Laundry detergent.Tanning oil.
# 8 shot is for birds.
Buckshot is for birdbrains.
I guess the days are gone where we send off for every gun, ammo, & holster manufacturers catalogs every year. That is where I learned about shot size, purpose, chokes, and effective ranges. Then I turned 10 and was allowed to go out with a shotgun alone.
My reason for asking is pic below - I thought this was birdshot, then saw “target” on the box. I was also surprised to see it was 8 shot, same as my buckshot loads. Is pic below in effect birdshot? How does birdshot differ from target loads?
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IMO these are mislabeled: They should say #8 shot, meaning the size of shot not the number of pellets. AFAIK, boxes don't list the number of pellets, even for buckshot.
Often in the past, boxes of #8 shot were labeled "Target/Hunting" because they could be used for both. Some were labeled "Trap", often meaning reduced charges but basically the same thing with a higher quality hull for consistency in competitive shotgunning. (the hull is the empty shell casing). These hulls are attractive to keep for reloading/reloaders.
Anything labeled Target is not going to be similar size shot to buckshot, which is strictly for hunting or defense.
Now, let's talk about what size shot is best for home defense....