NateTheShake
11B
Federal is working on a new home/self defense load based on past testing of buckshot terminal performance. The new load, LE132-1B, will utilize 15 #1 buck pellets (.30 caliber) in the Flite Control wad in a reduced recoil cartridge.
Why this over all others?
According to testing done by the IWBA (via Firearms Tactical):
Alas, until now, not many companies have offered loads using #1 buck and the few loads out there did not offer the additional features (plated shot, pattern control wads, etc) that they did with most 00 and 000.
So how does it perform?
Pretty damn good:
From what I can tell the load hasn't hit shelves yet, but when it does I plan to pick up a good amount and test it for pattern and function. This might become the number one defensive shot load on the market.
Why this over all others?
According to testing done by the IWBA (via Firearms Tactical):
Number 1 buck is the smallest diameter shot that reliably and consistently penetrates more than 12 inches of standard ordnance gelatin when fired at typical shotgun engagement distances. A standard 2 ¾-inch 12 gauge shotshell contains 16 pellets of #1 buck. The total combined cross sectional area of the 16 pellets is 1.13 square inches. Compared to the total combined cross sectional area of the nine pellets in a standard #00 (double-aught) buck shotshell (0.77 square inches), the # 1 buck shotshell has the capacity to produce over 30 percent more potentially effective wound trauma.
In all shotshell loads, number 1 buckshot produces more potentially effective wound trauma than either #00 or #000 buck. In addition, number 1 buck is less likely to over-penetrate and exit an attacker's body.
Alas, until now, not many companies have offered loads using #1 buck and the few loads out there did not offer the additional features (plated shot, pattern control wads, etc) that they did with most 00 and 000.
So how does it perform?
Pretty damn good:
This looks to be a GREAT load. Here is a repost of some testing from another forum I frequent:......
Based on IWBA data, Don Hacklander from San Diego Police Supply and I have been discussing the potential of a properly designed #1 buckshot LE load for many years--with Don's help and the efforts of some folks at ATK, this has now finally been brought to fruition!
We shot the new Federal #1 buckshot, 15 pellet, 1100 fps "Flight Control" load (LE132-1B) yesterday out of a generic 18" 870P, including patterning from 5-35 yards, as well as a bare gel shot at 7 yards. In bare gel, all 15 of the 30 caliber plated pellets penetrated in the 14-18 inch range.
This new Federal LE132-1B #1 buckshot load offers IDEAL terminal performance for LE and self-defense use and is the best option for those who need to use shot shells for such purposes.
Below are a couple photos of patterning shots at 7 and 25 yards:
We did some additional testing with the new Federal LE132-1B #1 buckshot load. The load chronographed with a MV of 1095 fps from an 18" 870.
Through an automobile windshield at 3 meters, 2 badly deformed pellets were noted at 5", 3 pellets were at 8-9", while the remaining 10 pellets were found at 12.5-15"--not bad for buckshot load. Keep in mind that slugs are the preferred option when engaging threats inside vehicles.
In bare gel when shot from 3 meters, we again saw penetration of all the pellets from 14-18", as noted in the photo below:
From what I can tell the load hasn't hit shelves yet, but when it does I plan to pick up a good amount and test it for pattern and function. This might become the number one defensive shot load on the market.