[trapperjohn]

Does anyone here have any experiance hunting deer with buckshot? What size shot and length shells are recommended in a 12 ga? I have a friend who will probably hunt this comming weekend and all he has is a smoothbore 12 guage. Looking for ammo recomendations. The cover is pretty heavey so any shots should be close in and less than 50 yards.

[Greybeard]

First suggestion from here would be to check your state regs. as they can vary greatly. Here in Tejas, buckshot is legal on private land but even POSSESSION of it is prohibited on some public lands.

While buckshot can be quite effective with good shot placement at closer ranges, it is notorius for crippling animals and is therefore prohibited in some jurisdictions.

At the ranges you mentioned (out to around 50 yards) 12 gauge slugs are fairly flat-shooting and effective - with proper shot placement. Some of the manufacturers are now making "low recoil" loads that even make pre-season practice (on paper plates recommended) more pleasant.

[Spinner]

Use 2 3/4" slugs rather than buckshot. You'll need to buy a few packets of different brands of rifled or Foster slugs and try them in the gun to see which ones group best, then buy more of that brand. I wouldn't recommend too much use of a bench rest or extended periods of testing ..... your shoulder will let you know when you've done enough testing ;)

Spinner

[Remington788]

I work for an airport and part of my job is wildlife control which involves shooting any deer that get inside the perimeter fence. Since some of these deer are shot from a moving vehicle, I have found that both 1 buck and 00 buck work very well. The problem though is that while buckshot stops them, it doesn't usually kill them right away and a slug through the brain is used to end the animals suffering.

Also, just because your using buckshot, doesn't mean you don't have to aim. I've missed to many coyote's as proof. (In my defense though it is hard to drive 35mph with a shotgun hanging out the window, bouncing through a bean field trying to shoot an animal that can make a 90 degree turn without changing it's stride.) :D

[DigMe]

Also, just because your using buckshot, doesn't mean you don't have to aim.

Ain't that the truth!

brad cook

[foghornl]

TrapperJohn:

Check the local (state) Game & Fish laws. In Ohio, shotguns with slugs only for modern long-gun hunting. Muzzleloaders have to be a minimum of 38 caliber, handguns must be "straight-walled cartridge of .357 diameter or larger, minimum 5" barrel length."

Also, some areas have special regulations. Another Ohio thing is that in some areas, you must also have the "Urban Area Permit."

[trapperjohn]

Buckshot is legal here
I am really interested in how buckshot performs on deer and what buckshot has the best performance.

[WhiteKnight]

Buckshot is legal here
I am really interested in how buckshot performs on deer and what buckshot has the best performance.

I've only fired one round of buckshot in my life. That was out of a NEF Pardner 12 gauge (fixed modified choke) at a distance of about 25 yards. She dropped and quit kicking within twenty seconds.

[Greybeard]

Federal "Tactical" throws tighest pattern of many types of 00 tested from my 870. Typically at least 8 of 9 pellets on 9" paper plate at 15 yards with modified choke.

[Leadbutt]

Here in Virginia,where I hunt its Buckshot only,so yes I use it every year.

It will work but you must aim,just like using slugs, you must pattern you gun so you know which load works best in your gun,the old timers swear by tight chokes,but you will find Imp-Mod or less works better.
Keep you shots under 50 yards, and keep firing, even the 000/triple-ot buck is only 36caliber, if you can stand it and your weapon wi use it look at the 3" or 3 1/2" loads in the 12ga. The tacticle stuff is designed to shoot/wound humans.

Oh forgot to mention, DON'T use buckshot in a rifled barrel

[Al Thompson]

Trapperjohn, here in South Carolina, buckshot and dog driving are common. I was a member of a dog driving club for several years and have seen, cleaned or killed over 30 deer shot with buckshot.

First thing - Magnum loads are a waste of money. You get more shot, but at less velocity and they tend to pattern worse. As mentioned, I'd also avoid the tactical stuff as it's meant for people popping.

IMHO, the only loads worth considering are 00, 000 or plated #1 buckshot. I do like plated better than unplated, but have not noticed plating making much difference in 00 and 000.

Pattern the shotgun. It does matter, I've seen a few that were very off when it came to POI/POA. IMHO, 00 and 000 patterns better from modified or Imp Cyl than Full. Number 1 buck works very well from a full choke. My favorite patterning target is a 9 inch hite paper plate. If I can't keep five of nine pellets on it, I'm shooting too far. Testing is what gives me my max ranges, per load, per gun.

BTW, I have seen very good results from the 20 gauge using #2 buckshot. We had several youngsters using 870 youth models and that load did very well. They did spend some time on the patterning board though. :D