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Birdshot shells closest to #1 buckshot?

2826 Views 10 Replies 1 Participant Last post by  ShotgunPro, 
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I'm coming up to speed in the shotgun arena, but not too familiar from an ammo perspective (just call me the FNG). I've selected #1 buckshot for self defense, but I'm looking for some birdshot for range practice.

Any recommendations as far as birdshot shells that are close to #1 buckshot?

Thanks.
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The closest shot size to 1 Buck that's not buck shot is F size in steel shot (probably not save too much money over 1 Buck) or BB in lead shot.

http://www.deltagearinc.com/ShotgunFacts/GaugeChart.jpg

#1 Buck is .30" in diameter and F is something like .22" and BB is .18".
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Most home defense ammo is 2 3/4" buckshot since 3" and 3 1/2" is so powerful and makes rapid follow up shots difficult. Not to mention home defense is usually at 30' or less and magnum loads aren't really necessary.

Since #1 and 00 buck kick harder than standard low power skeet loads I would recommend buying some high power 3" field loads (4 shot will work) for practice. They provide a similar kick and are relatively cheap.

If you plan on doing a lot of practice I might suggest reloading.
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I keep #4 Buck for HD. I practice with it to the point of knowing how it patterns, which you MUST DO WITH YOUR FIREARM. But I don't shoo much of it due to expense and availability. 00 is plentiful around here and relatively cheap. That and cheapo bird shot for general plinking and knowingvhhw the weapons will function and keeping my skills up.

Is that any help?
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To the OP, if your intention is to get reasonably priced ammo for range practice, then by all means, buy the low cost value packs from Winchester or Federal. I pay about $22 for a 100 pack of 2 3/4" Federal #8 shot, 1 1/8 ounce, 3 dram loads. They cycle my FNH semi without any problems.

I switch back and forth between them and 00 buck and do not detect a difference as far as gun handling is concerned. Shooting #8 on steel or 00 on steel....it all feels about the same to me. Now the 1600 FPS slugs are a different issue and I'll usually opt for reduced recoil loads there.
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thisismyusername said:
I'm coming up to speed in the shotgun arena, but not too familiar from an ammo perspective (just call me the FNG). I've selected #1 buckshot for self defense, but I'm looking for some birdshot for range practice.

Any recommendations as far as birdshot shells that are close to #1 buckshot?

Thanks.
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By (close) what are you talking about? Close is size, Close in recoil, Close in price, Close in what? Another thing is the chart picture linked by another poster in showing everything about 3 to 4 times normal size so be careful.
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Thanks for the responses.

rayikeo2 said:
By (close) what are you talking about? Close is size, Close in recoil, Close in price, Close in what? Another thing is the chart picture linked by another poster in showing everything about 3 to 4 times normal size so be careful.
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Yeah, I should have clarified this... close as in recoil, and low in price.
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I use Winchester Super-X 2 3/4" #4 shot high brass loads for practice and pest control.

These loads can be had at any Wal Mart and run about 10 bucks a box of 25. They are VERY good at taking out most small varmints at 50yds or less, using a full choke tube. I have dropped even a bobcat at about 50 yds with this load and he was done with one shot. A nice tight pattern with shot that is big enough to put things down.

Try a box of these and pattern them: you'll be amazed at how much damage this #4 load will do! Especially on a full choke.

The other great thing about this load, is that it has enough power to cycle most semi-autos. I have run this in an 1100 Remmy and my old A-5 Browning and it never jams. Many of the lighter shot sized cheapo shotgun shells don't have enough power to cycle the semiauto's action or you have to take the gun apart and change something to cycle light loads. With the #4 Super-Xs...my semi-autos cycle it when they are set up for heavy loads.

They also have a pretty good kick, like 00 buckshot. Give them a try....for the money...they work very well. They are also great for raccoons, possums, skunks or other small varmints at close ranges.

- brickboy240
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A word of Caution, when buying shotgun shells you need to know the length of shell your gun is chambered for. It will be stamped on the barrel. Most new shotguns are chambered for 3 1/2", in these guns length is not a concern. But older guns are chambered for shorter shells from 2 3/4", 2 7/8" & 3". Make sure you don't buy longer shells that your gun is chambered for as it can cause damage to both you and your gun.
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gsh341 said:
Most home defense ammo is 2 3/4" buckshot since 3" and 3 1/2" is so powerful and makes rapid follow up shots difficult. Not to mention home defense is usually at 30' or less and magnum loads aren't really necessary.

Since #1 and 00 buck kick harder than standard low power skeet loads I would recommend buying some high power 3" field loads (4 shot will work) for practice. They provide a similar kick and are relatively cheap.

If you plan on doing a lot of practice I might suggest reloading.
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very good idea.

the #2 and #4 birdshot 3" steel shot i buy for like $10 a box of 25 kicks about the same as 00 Buck 2 3/4"
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I'm surprised nobody posted this yet. This chart was key in helping me get a grasp on shot sizes.

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