did.
That is very high praise sir! He sounds like a very squared away person. God bless you sir.@@PaulHarrell
@@ndChronicleswhat did i just read? Pancreatic cancer and Paul Harrell? Very disturbing to read and think about.
@@ndChronicles Thanks for mentioning! Watchted it. Bad news.. A thought to all people going through challenging times. Nice to hear that you made it!
I'm still praying for you sir. God bless you. I'm 66 and all I ever shot my whole life was 12 gauge. I bought a 20 gauge in 2014 and now I love it.
Congrats good sir. Get some pistols if you can. You will love it. Im addicted to tokarevs personally. My tokarev therapist is struggling with helping me heal 😂
⌚️ Europa the last batťle
The most jumbled and confusing statement I've read today. It's not even truthful. Why do boomers lie so much and to themselves?
@@mattmarzulacope
@@budget.88 Hoy Veigh shut it down!
Paul is truly proficient in the art of sneaking a middle finger.
He's a true master.
Got to love it.
Ninja Bird 😂.
I hate it when he does that.
I have to wait until I stop laughing and rewind the video because I can't hear him.
Paul
you are funny as hell
2.50 sneaking in a salute to gun grabbers!
Nothing like a Paul Harrell video to cap off the weekend 💪🏻
I was thinking the same thing :)
This guy gets it
Hey! Where WAS his cap?
@@TheWalterKurtz Paul is a strictly no cap operation
Got my hot cocoa
Pop Tarts, shotguns, chronographs and meat targets. Makes for great end of weekend entertainment/learnin'. Thanks Paul!
I think the chronograph was taken out by a stray buck shot. Both ammo's seemed great and it's a reminder of the awesome stopping power of a shotgun. As always Paul get well soon, were all rooting for you even as far away as gun free Australia.
20 gauge is perfectly acceptable
We are rooting for you freedom loving Aussies here in the States too. Much love.
I don't even own a 20ga, with no plans to get one. But I watched because Mr. Harrell's presentations are that good and informative.
You're missing out.
Yup... ^THIS^ 😁👍
Just like the 380 videos
Man it's my favorite for squirrels
@@chaddesantis4191 Yeah. different game requires different tools to hunt. 12 gauge is good, but there is definitely a need for 20 gauge and I think even 16 gauge too. I've never found much use for 410 though.
Nice, something that Paul isn’t disappointed at, it’s lovely to see someone sends him something good.
You think Paul getting mellow on us...? or is it a product that simply performed as advertised...
Thanks you Mr. Harrell, hope this finds you well.
It would be hilarious if Paul tested the “bug-a-salt” as if it was a real firearm 😆
I would watch that!!
Dumb because it would cause zero effect in everything...unless they paid him a ton of money to do a parody
And if he used the chronograph and meat target
@@Dylan.More-Veiny I think the meat target should be on the grill.
With a long and clear explanation of his interpretation of the necessary velocity required to kill different types of insect and whether or not it's bad luck to spill salt when you're using it as a weapon.
Hey Paul, hope you're doing better. You're a kick ass guy.
Let's face it....we all just like watching Paul Shoot $h!t! 😂😂
The older .30-30 video he did is GREAT...he shoots 3 pumpkins filled with orange soda 😮
@@Hjerte_Verke Lol! Paul HATES soda! 🤣👍
@@SierraBravo347probably a dentist thing lol
@@EthanDyTioco Maybe so. That shit's just plain Bad for you period. It makes a helluva reactionary target though, so atleast there's that. 🤣
@@SierraBravo347 best thing i ever did was switch to diet after learning i was diabetic, its so gross that it hits that craving just right but you dont wanna keep chugging it eventually you learn to live without it
Congrats on the 800k, looking forward to the questions for newbies and the thanksgiving special. 👍
Anyone else love those Pop Tart ads in the beginning lol? Brilliant stuff
You're the last one to love them! 😂
It was a regular day at the Rio HQ office when Geoff, the head of PR bust in violently abusing the normality.
