When hunting with buckshot, choke selection is like bullet selection for a rifle. If you use the correct combo, you'll have no problems. But if you use the wrong choke, you'll lose your deer.

Use the fullest choke you can find, and limit shots to 50 yds. There are some specialty chokes in cabelas/bass pro shops that promise 100% patterns at 40 yds with 00Buck. With these, you could probably extend your range to about 75 yds.

Think of each 00Buck pellet as a +p+ 38 spl. That's essentially what it is, having similar caliber, weight, and velocity. It only takes one shot into the heart/lungs to do the trick, and when you put multiple pellets on target, you have a very effective deer gun.

I've had excellent results with my 870 and super X 3" 00Buck (15 pellets).