RE: Reloading Buckshot
I have reloaded buckshot extensively, as well as slugs. It is worth it, particularly in 20 Ga., because it allows you to create loads you can' t buy, both as to pellet size, pellet number, and, to some extent, velocity. But, over the years, I have become convinced that buckshot loads, no matter where they come from, permit way too many wounded deer to escape and die later unfound by the hunter. For example, I once saw a small buck in Virginia travel about 1.5 miles AFTER two 00 buckshot pellets had gone through its' heart and three had penetrated both lungs. If it was not for a friendly hound who found him for us, he would have been waisted. It is no wonder that buckshot is illegal for deer hunting in most jurisdictions. And, slugs of the Foster type are not a whole lot more effective!! Once in Indiana, I saw a 100 pound doe, (which admittedly was already running), take FIVE chest-area hits from 12 gauge slugs at a range of about 40 yards, and she covered another 150 yards, SHOWING NO SIGN OF BEING HIT, before falling!! I now refuse to hunt deer where only shotguns are permitted.
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"Bitte, trinks du das Wasser nicht. Dahin haben die Kuhen gesheissen."
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