You can get all kinds of different opinions on this subject. From Buckshot should not be used to I kill deer out to umpteen yards with it. The thing you need to do is pattern your gun with several brands to find out what works for your gun. I use 3" #1 Buckshot for my deer hunting. i know my guns patters and I shoot it with a full choke. anything other than the full choke and the pattern is terrible. I have shot buckshot for about 18 years now and it is a very deadly load. You just have to know what your gun likes and pattern it. You also have to know YOUR limitations. i know folks that will take shot at deer at 75 yards with out even thinking about it. They don't do any damage because they aren't even coming clse to hittin it especially when it's moving throught thick woods.

It all comes down to ywhat your gun likes and the patterning there of.

Good luck this season and hit 'em hard.