"What's that?" asked Dave the office manager, referring to a standard letter sized paper in Geoff's right hand.
"Paul Harrell just reviewed our twenty gauge number one buck ammo"
A deadly silence descended in the office, no one spoke, no one moved, no one even dared. Geoff slammed the
paper down on the nearest desk that just happened to belong to Linda, the head of marketing. She jumped, startled
by the sudden action.
"Here's the transcript" Geoff announced "Take a f****** look."
Slowly, Rio's finest began to creep over to Linda's desk while Linda herself could only stare at the transcript, seemingly
entranced by the implications this document would summon.
With what was unreasonable restraint, Dave took hold of the innocent looking paper, the rest of the staff experiencing
a strange ambivalence wishing Dave would pick up the pace, but simultaneously not wanting to know.
Dave's eyes scanned the words, as he read the others unconsciously edged closer affixing the poor office manager
with looks of expectation and dread.
Finally, Dave gingerly placed the transcript back onto the desk, making deliberate eye contact with everyone.
"Paul Harrell says" he paused for effect, "He would use the ammo himself".
All eyes widened, a manic look began to show on everyone's face, the two seconds silence that followed was louder
than any mere tock concert.
Then, all hell broke loose.
I really hope that actually happened. This story had me at the edge of my seat! lol
Beefed it at the end.
I actually held my breath with them! Lol noice!😊
Hilarious 😅
Epic my friend, epic.
“40! That’s pretty slow!” Hilarious delivery on that line
It brings me great joy everytime one of these videos is posted, regardless of topic. Thanks Paul.
For what it's worth, thanks Paul for answering every question I had about firearms.
"Share the experience."
I'm not sure if thats supposed to be a joke or not. There should be a shotgun manufacturer that states, "Spread the love."
Id watch Paul for the dry humor and 70's sport coat in the intro alone.... the info is always a great bonus.
Chuck Norris wears Paul Harrell themed pajamas.
😅😂🤣👍
So does Bigfoot
Educational and informative as well as entertaining. As only Paul can do. The Monarch 20 ga, 2¾ incnh, #1 Buck, 9 pellet out of my Mossberg 500 with cylinder choke patterns center and extremely tight. At $13 for a box of 25 ( price can vary depending on region) I can't complain one bit. That is my 20 ga shot gun yours my preform differently.
Paul sees poptarts proceeds to assume crouching tiger pose! Love those adds! Thank you for all you do sir!
Morning at the Harrell's: Paul sets up the meat targets.
Evening at the Harrell's: Another big batch of bbq pork ribs.
I've learned so much from you Paul, and I trust your advice. I've watched all of your you tube videos, and I learn a lot from each one. Keep them coming please.
Excellent. I needed this today. Thank you, Paul.
Paul,
Thank you for your dedication and intuitive thoughts on all things.
With that said, I too, use a 20ga. side by side. And I face some very large feral hogs on my place in the woods of East Texas. A few took both barrels to stop with #3 buck.
I'm grateful for your evaluation of this particular cartridge with #1 buck.
Thanks for sharing your experience with #3 on hogs. Having owned a couple of double barrels and using them to hunt in bear country, if I were you, I would load one barrel with the Rio and one barrel with a Brenneke 20 Gauge 2 3/4" Green Lightning Slug. The Green Lightning slugs are hardcast and are devastating. The Brenneke 20 Gauge 3" Silver Slugs are even better (hardcast as well but even more powerful) but are impossible to find right now except on Gunbroker. Hit a charging hog or bear with the Rio #1 buckshot to break the charge and then follow up with a Brenneke Green Lightning to make sure it stops for good. I use this same loading type in 12 Gauge Pump or double barrel guns. Buckshot to break the initial charge and then follow up with Brenneke hardcast slugs. The buckshot, even if it doesn't put the hog or bear down, will almost always make them pause and then they start biting at themselves for a moment before resuming the charge. That's when you hit them with the slug and then immediately reload in case those didn't do it. Gotta be creative when you only have two shots!
