{"id":2739,"date":"2023-12-30T03:05:06","date_gmt":"2023-12-30T03:05:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunsandpride.com\/?p=2739"},"modified":"2023-12-30T03:05:06","modified_gmt":"2023-12-30T03:05:06","slug":"ammo-review-winchester-defender-12-gauge-buckshot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsandpride.com\/?p=2739","title":{"rendered":"Ammo Review: Winchester Defender 12 Gauge Buckshot"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"td-post-featured-image\">\n<figure><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-scaled.jpg\" data-caption=\"Is it worth the money? (Travis Pike for TTAG) \"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" class=\"entry-thumb td-modal-image\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-696x392.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-560x315.jpg 560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" alt=\"\" title=\"PXL_20231227_162214253\"\/><\/noscript><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Is it worth the money? (Travis Pike for TTAG) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-next-post-navi\">\n<p>\nNext Post Coming Soon&#8230;\u25b6\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>I\u2019ve come to really enjoy reviewing shotgun ammo. I\u2019ve talked about my favorite, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.federalpremium.com\/shotshell\/premium-personal-defense\/personal-defense-shotshell-with-flitecontrol-wad\/11-PD132+00.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Federal Flitecontrol<\/a>, and reviewed the four dollars a round <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/ammunition-review-barnes-defense-buckshot\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Barnes<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/shotgun-mini-shells-a-shotgunner-on-their-advantages-disadvantages-and-best-uses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">mini shells<\/a>, and more. This week, I ran into Winchester Defender buckshot at my local Academy and grabbed a couple of boxes to review. They cost roughly two dollars a round and look pretty stock standard as far as buckshot ammo goes.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve been wary of Winchester defensive shotgun loadings in the past. Their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/ammo-review-winchester-pdx1-defender-12-gauge\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">buck and ball slug load<\/a> seems to be more trouble than it\u2019s worth. Winchester also has a load of defensive birdshot, which undoes a lot of work the shotgun community had put into proper defensive ammo selection. Plus, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.winchester.com\/Products\/Ammunition\/Shotshell\/Defender\/S410PDX1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">.410 load with the disks<\/a> would be great if it didn\u2019t have that silly load of BBs behind it.<\/p>\n<p>In my experience, Winchester ammo has been meh when it comes to defensive shotguns. Would the Defender buckshot load escape their sillier escapades?<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Winchester Defender Buckshot \u2013 The Basics<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>For roughly two bucks a round we get a box of ten rounds of buckshot. At first glance, there isn\u2019t a lot that screams anything out of the ordinary. It\u2019s a nine-pellet, 00 buck load.<\/p>\n<p>I prefer an eight-pellet load. Nine pellets tend to have one flyer. That\u2019s not something you want with .33 caliber projectiles. Those flyers are often thought to be due to how nine pellets are stacked inside the shell.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_544100\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-544100\" style=\"width: 2560px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-544100 size-full\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162200760-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162200760-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162200760-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162200760-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162200760-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162200760-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162200760-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162200760-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162200760-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162200760-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162200760-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162200760-560x315.jpg 560w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162200760-scaled.jpg\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-544100 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162200760-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162200760-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162200760-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162200760-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162200760-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162200760-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162200760-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162200760-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162200760-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162200760-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162200760-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162200760-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162200760-560x315.jpg 560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-544100\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Looks pretty standard (Travis Pike for TTAG)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Defender pellets are copper-plated. That\u2019s great for resisting deformation and helping with penetration through soft targets. The shells have a high brass base. Higher brass tends to feed more reliably in older semi-autos, so that certainly doesn\u2019t hurt. The wad doesn\u2019t seem to be anything fancy, and cutting the shell open revealed some Grex buffering.<\/p>\n<p>The velocity is reported to be 1,145 feet per second. It\u2019s a low recoil load, and low recoil makes sense for fast follow-up shots. Shotgun shell velocities tend to be interesting topics. In the modern era, it seems like lower velocity equals somewhat tighter patterns. In a home defense situation, tighter patterns result in better pellet accountability.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_544096\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-544096\" style=\"width: 2560px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-544096 size-full\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162311971-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162311971-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162311971-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162311971-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162311971-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162311971-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162311971-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162311971-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162311971-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162311971-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162311971-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162311971-560x315.jpg 560w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162311971-scaled.jpg\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-544096 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162311971-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162311971-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162311971-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162311971-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162311971-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162311971-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162311971-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162311971-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162311971-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162311971-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162311971-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162311971-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162311971-560x315.jpg 560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-544096\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">It\u2019s the correct 2.75 inch length (Travis Pike for TTAG)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>It appears that Winchester took their Double X load, lowered the recoil, and billed it as a self-defense load. I\u2019ve taken a few deer with Double X loads, so that isn\u2019t a knock by any means. However, how does it compare to modern defensive buckshot loads?<\/p>\n<h3><strong>To the Range<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>I took the Winchester Defender Buckshot to the range with a few different shotgun platforms. I wanted to see how it cycled in a semi-auto and a pump gun, so I brought a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/mossberg-launches-the-new-940-pro-tactical-shotgun\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mossberg 940 Tactical<\/a> and a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/gun-review-mossberg-590a1-retrograde\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">590A1<\/a>. Alongside those shotguns, I brought a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/gun-review-remington-870-tac-14-hardwood\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TAC-14<\/a> to see how it handled in the shorty, stock-free 12 gauge.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_544095\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-544095\" style=\"width: 1920px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-544095 size-full\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_17_07.775896.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_17_07.775896-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_17_07.775896-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_17_07.775896-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_17_07.775896-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_17_07.775896-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_17_07.775896-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_17_07.775896-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_17_07.775896-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_17_07.775896-560x315.jpg 560w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_17_07.775896.jpg\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-544095 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_17_07.775896.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_17_07.775896.