Shotshell Discussion

S

STE

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Hey all... 'nother shotgun newbie here. Can someone describe what exactly '000' vs '00' etc buck means? I've seen bits and pieces of info looking through existing threads, but I'm really looking for a comprehesive discussion of the different types of buckshot.

A link to an existing thread would also work... if there is one.

I recently picked up a Mossberg 500 on the cheap. Til now it's been in the closet, but I'd like to break it out. Maybe try my hand at skeet... but definitely ready this gun for home defense duty. What's the skinny?
 
Is there a situation specific advantage or disadvantage to each? Or just user preference? Being as they are larger in diameter, are there typically fewer pellets in the 000 shell? Thanks, boss.
 
Here is a table of winchester super x 3" and 2 3/4" 12guage shells. Your mossburg 500 should take either unless its really old. Pellet count varies from different brands,etc. from left to right its shell length, #buckshot size, velocity, pellet count.
3" mag. 1 Buck 1040 24
3" mag. 00 Buck 1210 15
2 3/4" 000 Buck 1325 8
2 3/4" mag. 00 Buck 1290 12
2 3/4" 00 Buck 1325 9
2 3/4" 0 Buck 1275 12
2 3/4" 1 Buck 1250 16
2 3/4" 4 Buck 1325 27
2 3/4" 1 Buck 1225 12
2 3/4" 3 Buck 1200 20
I preffer #1 buck for hd. My theory is (throw more darts at the dart board) A lot of people preffer 00 buck for defensive situations. I find nothing wrong with that I just like the results I get blowing up targets with #1 buck.
 
My theory is (throw more darts at the dart board)
Click to expand...

I agree with this...afterall, isn't that the very reason we choose shotguns?

I buy 12 pellet 00 buck as opposed to 9 pellet 00 buck for this reason.
 
#1 Buck, which I keep loaded in the tube -1 with the chamber empty, fires 24 pellets of .30" The Int'l Wound Ballistics Association concluded after testing that this is the best shot shell choice for defense against human attackers. They concluded that the sectional density was greatest for #1 Buck.

I'm not sure how big the difference would be at relatively short home defense ranges, as 00 Buck and #1 Buck will probably make about a similarly sized rat hole in any BG attacker. However, at 20 feet, I personally liked the pattern of #1 Buck over 00 Buck in my Mossberg 590A1, YMMV.

Suggestion: try different loads before settling on one. I also really like Federals 00 Buck Reduced Recoil shot shells. They are very easy to shoot, quickly reaquire a target and shoot again. The reduced recoil shells still penetrate more than 12" and are very popular among LEA's, including SWAT teams.
 
Holey crap. Those are some evil loads. I dont have any experience with those. I wouldnt spend the money considering the price tag. If you go out and blow up some targets with buckshot you will probably be more than happy with the destructive force of standard loads. But if you have plenty of money to blow then try some out and let us know how it goes.
 
i wouldnt bet my life on those above linked to 'exotic rounds'

seems like a bunch of marketing BS. looks like they should be for sale next to some fireworks not other ammo.
 
I wouldn't waste any money on the exotic loads either. It's hard to beat good old high-velocity lead balls for take-down power.
 
Exotic Loads

the guys at my local range said they keep their shotty loaded with alternating 00buck, slugs, and 2 rounds of 4 00 buck balls, tied together with razor wire, called the macho gaucho.

Now, i don't know if any of them have taken physics (which i have) but it dosnt sound like those would be very accuarte or as effective at good old fashion buck.

i guess if it worked for english war ships, than why not for a 12 gauge.
 
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