Objecting to the "poor pattern of 00 buck" is nonsensical at home defense ranges. All patterns are the same from all types of shot and buckshot.....very small.
Further, you have not shot any Flitecontrol Federal buckshot, have you? From my cylinder bored 12 gauges, the entire pattern of 00 buck is contained in 5 1/2 inches at 25 yards. This easily outranges conventional buckshot of any size fired from choked guns.
I didn't say birdshot "can't kill."
I said birdshot was unreliable compared to buckshot, and a poor HD choice, even at close ranges.
Those that professionally study the issue have stated exactly that.
Just setting the record straight. And yes, there are degrees of lethality. Birdshot is less lethal due to less penetration.