# 1 Buckshot

[sqrldog]

Exactly T O F Thats what I meant about doing his homework and using a lsrger shot one that fits his bore. And makes a column of shot. That I tbink is the information the OP was looking for and not just a argument for or agaist buckshot. We strayed way off his original  question for that  I apologize to the OP. I've nothing more to say on the subject. Tim

[Joe S.]

Been reading this thread and to be honest I never really thought about using buck shot out of a smooth bore for deer.I remember back in day when the area I grew up at became a shot gun only area.Muzzleloaders could also be used,modern shotguns with slug or OO,muzzleloaders where either.As for 00 can't say much out of a muzzleloader but out of a modern shot gun its devastating. I think it comes down to knowing you and your guns limitations.If for one second you have dought about it go round ball.Did shoot some buck and ball and while fun I think I'd pass on using it to hunt deer unless they are ten feet from me

[Boremouse]

Yeah sqrldog!
 you are right about T*O*F coming up with good information on how to load buckshot ! As you mentioned that is the kind of information I was seeking!Also will take your suggestion about using a little larger buckshot size.
And with that I think I am finished with this topic.

[WadePatton]

Yes do as you please, I didn't mean to be controversial or adversarial in my post, but that to point out it's not too hard to hit a moving deer at short yardage with a single projectile.  I'm also aware that single-ball loading may be against the rules in some places. 

Bigger is better in some cases and this is one, but a fella must abide.

Best of luck on all game no matter what you use. 

[Boremouse]

Yes do as you please, I didn't mean to be controversial or adversarial in my post, but that to point out it's not too hard to hit a moving deer at short yardage with a single projectile.  I'm also aware that single-ball loading may be against the rules in some places. 

Bigger is better in some cases and this is one, but a fella must abide.

Best of luck on all game no matter what you use. 

Thanks Wade!
And lots of luck to you also!

[Gun_Nut_73]

I have a .31 caliber squirrel rifle that likes #1 buckshot just fine.  Haven't tried it on deer yet.  Most ML seasons require .45 or larger.

[Daryl]

I wouldn't try it for deer, even if it was legal - as it is here. Actually, any ML is legal for moose, elk, grizzly's, whatever, but not buffalo. Yeah - game branch is not too bright which is what happens with bureaucrats make the rules.
If someone showed up here in camp to hunt moose with a .40, I would not guide him unless he acquiesced to using one of my rifles.
Actually, big game is why I have  .58, 20 bore smooth and best yet, a .69 calibre moose killing rifle. The .50 will work, but will work better as a rendezvous rifle - where 'struttin' in part and parcel of the experience.

[Mike Brooks]

I've seen several deer killed with a .22 mag. Not legal, but head shots are effective. A .32 would probably work if you are close and place your shot well, not that it would be my first choice.....

[tim crowe]

My stomach and my desire to eat drove what I did , but I used the tools at hand.
To be honest a swivel breech with a .50 cal or heavier with 12 ga would have worked well.
 I knew one guy with a .44 rifle caplock and he wanted a LOT of money to part with it. So I used what I had....OO buck and bow and arrow!

[Mike Brooks]

Never tried OO buck with a bow....

[tim crowe]

Only when you run low on BP and arrows. I still like to eat.  Not sure about the OO patterns!
We ate well enough, surf and turf meant :alligator and venison or capybarra with fried yucca for chips! The look on the one American's face showed it wasn't his idea of Surf and Turf. I offered to eat it but he finally ate it! LOL