IMHO you assume a lot about how intruders/assailants will react in high adrenaline or potentially drugged up situations. There are plenty of videos online of shootings, and quite often the people being shot don't seem to be cognizant that they have been hit and stay in the fight.
Someone broke into my house one night and I confronted him in the kitchen. All I had to defend myself was some fruit in a bowl on the table. The first two pieces I threw at him were the plastic ones because I didn't want to risk hurting him. He dropped to the floor in laughter due to my choice of self defense. I was able to keep him there with a feather duster inches from his face until the po po arrived seconds later. Really, I swear.
It's a series of drawn sketches put together in a flip pad...forming a movie...Was that filmed with a potato?
Legally, it would be viewed the same. Rubber buckshot is still lethal force as defined by IC, as it causes the risk of serious bodily injury or death when used as intended. It would also bring up the question on if you have been trained on how to use less lethal ammunition properly should a civil suit result.
To be frank, I understand the desire to end the confrontation without the burden of killing someone. However just be sure you truly understand the risks you are adding, both to your own safety and in a civil suit (criminally it'll be same/same).
"Sir, why did you use a firearm?"
" Well Officer I felt that my life was in danger"
"Ok Sir, so you're saying that you were in fear of imminent harm to you or a loved one?"
"Yes"
"Could you please explain to me why you felt your life was in danger, yet you used less than lethal rounds?"
"Ummm..."
This x100.
As for legality, you have to be justified in using deadly force regardless of the round you use. If the situation warrants deadly force to resolve, there is no sense in *****-footing around trying to "work your way up" to stopping them. 00 Buck.
I never could decide what loads to run in my shotgun...... but I knew I wanted something LETHAL. RUBBER?
So I got some "kitchen sink" shells.
12 Gauge 2 3/4" Kitchen Sink - 5 Rounds
The only non-lethal thing you're likely to get from my shotgun is a muzzle punch to the teeth.