Buck Shot or Slugs work quite well. 00 Buckshot for home defense or hunting up to 50 yards and Slugs only for hunting up to 100 yard. 2 3/4 or 3 inch shells are great. I hope this helps

Federal Premium offers several shotgun loads perfect for home defense. Their 12 gauge Tactical Law Enforcement and Personal Defense shotgun loads are both designed for reduced recoil. Leaving the muzzle at only 1145 feet per second, these loads are designed to deliver tight shot patterns and optimal penetration. They achieve this through a unique rear-braking FLITECONTROL wad and copper plated pellets.

Chanta, you would be able to use 00 Buck for both is you want a both purpose single shell. If not, I would recommend #4 Buck Shot for in Home defense and 00 Buck for Deer. #4 Buck more than gets the job done with less chance of over penetration in case you have loved ones in the home or neighbors near. Cheers and stay safe! youtube.com/watch?v=rhZf_x8Esms&t=67s