Richard, inside the residence, #4 Buck Shot is preferable and outside self defense perimeter 0 or 00 Buckshot is the ticket. #4 Buck load located here : budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/411559297/rio+royal+buck+12+ga+2-3+4+4-buck+27+pellet+5rd+box ---------------- 00 Low recoil Buck shot located here : budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/411554826/hornady+86265le+12ga+tap+custom+00+buckshot ----------- I also do a staggered load so I am not locked in to a set load. #4Buck, 00 Buck Slug and repeat. Cheers and stay safe!

Richard, there is no 'one size fits all' answer here. There are a lot of factors to take into consideration. Best to do some research and the you can decide what is best for your needs. ammunitiontogo.com/lodge/best-shotgun-ammo-for-home-defense/

If you've got neighbors on top of you or live in an apartment then over penetration could be an issue so I'd be more apt to suggest #4 Buck for home defense.

It would depend greaty on what kind of gun you use, layout, size of your property or wherever else you may be using this firearm for. Some general types. pewpewtactical.com/best-shotgun-ammo-home-defense-target-shooting/

Richard, depends on where you live. Usually 00 buck is preferred but if you live close to other people where over penetration could be an issue normally #4 buckshot is recommended. if you live in the middle of nowhere here's a link to 00 buckshot I'd recommend.............. budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/65079/winchester+super-x+12+ga+2+3+4+9+pellets+00+buckshot+5rd+box...........if you live with other people or in an apartment complex #4 buckshot has less chance to over penetrate. Here's a link to #4 buckshot I'd recommend............ budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/65082/winchester+super-x+12+ga+2+-3+4+27+pellets+4+buckshot+5rd+box......... Hope this helps.