RE: 00 or 000 buckshot?
I have used buckshot extensively, as a county I hunt in used to require it. That being said, I would not use it if I did not have to. I have killed numerous deer with both 00 and 000, and think the 000 does a better job. I prefer holes in both sides, and the 000 will give you better penetration. Also,I was blessed with a shotgun that through softball sized patterns out to almost 30 yards with premium buckshot, so I usually used a low power scopeor red dot. The number of pellets was not a factor.