0 vs 00 Buckshot: Which is better for deer hunting? - WaterfowlChoke (2024)

0 vs 00 Buckshot is the hunting debate for the ages

The 0 vs 00 buckshot comparison is a never-ending debate on which one is best. It will likely never have a real winner, but we’re going to try and help you to find which one will work best for you.

The ballistics of both buckshot pellet types— 0 and 00 — are both excellent, but in slightly different ways. Many of their ballistics overlap, but size-wise they look slightly different, aside from the basic round lead pellet design. Whichever buckshot size you end up buying, these two pellet sizes will be the most popular on the shelf.

Pitting 0 vs 00 buckshot, we take a look at the respective strengths of each pellet type, so you can pick the right one for the next time you need it for hunting. If you want to see the leading choke tubes for buckshot, be sure to check out the Carlson’s Buckshot Choke, Carlson’s Dead Coyote Choke, and the Mojo Fatal Shot Predator Choke. And if you’re reloading buckshot, read more about buckshot sizes and pellets counts.

0 vs 00 Buckshot: Why 0 buck is better

0 Buck Pellet Size. The diameter of a 0 buckshot pellet is .32” or 8.13 mm. This is 0.01” or 0.25 mm smaller than 00 buck. While this may not seem like a huge amount, the difference can be seen visually when the two pellets are put side by side. A smaller pellet means better pattern density and a larger effective spread.

Pellet Density. There are nine 0 buckshot pellets in an ounce of shot. This means more pellets can fit in a standard 12 gauge hull, thus increasing the amount of pellets hitting the target. Most hunters can agree, more pellets in load are a good thing, especially at effective ranges.

Accuracy. The combination of pattern density and larger spread means that 0 buck is more accurate than larger shot sizes since it’s more forgiving. For predator and hog hunting, the chance of a vital hit is still a probability even though the center of the shot may be a fraction of an inch off.

Availability. 0 buckshot is one of the most popular shot sizes and that makes it more likely to be found on sporting goods store shelves or online retailers. The availability of ammo when you need it is a huge factor to consider. It only takes experiencing one ammo shortage to realize that the most common loads, such as 0 buckshot, are the first to return.

0 vs 00 Buckshot: Why 00 buck is better

00 Buck Pellet Size. The diameter of a 00 buckshot pellet is .33” or 8.38 mm. This is slightly larger than 0 buck. While this may not seem like a huge amount, the difference can be seen visually when the two pellets are put side by side. There are eight 00 pellets in an ounce of shot, one less than 0 buckshot.

Penetration. 00 buckshot can penetrate further than lighter and smaller 0 buck. While ballistics show this as only being a third of an inch, it’s still considerable on large game that require it. Hog hunters that plan to push the range of their shots to 50 yards, are almost always better off going with the larger pellet size.

Longer Range. There are eight 00 buckshot pellets in an ounce of shot. Larger leads pellets, such as 00 buckshot, retain their energy longer and fly further than smaller shot. Simple laws of physics apply, and increased range means having to give up pattern density and spread to achieve it. But this is well worth it for hog hunting, where penetration and range play a key role in clean harvests.

Less wind drift. 00 buckshot is not immune to wind drift but handles it better than 0 buck. Head and tail winds aren’t a factor in pellet distribution downrange, but crosswinds can wreak havoc on smaller shot. Because 00 buckshot retains its energy longer, it’s less affected by wind drift, resulting with more pellets on target at range.

0 vs 00 Buckshot: Ballistics

When the two pellet sizes are analyzed for ballistics, it’s clear to see that 00 buckshot retains its energy longer and penetrates deeper than 0 buckshot at 50 yards.

At 50 yards, 00 buckshot is traveling 11 fps faster than 0 buckshot and penetrates 0.33 inches further. 00 is the slightly better choice for hunting large game animals.

Which should you choose?

So then, 0 or 00 buckshot: Which should you choose? Both pellets have pros and cons, and, as with many purchase decisions, your choice will depend on what you value most.

The range you will be hunting is the greatest factor to consider when choosing. For shots within 30 yards, the difference in pattern density, spread, and penetration will be close enough that little can be gained from the two. The general consensus is to choose 0 buckshot for coyotes, hogs, and other medium sized game for shots inside 40 yards.

For longer shots, 00 buckshot is the clear choice since the larger pellets can penetrate deeper and excel at longer ranges past 40 yards. 00 buck is also less affected by wind drift should there be a stiff crosswind. For deer hunting, up the size to 000 buck or slugs.

If you’re wondering which chokes you should switch to for buckshot, there’s no better place to start than our lists of the best buckshot chokes. Whichever choke you pick, just make sure it fits the choke system on your shotgun.

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