@@JohnB-dr8sk Thanks for the information. My 20ga side by side is modified & full choke R to L. Not to thrilled to shoot a slug through a full choke, but maybe in the modified barrel.
I'm currently searching for #1 buck 20ga loads. Hope I can find some.
Stay safe out there. 👍
@@anangryranger You're very welcome Ranger. The Brenneke's are also what Alaskan State Troopers use in their pump shotguns to deal with Kodiak Bears. Just make sure to seal the primers first with Markron or nitrocellulose nail polish because Brenneke primers have been known to allow moisture in under extreme wet conditions. I know the Brenneke Green Lightning's are currently available at Midway but haven't seen the 20 Gauge Rio's available anywhere. Your #3 would work fine to break the charge as long as you back it up with a Brenneke, because who knows when the Rio's will be available again. Best, John
Years ago I had the hardest time finding 20 gauge buckshot but I found like 5 boxes of these at a Sportsman’s Warehouse in Lewiston, Idaho. Bought them all and they have served me well ever since.
Mine is loaded with Federal #4 buck, at the time, it was the only buckload shot I could find.
20 gauge is definitely hard to find especially buckshot. During covid all I could find was Winchester and Remington #3 buck. This year I've been able to scoop up Fiocci, Rio, S&B and armscor in #1 and #2 buck.
Academy carries Monarch 20ga. #1 Buckshot for $13.99-25rds.
Pretty sure there both made in Italy.
Keep up the good work, Paul!!
⌚️ Európa the last battle
Hey Paul, I’d love to see a presentation covering 20 gauge steel shot loads for waterfowl. Keep up the good work!
I think the tighter pattern on the Rio would be good for home defense.
Why, are you the live-in caretaker of an arena? In my house even bird shot would hit like a slug.
It's not just how much damage you do. It's what you damage. There's a lot of difference between "tore the heck out of the attacker's lungs, causing them to collapse and him to asphyxiate before emergency services reached the scene" and "poked a hole through the attacker's aorta, causing him to collapse immediately." Having to follow a deer for another five minutes and having to fend off a psycho ex-boyfriend for five minutes are *not* the same consequence.
@@TheDuckofDoom. Do you remember the #2 birdshot at 50 yards thing? It bounced off a t-shirt.
I was wondering exactly that, because at short enough range it'll hit like a frangible slug.
Far less threat to neighbours or flatmates than #1 buck, still effective at "affordable housing" ranges.
If it doesn't over-penetrate, all that momentum gets transferred. *I SAID SIT DOWN!*
@@TheDuckofDoom. What is your point? 360 grains of lead traveling at 1300 FPS is going to do anything you need it to do.
Kel-Tec KSG, ammo change at the flip of a switch
For about 20 years, my home defense load was one of those 20 gauge Winchester #3 buck loads. My wife and kids were better able to shoot it. My daughter took the 20 with her when she got her own place, so I promoted my 870 to a home defense rig with a streamlight flashlight and loaded with 2 3/4" #1 buckshot. I am okay with the 00, but I feel that the #1 gives more hit probability in my particular situation. It also patterns REALLY well compared to the 00 loads that I tested.
Great presentation. Thank you, Paul.
Another great presentation. Awhile back you did a show on using your middle finger to fire a pistol. It got me thinking about trying it with my Walmart parking lot assault weapons, micro 380s. I started out dry firing with laser cartridges. I was surprised at my increase in accuracy. So out to the range. I found there that slightly pinching the pistol between the thumb and index finger that was placed along the frame it reduced my tendency to pull the shot on these little guys. By sitting lower in the hand the felt recoil was less and using the extra leverage of the longer middle finger the hard pull of the double action was much easier. As with your findings I found this not comfortable with larger weapons. This is how I now train with my small 380s.
Very interesting. Thanks for sharing.
