Uploaded May 2016 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
From a viewer request, we do some spread tests on #4 buckshot. This is to see if it is an option for those that can use buckshot to hunt deer in their State.
Have three different shotgun shell types, all are the same; #4, 2 2/3", 1,325 fps, and all have 27 pellets or projectiles. The three brands were, NobelSport 'Law Enforcement", Federal, and Fiocchi. Using two different shotguns, the Remington 870 Express, and the Mossberg 500 with full and modified chokes.
Started out at 55 yards, but after the first round and seeing the spread, thought it would be better to move to 45 yards.
Trying to ascertain the effective range of #4 buckshot, and if this would be effective for deer, coyote, hogs, etc.
From looking at the results it seems to me to stay with the 00, or 000 buckshot, but it appears the #4 is a very good personal/home protection shell to go with. A lot of projectiles flying down range at once and a pretty wide spread.
Again the biggest thing we again learned, get out there and practice with whatever firearm and load you attend to use for hunting or self protection.
Feel free to post in the comments another size shot or range you would like to see tested.
"Mighty and Meek" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0
From a viewer request, we do some spread tests on #4 buckshot. This is to see if it is an option for those that can use buckshot to hunt deer in their State.
Have three different shotgun shell types, all are the same; #4, 2 2/3", 1,325 fps, and all have 27 pellets or projectiles. The three brands were, NobelSport 'Law Enforcement", Federal, and Fiocchi. Using two different shotguns, the Remington 870 Express, and the Mossberg 500 with full and modified chokes.
Started out at 55 yards, but after the first round and seeing the spread, thought it would be better to move to 45 yards.
Trying to ascertain the effective range of #4 buckshot, and if this would be effective for deer, coyote, hogs, etc.
From looking at the results it seems to me to stay with the 00, or 000 buckshot, but it appears the #4 is a very good personal/home protection shell to go with. A lot of projectiles flying down range at once and a pretty wide spread.
Again the biggest thing we again learned, get out there and practice with whatever firearm and load you attend to use for hunting or self protection.
Feel free to post in the comments another size shot or range you would like to see tested.
"Mighty and Meek" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0