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_17_07.775896-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_17_07.775896-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_17_07.775896-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_17_07.775896-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_17_07.775896-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_17_07.775896-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_17_07.775896-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_17_07.775896-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_17_07.775896-560x315.jpg 560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-544095\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The loads cycled perfectly in the semi-auto Mossberg. (Travis Pike for TTAG)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I used the 940 Tactical first, and it ran without a single issue. The gun cycled flawlessly, and the shells flung out consistently and easily. The same could be said with the 590A1. It ate through the ammo without any reliability issues at all. As I shot the guns, I patterned the loads and observed any noticeable issues.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_544103\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-544103\" style=\"width: 696px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-large wp-image-544103\" alt=\"\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_160908247-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_160908247-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_160908247-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_160908247-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_160908247-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_160908247-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_160908247-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_160908247-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_160908247-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_160908247-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_160908247-560x315.jpg 560w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_160908247-700x394.jpg\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-large wp-image-544103\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_160908247-700x394.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_160908247-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_160908247-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_160908247-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_160908247-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_160908247-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_160908247-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_160908247-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_160908247-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_160908247-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_160908247-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_160908247-560x315.jpg 560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-544103\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Here is my Winchester Pattern. (Travis Pike for TTAG)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I honestly wasn\u2019t impressed with the patterns. They were consistent, which is nice, and in 20 rounds, there wasn\u2019t a single 9th pellet flyer. At 15 yards, the patterns ranged between eight and ten inches. That\u2019s not terrible by any means, but it also doesn\u2019t hold a candle to Federal Flitecontrol or even Hornady Critical Defense\/Black.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_544102\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-544102\" style=\"width: 696px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-large wp-image-544102\" alt=\"\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_161223484-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_161223484-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_161223484-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_161223484-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_161223484-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_161223484-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_161223484-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_161223484-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_161223484-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_161223484-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_161223484-560x315.jpg 560w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_161223484-700x394.jpg\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-large wp-image-544102\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_161223484-700x394.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_161223484-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_161223484-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_161223484-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_161223484-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_161223484-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_161223484-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_161223484-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_161223484-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_161223484-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_161223484-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_161223484-560x315.jpg 560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-544102\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Here is the Monarch load (Travis Pike for TTAG)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>For control purposes, I utilized a couple of rounds of Monarch buckshot. Monarch is cheap and fairly standard buckshot. The patterns were tough to tell apart, to be honest, and the Monarch cost far less than the Winchester Defender.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_544098\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-544098\" style=\"width: 696px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-large wp-image-544098\" alt=\"\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-560x315.jpg 560w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-700x394.jpg\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-large wp-image-544098\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-700x394.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/PXL_20231227_162214253-560x315.jpg 560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-544098\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Is it worth the money? (Travis Pike for TTAG)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Performance was, well, pretty standard. If the rounds were .50 to .75 cents a pop, it would be a great budget option. But at two bucks a round, I have a hard time justifying this load, especially when <a href=\"https:\/\/fiocchiusa.com\/shotshell\/defense-dynamics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fiochi Defense Dynamics<\/a> buckshot tends to be about equal for a lot less money.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>What About the TAC-14?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>I really enjoyed how low recoiling Defender was in the TAC-14. While the advertised velocity is 1,145 feet per second, I wouldn\u2019t be surprised if it\u2019s even lower. Through the TAC-14, it felt downright comfy and controllable. This load is softer recoiling than the Federal Flitecontrol load through the TAC-14, and that makes it super easy to control and shoot.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_544094\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-544094\" style=\"width: 1920px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-544094 size-full\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_15_50.839194.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_15_50.839194-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_15_50.839194-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_15_50.839194-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_15_50.839194-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_15_50.839194-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_15_50.839194-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_15_50.839194-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_15_50.839194-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_15_50.839194-560x315.jpg 560w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_15_50.839194.jpg\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-544094 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_15_50.839194.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_15_50.839194.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_15_50.839194-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_15_50.839194-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_15_50.839194-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_15_50.839194-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_15_50.839194-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_15_50.839194-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_15_50.839194-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_15_50.839194-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2023-12-28T18_15_50.839194-560x315.jpg 560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-544094\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">It was quite pleasant through the TAC-14 (Travis Pike for TTAG)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Maybe the best place for the Winchester Defender buckshot is in a TAC-14? It certainly doesn\u2019t perform on par with other premium loads, but it\u2019s soft through the micro cannons that like the Shockwave and TAC-14.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-next-post-navi\">\n<p>\nNext Post Coming Soon&#8230;\u25b6\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/ammo-review-winchester-defender-12-gauge-buckshot\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Is it worth the money? (Travis Pike for TTAG) Next Post Coming Soon&#8230;\u25b6 I\u2019ve come to really enjoy reviewing shotgun ammo. I\u2019ve talked about my favorite, Federal Flitecontrol, and reviewed the four dollars a round Barnes, mini shells, and more. This week, I ran into Winchester Defender buckshot at my local Academy and grabbed a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2740,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-2739","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-reviews"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsandpride.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2739","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsandpride.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsandpride.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsandpride.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsandpride.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2739"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gunsandpride.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2739\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsandpride.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2740"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsandpride.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2739"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsandpride.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2739"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsandpride.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2739"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}