I bought some of this ammo and was favorably impressed. It is soft shooting and patterns, with a 20 inch mod choked barrel just about like Paul experienced. It can be had at a significant savings over other 20 gauge buckshot. I got it for about $12 for a box of 25 (Buds Gunshop) versus about $4 for a box of standard #3 Winchester or Remington. My only real complaint is that it is roll-crimped which makes it an overall longer shell, which, depending on your gun, might make a difference in capacity. It is what I am using for a self-defense load in my 20-gauge pump.
Quite helpful. Thank you. And thank you viewer for the buckshot that Paul used to review & compare. Good stuff.
Once again, it was a pleasure meeting you a week ago. I was going to see Hickok45 at a show yesterday, but my vehicle has developed a problem, and my two friends were unable to drive us there due to illness. Hickok left me a comment, saying at least I got to meet the guy who has a brain (Paul Harrell). He also said he'd like to meet you at some point.
Now ^THAT^ would be a video I'd like to see 😊👍
Paul, sometimes when we get old and face crises we wonder about our legacy, could we have done things differently. If you ever have these moments; know that you have taught well, offered your best advice, been clearer than most and are respected by hundreds of thousands.
With most sincere respect and admiration,
Phil
No one makes more methodical content. Appreciate every second of video you post Paul. Meat target testing is probably what I find to be most useful, but I think the Thanksgiving special is the most fun :)
Have to admit I love the holiday specials. Every presentation is a winner but Paul shows his humor in those specials & we hear some really good stories about his experiences.
Another Sunday Special from our friend and mentor, Paul Harrell.
You couldn't ask for a better gift.
We run Rio #1 in 20 ga, an Win or Fed plated 00 buck in 12ga, an yes we can hunt deer with a shotgun here, ( FLA ). Much the same results with the 20 ga, but it will kill 2 legged or 4 legged critters. Thx for the vid Paul
"Share the experience" on a box of bullets is 11/10 on the America scale
Great info! thanks Paul!. & thanks to whoever sent the ammo. I am alwyas on teh lookout for 20ga buckshot testig data
Great as always. Might you consider doing an episode on field dressing a dear. Gutless vs gut method? Also one on cooking the deer meat in the field maybe in the Dutch oven? Thanks.
Paul, as usual you're the best at what you do! We all appreciate the no fat policy you have on all your videos.
Thanks Paul! I've been considering a 20 gauge.
Happy to see you haven't been adversely affected by the writers strike😊. Also, VERY happy to see you vertical and ventilating.
Going to be using this load this season for my deer and hog hunting this year. The shotgun I will be shooting will be a stevens 320 20 gauge with a modified choke
But that slick ass middle finger tho! Only Paul can pull it off! SAVAGE!
I love shotguns! I only have 12ga, but they are fun. Dove, turkey, quail, are my primary hunting ventures. I keep a Mossberg 590A1 by the bed for defense at home. My wife likes 20ga. She is an excellent shot.
You know, Rio used to kind of suck. I always got meh patterns and velocity was inconsistent. They were cheap though. Seems from what I am seeing, they have improved their consistency. I am glad.
Great video. I think a pair of Pop-Tarts popping out of a toaster are in order, at some point. Next-level stuff.
I've been going back though Paul Harrell videos and past over this one because like a comment before, I don't have a 20ga. However I just enjoy the heck out of these videos!😊
Who knows, Maybe I'll get a 20ga someday. Might be good for youngsters & ladies.
Greatly enjoyed seeing you at the meet up. I loaded some black powder 38spl with your advice. Looking forwards to the 5.7 video
OK, it's completely plausible that it is new and improved, and one can clearly see that it is high tech, but is it REALLY fleece?
Best gun channel out there, thanks for all you do Paul. Viva Pop Tarts!
Great comparison. Thanks.
Number 1 buck is considered by some to be a very optimal size relative to penetration and carrying a good distance with some force.
