hometheaterman

If your gun patterns them the same or fairly close to the same which would be better for deer hunting out of a 12 gauge. This would be for deer only where a rifle either can't be used or isn't practical nor can slugs.

Now I know most guns pattern one better than the other but saying they pattern them both well which is better? I notice everyone seems to use 00. However, in the past I've used 000 just due to the fact my gun did slightly better with it when patterning. This would be in a 3" magnum shell for both. What's the pro's and cons of each? Or is it purely what your gun shoots best?

popeye

I've never used buckshoot for deer but know a couple of people who have tried it. I don't what they used but I do remember neither of them were crazy about the results.

If I had to use buckshoot, I would use 000 because the pellets and heavier and larger. Personally, I would use a bow before I resorted to buckshot but that just my personal opinion.

eldeguello

I would use a smaller size that gives a lot more pellets in the load, and limit my shots to 40 yards or less, preferably much less!

vabowhntr

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.

nchawkeye

I've killed a few truck loads of deer with buckshot, both 2 3/4 and 3 inch shells...

It doesn't matter, let the gun tell you...It's about like argueing over #5sor #4s for turkeys, either will kill as far as you should be shooting at them with a shotgun...Too many guys want to shoot at deerand turkeys past their effectiverange with a shotgun and that's not what they are designed for...

My 1100 prefers 2 3/4 Winchester #1s...My Browning prefers 3 inch Winchester 00s...Both kill out to 40 yards which is where I limit my shots to...

The 1100 gets to go when I'mgoing to the swamp and there is a 1 oz slug as the first shot...If I hear the dogs coming I can eject the slug and add another round of buckshot...The Browning goes as a backup to my .243 when I'm expecting the doggers to run through my land...If I hear them, I leave my stand and head to the nearest crossing...

hometheaterman

So it seems like it doesn't matter a ton as long as your gun patterns well with it. The hunting deer with dogs is where we use buckshot. One county we hunt in you can't use a rifle so that leaves a shotgun.

RMcL

You may want to try some Tri-Ball 3 x .60 buckshot. Each 3/4 ounce pellet is as heavy as 6 of those little 00 buckshot pellets.

bigcountry

myself I hate 00 or 000. Jump hunting sika deer in a swamp its mildly effective, and you end up wiht more ruined meat than anything. Just my 2cents, but with that said, 00 seems more effective.

Centaur 1

buckshot kills using a combination of penetration and number of hits. I would use nothing smaller than number 1 buck, but only if it patterns the best and keep the range to 30 yards or less. Bigger is better if your gun will pattern well with the ammo. Just keep in mind that a 00 buck pellet at 40 yards has the same energy as a .22 long rifle at the muzzle, hardly a deer bullet. I would only use buckshot if it was the only option allowed, go with slugs if they'll let you. Another great option is the Dixie Slug Companies "Tri-ball round", it is the largest commercially available buckshot load.

http://www.dixieslugs.com/products.html