Hunting deer with buckshot

Hello IShootBack,Typically you would use a 'Full' choke. Effective range would be 45 yards or less.Jay G.Shotgunworld.com Shotgunworld.com

I agree with the Site Administrator, and not only because I don't want to get kicked off the site. I have used buckshot, mostly for coyotes and other varmints, and have had best results with a full choke. Also, it is printed in black and white by the ammo manufacturer on the box that the full choke is the best. -Matt Latham

Now matt why do you think you would get kicked off

I've patterned "00' with different chokes and surprizingly had better patterns with more open chokes at forty yards. I guess the large size of the pellets didn't like a full choke in my 870. I would try patterning with different chokes before attempting to take a deer. Like Jay said, limit the shot to 45 yards max!
Rob

My experience is the same, an extnded tube in mod or lite mod choke has given better patterns with the larger size buckshot.

This goes back to what works "best" for you depends on what you are using.

IShootBack,

I don't think I can ever say this enough... Pattern your gun. Use as many different brands, shot sizes (O, OO, OOO), and different choke sizes. That's the only way to tell which setup your gun likes. Remember, it's better to miss the paper, than to go into the field and miss the deer.

David

yoda4x4 said:

IShootBack,

I don't think I can ever say this enough... Pattern your gun. Use as many different brands, shot sizes (O, OO, OOO), and different choke sizes. That's the only way to tell which setup your gun likes. Remember, it's better to miss the paper, than to go into the field and miss the deer.

David

Click to expand...

Amen and amen! Different sizes of buckshot act differently in different choke tubes (could I use "different" in another different way there? :wink: ). Pattern your gun! That is the most important part of shooting anything! I personally use #1 buck in thick cover when the shots are close- anything open I use a rifled barrel and slugs.

are #2's and 3's too small for deer?

12gaugejimmy said:

are #2's and 3's too small for deer?

Click to expand...

In buckshot? No, but again test your pattern. 20 gauge buckshot is usually #3, and I have taken many deer with that. However, IMO you need to keep them close. I choose #1 because I think it gives me a good compromise between pattern density and interia. I use #5 shot for turkeys for the same reason (although I switched to #6 in Hevishot).

I prefer #1's & 00 for deer with a Mod. choke. But I only shoot deer with a shotgun Dog/Deer hunting...Otherwise, I prefer to miss them with a rifle!!..heehee :lol:

Jab.

It's pretty much illegal here in PA :roll: