In the 80s, when I hunted deer, and feral pigs in South Carolina, 000buck in 2 3/4 shells was very popular.
I can't say it was more effective, but the group of hunters I was with swore by it. The only brand I ever saw was Remington. Both 00, and 000 took deer and pigs down quickly. And a 2 3/4 hold 8 pieces of 000, compared to 9 pieces of 00.
And yes, it kicks hard, but in our county, Buckshot was the only legal choice for hunting.