#1 Buck vs. 00 Buck?

[hankdatank1362]

Does anyone here think that I would be better off using 3 inch #1 buckshot loads over traditional 00 buckshot for whitetail hunting? A fellow down at my hunt club suggested I try #1. He said there were more pellets, and they were almost the same caliber as 00. I went down to my local outfitter, and there were boxes of winchester buckshot that gave a diagram of different buckshot loads (#4, #3, #2, #1, 00,000, etc.) and the pellet count and caliber of each load. I still couldn't find any boxes of #1, though! Is it even made in 3''? Is it better than 00? Where can I find some?

 

[Fred Fuller]

It's all a question of patterning, of what load your gun 'likes.' Both offer pellets of a large enough size to be useful, but pellet count ON TARGET is what counts, more than the number of pellets in the shell. I've never had a barrel that would pattern #1 worth a darn, even though I keep trying every new barrel I add to the collection. The theoretical advantages of #1 buck are too much not to keep looking. But it is the practical results that matter, more than the theory.

Also remember that buckshot even from a tightly patterning shotgun will run out of penetration before it runs out of pattern. Buckshot is a poor choice for hunting, but in some places/cases it's all that's allowed. If I were going to hunt with buckshot, I'd give Hevi-Shot 00 buck a try, in spite of its cost, simply because the pellets are heavier than lead and will penetrate better. Remington's loads will likely be the most widely available 'off the shelf' Hevi-Shot offerings, but ask around just in case.

http://www.hevishot.com/news/buckshot_1.html

http://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-4142.html

And remember, the patterning board is your friend...

lpl/nc

 

[hankdatank1362]

Thanks. I've always used a shotgun for dog drives, but a high-powered rifle for stand shooting. I appreciate the help!

 

[Mannlicher]

Its about patterning, yes, but its also about penetration. 00 penetrates better than smaller shot. Frankly, I would not use buckshot of any kind for deer. If I was forced to use a shotgun, it would be loaded with slugs. For what its worth, I cannot see any practical difference between 2 3/4 shells and 3 inch. I have used both, and all I keep in stock now is the 2 3/4.

 

[Franklin7X57]

I know most say buckshot is a poor choice, but buckshot hunting is alot like archery. Know how far your effective range and don't excede it.