Quote:
Originally Posted by Bruce Hering
From my reading and talking to some very old timers in GA and SC, years ago, it was traditional to deer hunt with hounds (dont shoot the messenger here). Especially in the "low country" of both states.
I also found many of them alluding to "buckshot" in their loads . However the term "buckshot" seemed to cover somewhat of a variety of shot. Some referred to casting soft lead in .36 caliber pistol molds while others said they bought "Buckshot" by the bag to load in brass shells.
No one seemed to be able to put a definitive size to their shot. I do know that #4 buck will pattern in a mod choke quite well from shooting it back in the day at geese. (Not sure how that would work on deer.) I, however, have trouble getting 00 to work as well out of a full choke.
Just a comment and MHO.....
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There are many so called “rules” about buckshot that aren’t necissarily so . The number one rule was more open chokes perform better with larger sizes . And while that “may” be a good “general” rule it isn’t necissarily so in ALL guns . I’ve spent the most time with 10 gauge guns and a larger percentage of them are choked tight . I however have had better than expected results with buck sizes 3 all the way up to 00000 in 10 gauge handloads . Now let’s clear up one matter , 25 yard groups are all I ask for most time with buckshot and I’ve been able to take plenty tight choked Parker 10’s and have them meet my parameters with all sizes and have killed deer with all the sizes from #3 up to 00000 buck . I’ve gone one size larger to 000000 but that’s strictly for the 8 gauge . Now all my buckshot loads for 10 , 12 or 16 are loaded with the expectation that they might be shot in damascus or twist barrels so the velocity will be below factory levels . I’m kinda of the opinion of velocity and pressure are less that just might play into my hand of getting usable patterns from tight choked barrels . #3 on up to 00 are relatively easy to get shooting well in 10 gauge tight choke , 000 - 0000 and 00000 take a little thinking outside the box but it can be done .