When Remington introduced its Reduced Recoil 8-Pellet Buckshot in the late ‘90s, it was revolutionary as a self-defense 12-gauge shotgun load. I initially disregarded the idea of slower 00 buckshot ammunition with less pellets or slower-moving rifled slugs. But by reducing the velocity from 1,325 feet per second to 1,200, Remington significantly reduced recoil. Firing the reduced recoil buckshot feels just like shooting standard trap and skeet target ammo as the velocity and payloads are almost the same.
As well, reducing the 9-pellet payload by one greatly tightened the pattern downrange. At 25 yards, a single round of 9-pellet 00 buckshot, regardless of brand, threw two to four pellets completely off the silhouette, which meant innocent parties would be endangered in a real-life shooting situation. However, the Remington Reduced Recoil 8-pellet 00 Buck kept all eight pellets on target when fired dead center.
The police academy where I was an instructor adopted the Remington Reduced Recoil Buckshot and Rifled Slug. Officers in shotgun training and during annual qualification shot more accurately, and public safety was enhanced by the tighter shot pattern.
About Remington Ultimate Defense Buckshot
Remington recently made a language switch to managed recoil rather than reduced recoil to alleviate consumers’ worries that these rounds were less effective than standard 00 buck. Today, the 12-gauge 8-Pellet Managed Recoil 00 Buckshot load is marketed under Remington’s Ultimate Defense lineup.
Specifications
Gauge: 12 gauge
Shot size: 00 buck
Muzzle velocity: 1,200 feet per second
Type: lead
Shotshell length: 2 ¾ inches
My only criticism of this otherwise fine load is of the hull, which is black color with silver white lettering. The lettering was very light and difficult to read. It was also easily wiped away with handling of the load.
Testing the 12-Gauge Shells
My range test was rather basic since nothing of significance had changed about this load in terms of ballistics. I shot at two different B27 silhouette targets from a distance of 20 yards, using the Remington Ultimate Defense Round and Winchester’s Super-X full power 9-pellet 2 ¾ inch 00 Buckshot load for comparison. The Super-X load has a published velocity of 1,325 feet per second, the same velocity as Remington’s Ultimate Defense 9-pellet load.
I used an Ithaca Model 37 Home Defense shotgun with an 18.5-inch improved-cylinder barrel to test the rounds. The official duty shotgun of both the LAPD and NYPD, it is the sleekest handling pump-action. Today, the Model 37 Home Defense Shotgun is made in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, and is available in two different walnut-stocked versions.
I fired the Winchester Super-X load first. All nine pellets landed in the silhouette, with one pellet straying close to the top of the left shoulder. The group measured 14 inches in diameter. This is typical for this type of buckshot load, regardless of manufacturer. Remington Ultimate Defense round was next. Recoil was noticeably less. The group measured only 8 ½ inches, which is the stellar performance that is typical of this round.
Is the Remington Ultimate Defense 00 Buckshot a Good Load?
Shotguns do not spread as seen on TV … nor do you want them to. During a self-defense shooting, you want to keep the spread as tight as possible. You are responsible for every pellet launched. Personally, I’d rather be responsible for eight pellets than nine.
Remington Ultimate Defense 12-gauge 2 ¾ inch 8-Pellet 00 Buckshot load is the leader in 8-pellet Buckshot technology. Rifled Slugs are available as the Managed Recoil Slugger 12-gauge, also with a 1,200 feet per second velocity. Be aware that Remington 9-Pellet Ultimate Defense 00 Buck with 1,325 feet per second velocity has similar packaging.
Remington: Remington.com
Ithaca: IthacaGun.com