The pellets in that Rio load aren't actually #1 buckshot. The measure just a hair under 0.295" instead of the standard 0.30" of #1 buckshot. They did this to allow the pellets to be stacked 3 per layer. Something that is typically not possible in a 20 gauge hull with standard #1. That being said, the difference is minimal. And they didn't want to have to explain what #1.5 buckshot was to the public, I am sure.
The thing is, #1 buckshot seems to hit the sweet spot in terms of pellet mass, striking surface area, and how many pellets can be crammed into a specific volume. If you go with smaller pellets, they start to lose penetration. If you go larger, you get more penetration, but have to reduce how many pellets you have in the shell. Which both decreases hit probability and overall striking surface on the target. Yes, both larger and smaller pellets have their uses. And both can do some things better than #1. But for all-around performance, #1 still has the edge.
The Rio loads have long been a favorite of mine, though they all but disappeared during and right after the plague. I am hoping to find them on the market again soon, as they are the go-to home defense shotgun round at our house. I would prefer a 12 gauge, but the wife and daughters are much better with a 20 gauge, so I made the switch once the kids were old enough to handle them.
Interesting and thanks for sharing. I love companies that innovate like this. I recently tried Rio's 12 Gauge Low Recoil 00 Buckshot just because it was the cheapest at my local rural store. I was shocked that it patterned better than any of the Winchester, Federal, Remington or Fiocchi loads I'd been using for many years.
I was going to say, I don't see how it would be mathematically possible to put three #1 per layer.
PS- I just saw that Bud's Guns has them in stock again FYI
and they are currently out as of 1-29-24 @@JohnB-dr8sk
I remember in the 1990s #1 buckshot in 20GA seemed pretty common. I still have some #1, #2, and #3 from back then. I dunno why but it seemed like sometime in the 2000s I started to only see #3.
Im a viewer from the uk, i love watching these videos, very entertaining and fun to watch. If you keep making them then i will certainly keep watching them!, I wish you well 🙏🙏
Paul made a good point when he said most 20 gauge buckshot is #3. I prefer #1 buckshot for 20 gauge and only buy Rio, Spartan, or Monarch brand 20 gauge buckshot as they are all #1 buckshot. I’ve tried the Winchester #3 buck 20 gauge and my Ithaca 37 doesn’t pattern as good for me as the #1 loads and I like the overall performance of the #1 better. Amazing video Paul and thank you for doing this one. There just isn’t enough 20 gauge buckshot tests out there on TH-cam and yours is the best I’ve seen period.
I discovered Paul’s video platform a few months back, and began binge-viewing his videos last week while resting & dealing with some health issues. I’ve now watched *all* of them. Even the ones which do not contain any information relevant to me, like cartridges I’ll never own a weapon chambered in; outdoor cooking that I will most likely never do; drills I’ll probably never run; etc. But damn, I must say each & every one has something I’ve learned and never thought of. Thank you, Paul, for being the dude you are & providing so much useful & important data. I really hope to see some handloading videos at some point. Oh, most importantly: *Thank you for your service, Sir*
Hey Paul, wanted to take a moment and say thank you for all of the editing, recording, and general educating you do, always happy to see you upload a new video and I hope you’re doing well, love you brother God bless
Great review, Ty. It's interesting to see the results from ammo I've never, and probably won't ever, use. In my 20g's I shoot Remington, Federal, and Winchester birdshot. Glad to see these numbers.
Thanks as always. I hope you are feeling well.
Interesting how the Winchester is lower-velocity, but seems to do a little more damage as a result of the higher pellet count. But I think the Rio would be the way to go between the two for home defense; it's penetrating deeper and making bigger holes without the recoil being awful.
I’ve seen underpenetration with magnum 12 gauge loadings as well. Really inconsistent power from pellet to pellet. My brother shot an old TV. Some pellets penetrated steel; others were lodged in plastic!
