buckshot size for deers
 

i'm plannin on hunting some newly acquired land that i have down south, and buckshot is legal. what size and choke should i be using? if your wondering i shoot a benelli sbe. thanks

the thrill of the hunt is more important than the kill

RE: buckshot size for deers
 

The only way you can find out is to buy a box of various shells (OOO, OO, O, and #1) and test pattern your shotgun. Shotguns pattern differently even with the same brand and choke. Different brands shells will also make a difference.

RE: buckshot size for deers
 

don't forget to get some #4 buckshot also.
#4 buckshot is all I shoot in my BPS full choke.
I have used #4 for the last 30 years and have had no problem with deer and wild hogs.


I am not a hunter I am a whitetail population reduction specialest

remember keep your back to the sun, your knife sharp, and your powder dry.

RE: buckshot size for deers
 

Are you planning to use buckshot because you can't use slugs?
I'd take slugs over buckshot any day.

"Nocked,cocked & ready to rock"

RE: buckshot size for deers
 

Where is Blain when you need him lol.

brian

RE: buckshot size for deers
 

Are you going to eat these deer if so I would stick to slugs thats my say on it :)

RE: buckshot size for deers
 

I shoot #4's in my Browning also. Thought I was the only one left that did that. 3 inch, 41 pellets. Hard to beat. When you come down, let me know and we can go pattern some. Good Luck. Capt Brad.

RE: buckshot size for deers
 

I have used double 00 with great results out of a modified choke, I prefer a slug in the open areas though. PAbuckhunter if anything in my experience buckshot does no more damage to the meat than a slug, if anything a slug can blow a HUGE hole in one if you hit a rib or shoulder blade.

The Tazman

RE: buckshot size for deers
 

I guess blain doesn't hunt deer, otherwise he might sell you some of his special 3 1/2" 0000 "brown bear blaster" buckshot. LOL
I would go with 3" 000 or 00 because they penetrate better than the smaller sizes. I've had some bad performance with #4 buck. As far as the choke goes, you're going to have to pattern your chosen round through the various chokes you own. The same choke on two different brands of guns using the same ammo can garner very different results.

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RE: buckshot size for deers
 

Please limit your shots to the effective range of buckshot. Too many deer run off with a few pellets in the guts because someone thought they missed. If you're not 100% sure he's close enough to knock down, don't take the shot. That's why I prefer slugs, even in the thick stuff, you'll get a 60-70yd shot sometimes. You wouldn't believe how many deer I find dead in the late season with a few pellet holes in them.

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RE: buckshot size for deers
 

I shot a Remington 870 Super express 3 1/2 Federal OO. I have a pattern Master choke tube on it and I am very pleased with it.

RE: buckshot size for deers
 

thanks for the input, it will be well served. i am fully aware of taking shots that are unethical. i live in a state full of careless slob hunters, but for every slob their are two trustworthy souls that i wouldn;t hesitate to spend a day afield with. buckshot hunting is something that i;ve never considered before and i like to try different things (like redsquirrels with a blowgun). i will use slugs were slugs are due but if i have a shot and am loaded with shot i'll take it.

RE: buckshot size for deers
 

Try Federal Copper coat 00 buck , will reach beyond 70 yds for a good kill in Mod barrel.You can take it to the bank....

RE: buckshot size for deers
 

I have used buckshot in a Browning BPS 12ga. with a modified choke and also in a Remington 12ga. full choke. OOO and OO buck did not pattern well in either gun. My best results have come from #3 buck in 3" shells.

RE: buckshot size for deers
 

I killt manya der wit dem thar #4 3in. mag buckshot! That was long ago. But I do agree with timbercruiser though you should try various brands and sizes to see which ones pattern best for shotgun.<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

God Bless & Good Hunting
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RE: buckshot size for deers
 

buckshot is alright for up close but over 40 yards just go with slugs.

RE: buckshot size for deers
 

I use 3in 00,000 Federal all the time .I have killed a couple of deer with just one pellet,plus i have also got a couple of bears with buckshot. I try to keep my shots 50 yards or less..

RE: buckshot size for deers
 

I've shot yotes with 00, and I'm sure by the damage that it did to them, that it'd be more than enough for deer, however, check out your state regs, here in KS, you can't use anything but slugs. If you use 00 shot, then a full choke or a tight mod/imp is necessary, if slugs, then use a fairly loose mod/imp or looser, so as not to deform the slug upon exit, or kick your arm off.

RE: buckshot size for deers
 

I've shot yotes with 00, and I'm sure by the damage that it did to them, that it'd be more than enough for deer, however, check out your state regs, here in KS, you can't use anything but slugs. If you use 00 shot, then a full choke or a tight mod/imp is necessary, if slugs, then use a fairly loose mod/imp or looser, so as not to deform the slug upon exit, or kick your arm off.