Buckshot users?

[rrflyer]

Gonna get the chance to do some deer hunting this season but its archery or shotgun only.

I've only got my beretta a390 so I figure buckshot should work.

Problem is I've never shot it. So any of you guys out there have a rec on brand, shot size, effective range, etc..

 

[plumberroy]

Like anything else you will have to try a few type to see how you gun patterns. Remember it is a bow range propostion 40 yards or less, past that you will cripple more than you kill. I like #0 buck or #1. some will disagree with the 40 yards or less but oh well I would rather not wound an animal and recover it
Roy

 

[Zip7]

When I first got my (current) 870 years ago, I patterned all kinds of buckshot loads at 40 yards with different choke tubes, etc...

The best in my gun was Rem. 3" mag #1 buck through the full choke tube.

I'd recommend you shoot some at large pieces of cardboard and see what you get.

I've killed about 10 deer with it I guess. I'd agree with the 40 yard range. Every one I've killed with buckshot was less than 50 yards It tends to drop them like they were hit with a giant hammer.

I'd guess it will kill at longer ranges, but the big problem with it is if you have to do any tracking, buckshot doesn't pass through, and if a deer makes it any distance, the first part of the blood trail, where the deer is running will be very hard to follow. I'd guess deer have been lost this way, although I haven't had one go more than 15 yards.

 

[Sergeant Sabre]

Federal's Flite-Control loads are supposed to be the best thing going.

Why not try a foster-type slug? You should be able to hit just fine out to 50yds or so.

 

[janobles14]

+1 on the slug idea.

but if its buckshot you desire then everyone else is correct. see what patterns best. my 870 loves 2 3/4 #000 while my mossberg shoots #1 better. both of them are fired from a cylinder bore (which seems to do best in general ive found).