Thanks Paul. This is of interest to me bc I gave my son the Stoeger double barrel coach gun that he used shooting Cowboy Action with me as a boy. I did give him some buck loads but I have no idea what loads... the idea is that this is something his wife can operate too as it's a pretty basic operation... and while it does kick of course, it's pretty light.
Great information as always!
I do enjoy your videos AND your sense of humor!
Thanks Paul. Nice measured examination of the subject as ever.
Great info, I’ve really taken a shine to the 20 gauge for EVERY use. There’s not a ton of information on 20 gauge buck though, so this was VERY useful 👍
Thanks for the video.
Someday, I'd like to get a 20 gauge shotgun. This presentation is useful to know that #1 buckshot is available at a price that's probably pretty good Rio tends to be a budget ammunition.
Sounds like Rio has some good 20 gauge ammo, thanks paul!
Paul, I just recently picked up 2, 20ga shotguns. One is a Mossburg pump the other is an AT single shot. I've always been a 12 ga smooth bore or 410. I like this video, it answered my question on which rounds to get. Thank you.. and prayers still coming your way 🙏
Don't take his word for it, try your own shotshells as every gun is different and different ammo performs differently in every firearm known to man. If you're out shopping, always good to swing by a farm store or gun shop and pick up a couple boxes of shells to try out.
Paul - Congrats on 800k subscribers!
I was wondering about 20 gauge buckshot literally just yesterday! perfect timing for this video thank you Paul
Gotta love the Shotgun ammo presentations 🤠👊🏻
Excellent information I can put towards my Ruger Red label 20-guage over and under shotgun. Thank you, Paul, and ammoniums donator.
I love the new intro my friend.
New Intro ?
@@michaelbrohl1625 He thinks the Pop Tart ad is the new intro. But in other videos it sometimes comes after the intro (Thanksgiving Special?).
Why do I get the impression that Paul's neighbors enjoy orange marinated BBQ ribs every weekend?
Thank you Paul for another informative, enjoyable video. I switched from 12 ga to 20 ga at around age 68. Much less shoulder pain.
Awwww. Shooting a 12 gauge is like drinking wildturkey whiskey. The first shot is rough. Then you get over it and start blasting shit.
Looking good, Paul! Thanks for the presentation!
The exact video I wanted! Really 2&7/8” with the rolled crimp
For home defense, I use 20ga #4 buck.
Switch to 20ga long ago when I was doing A LOT of Skeet and Sporting Clays shooting and I could shoot that 20ga all day long. For hunting, I use 20ga for dove and quail, 12ga for duck.
Well I do not have any experience with 20 gauge but have thought of switching. Bottom line , I cannot give up my 12 gauge, thanks and take care!
Paul, my name is Kevin Blankenship and I love the vids that you put up!!! I love them all...some better than others....but really I love them all. Thank you for having plenty of advice, and all the other stuff. I am TRULY grateful!!!!
"Share the experience" means the rounds are ribbed for their pleasure.
😂😂😂😂😂😂
Glad to see this review as I recently purchased 2000 rounds of the Rio #1 buck at a great price from Bud's Gun Shop. In a self defense situation the heavier pellets will be of use if the bad guy is wearing something more substantial then a light shirt. Or is hiding behind a door or a piece of furniture.
I liked that the #1 tended to group more in the center of the target where the #3 seemed to have a void in the center.
As to the flyers, it is common for 9 pellet loads (in any gauge) to throw a flyer. From what I understand it has something to do with the way the pellets stack in the shell.
I have a 20 Gauge Shockwave with Streamlight TLR4 light and laser for home defense. I keep a turkey shot (warning crotch shot) followed by Rio #1 bucks. I'm glad to hear tight pattern and reduced recoil.
In what fucking world is having a "warning shot" chambered in your shotgun a smart idea?
