Sellier and Bellot Buckshot

No way of knowing. Two loads could pattern identically from one gun, and completely differently from the one that was right after it on the assembly line.

Different lots of the same ammo can also pattern differently, though manufacturers try to keep 'em as consistent as humanly possible.

A couple things about S&B buckshot - 1) it's plain lead, no copper plating, so it will a) lead your barrel b) exhibit somewhat wider patterning as the lead deforms, bouncing down the barrel and skidding off the sides and c) not penetrate as deeply on target. Also, 2) there is no granulated buffer, or, as far as I can remember, shot cup, which will further degrade pattern size.

Honestly for blasting or practice at the range it's ok but I wouldn't hunt with it. It's cheap which is why I bought it... that's the only reason, though.

I really, really like tight patterns with buckshot. A lot. Did I mention I'm THR's biggest tight buckshot pattern fanatic?

But sometimes you need a scattergun. And for those occasions I have a supply of S&B on hand. Doesn't matter which one of my guns/barrels I shoot it out of- I get w i d e o p e n patterns with it. It's as dependable as any load I have ever seen for open patterns. My current favorite tight-shooting load (Federal LE 127-00, 9 pellets at 1325 FPS) yields 4" patterns at 25 yards out of an 18" CYL bore 870 barrel. That FliteControl wad is nothing short of amazing.

Same barrel, same range, S&B 00 won't even keep all the pellets on an IPSC cardboard.

S&B offers dead soft lead pellets, no grex/buffering, no shot collar, old fashioned fiber wads- in short, EVERY option in producing a buckshot load that will deliver distorted pellets with flat spots in odd places that will then veer off in all directions upon departing the muzzle.

BUT- every shotgun barrel is a law unto itself. Buy ONE BOX and try it before you buy a whole bunch. If you like what it does, then back up the truck...

lpl

If it did that with a CYL bore i wonder what a full choke tube would do. You think it would deform the pattern? Should i go wider like with a modified or something? Thanks!

Only way to know for sure is to pattern it with your gun and choke tubes and find out. I've heard LOTS of similar reports about this load from the field- many people, oddly enough, actually complain that patterns are too tight. As if there could be such a thing. I'd figure a too-tight choke would distort pellets, even hard alloy copper plated ones, and make the pattern open up as a result (round pellets fly true, pellets with irregular flat spots tend to Frisbee).

Oh, and Federal loads some of its Premium buckshot with FliteControl wads also- I noticed some at Gander Mountain the other day. It doesn't necessarily have to be the Law Enforcement stuff to perform well.

BTW just wondering. Do you hunt?

Yes, but usually with a .30-30. I use shotguns mainly as defensive guns, or for wingshooting. Someday I'm gonna go up and visit Dave McC, and get him to show me how to bust clays, when he's really down and needs to have his spirits boosted by watching me miss 8^).

lpl

That is NOT a dialup friendly site!

But now that it's loaded- no, I don't think that's it. It doesn't mention having a FliteControl wad, and the Premium loads I saw earlier were in a gold box IIRC, not a blue one.

Here's the load I'm talking about at the source I ordered it from. They have smaller quantities than a full case, this is just one link- http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/catal...-power-9-pell-oo-buck/cName/12-gauge-buckshot .

The text there says:

250rds - 12 Ga. Federal LE Tactical Full Power 9 pell. OO Buck
[LE127-00] $149.95

Click to enlarge (picture of box)

This is 12 Gauge Federal Law Enforcement Tactical Full Power Flitecontrol 9 pellet OO Buckshot. This new Federal 12 Gauge buckshot has turned shotshell technology 180 degrees with the new FLITECONTROL™ Wad. This exciting and innovative shotshell system delivers the tightest buckshot patterns available, without expensive barrel alterations or aftermarket choke tubes. Tactical Flitecontrol Buckshot also features copper-plated shot and recoil reduction that, when combined with the FLITECONTROL wad, result in the most dependable and predictable pattern performance available. Federal Tactical buckshot also features a solid brass head for reliable function—NOT brass-plated steel that can swell and cause extraction issues. To top it off, all Federal Tactical Shotshell offerings are loaded with the unique and famous, Basic-Lead Styphnate 202 primer. This ammo will work in pumps or semi-auto shotguns, it has a velocity of 1325 fps. This new Tactical Buckshot featuring FLITECONTROL transforms the most basic shotgun into a precision shooting tool. Typically this ammo is only available to law enforcement and military agencies through Federal, that is a Federal rule, not a law. We got this ammo because we ordered it for a police department and they cancelled the order, so we can now sell it to anyone. This ammo is packed in 5rd. boxes, 250rds per case.
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Hope this helps,

lpl

If I hunted someplace I had to use buckshot, sure.

lpl