I'm glad to see some field test of some lighter buckshot. I don't remember where, but I remember seeing a write up suggesting #3 buck, for a target in the 150-250lb range is the lightest pellet that will reliably get enough penetration to have the intended effect. By extension it will also have the lowest likelihood of over-penetration (holes out the far side don't contribute much to the intended effect) and give the largest number of wound channels for a given mass of lead. These results seem to suggest that by that metrics #3 actually is the lightest you would want to go with and it's possible #1 or above might be trading off number of hits for only marginal per-pellet effect.
I'd be interested to see a comparison of different pellet sizes holding all else as equal as possible (equal masses of shot, same brad of ammo, same gun, same velocity, etc.).
Loved the sight discipline. Reloading by touch. I never saw you look at the shotgun when removing and reloading shells.
I use #1 shot, due to an FBI study i saw that stated that the #1 shot gave the best result with the least over penetration. I would love to see some independent shooting results on a meat target.
22 simi auto safety : I have been enjoying your videos. Here is a topic you might be interested in discussing, "most .22 simi auto rifles will chamber a round if dropped or struck on the butt" this is a well known safety issue with submachine guns such as the "sten", but I have never heard it mentioned when discussing safety with 22 sporting arms. If you take a 10-22 for instance, load the magazine and drop it butt first a foot or so onto a hard surface the inertia of its unlocked bolt will move far enough to strip a round from the magazine. This might not always cause a negligent discharge but is worth being aware of. Thank you.
Thanks,
I bought a couple hundred of these as the "BEER" incident was winding down. It was available and I got it at a good price. I couldn't find much about it, but the little bit made it sound "OK".
I was also hoping that since it had 3/4 ounce of shout, it would also have less recoil than the standard 1 ounce of #3 buckshot. This is important due to the lightweight 20 gauge Maverick shotgun I purchased to go with it.
This review sows that I made a good choice.
I came to the same conclusion about the S&B #1 buck 12 pellet 12 gauge that was the only stuff out there for under a dollar a round: it will suffice for the zombie horde.
Silly question; what was the “Beer” incident?😳
@@DB-thats-me 'rona
Doh! Silly me. 🤗👍
@@DB-thats-me There is a type of Beer (Corona), that Paul used to refer to a certain virus going around. TH-cam was picky about how the name of the virus was used.
Excellent video, I love these 20 gauge videos
I've enjoyed Rio shotgun ammo. Their 12g low recoil slugs are great deer killers out of a single shot. Their birdshot in 12g and 410 has patterned nicely out of my guns as well. Recently got a 20g, hopefully I can find some at the next gunshow.
I just checked our stash, which is very predominantly 12 gauge 00...there are 5 shells of 3 inch #1, and 5 shells of #4, along with 15 shells of 16 gauge #1...watching the performance of the #1 in this video I might need to pick up some more #1 If I can find it (we only buy at brick and mortar, never online)...I always appreciate Paul making me think about choices and options, even if I do take forever to implement them...
"Watching the performance of the #1 in this video" dude.... you have a 12ga. This is a video on 20ga. Just because the shells use the same shot doesn't mean you will get even SLIGHTLY similar patterns/ballistics. That isn't how any of that works.
Rush I actually cried. Paul, I did shed a tear. I miss you man.
Really impressed with the rio ammunition. Thanks again for another great video!
Some cursory research shows a very clear reason why the Rio shot is reduced recoil in spite of a higher velocity: a lighter mass of shot.
- 9 pellets of #1 Buck, nominally at 11 pellets per ounce, weighs in at 23.20 grams
- 20 pellets of #3 Buck, nominally at 18 pellets per ounce, weighs in at 31.50 grams
Thus, with a lighter total mass of shot, it's very easy to see how the larger pellets can have a lighter powder charge and still attain a higher velocity with a lower recoil.
If I've done my math and conversions correctly, the Rio ammo has about 1837 J of muzzle energy while the Winchester #3 has about 2100 J of muzzle energy.
For the velocities to be a "completely fair" comparison, a shell would have to have only 15 pellets of #3 instead of 20 pellets, and that weight of shot with _this_ (Winchester) shell's same powder load would likely achieve velocities around 1380 feet per second