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What is Buckshot?

Mary McMahon
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Updated: Feb 03, 2024
Views: 40,063
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Buckshot is a type of shot which is designed to be used for large game. “Shot” is simply a term used to describe the small metal pellets packed into a shotgun shell. Larger pellets pack more of a punch, and may require a larger weapon, while smaller pellets are much weaker, and can be fired from smaller weapons. The type of shot required depends on the intended use; birdshot, for example, is very small shot designed to be used in hunting birds. Birdshot would be largely useless against larger prey, while buckshot could potentially vaporize a bird.

A shotgun pellet has a rather unique and interesting design. Unlike a bullet, which consists of a hunk of lead or other metal designed to very precisely penetrate a target, shot is designed to scatter, increasing the chances that something will be hit, while decreasing the power of the weapon used to fire the shot. Typically, shot is packed into a cartridge which also includes gunpowder and wadding; people can pack their own cartridges, or purchase them from companies which specialize in making ammunition.

The “buck” in “buckshot” is a reference to male deer, a very popular form of large game. Buckshot actually comes in a range of sizes, used for hunting an assortment of larger prey in addition to deer. Many police forces also use buckshot, in both riot control weapons and combat shotguns. The sheer size of buckshot makes it much more damaging, but not necessarily lethal, unless the gun is aimed properly.

Cartridges of buckshot are typically identified by a number, with most manufacturers making sizes 00 through 4. The smaller the number, the larger the buckshot. 00 or “double aught” is a popular size of buckshot, since its large size comes with formidable stopping power.

Buckshot is much larger than birdshot and BB shot, making it much more potentially dangerous. People who have been shot with birdshot generally live to tell the tale, although they may have a few scars to testify to the experience. A hit from a cartridge full of buckshot, however, especially at close range, can be fatal. For this reason, hunters who pursue large game are especially careful with their weapons, and they wear bright colors in the woods so that they are visible to other hunters, as no one wants to accidentally shoot someone else or be shot.

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Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

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Discussion Comments
By anon1000976 — On Feb 10, 2019

This sounds as if careful aiming is not required to hit a target if one is shooting a Judge loaded with .410 shells. (Glad to see it recognized that the .410 is a bore while other shoguns are measured in gauge.) At 12' most loads, buck or bird will stay fairly tight and hit where one points. In other words a miss is not unlikely if one chooses to spray and pray. Beyond that distance the groups open up quickly and in the case of buckshot the target could be missed altogether. Maybe by not aiming a wayward ball will find the target. None of to suggest The Judge is not a decent self defense weapon. If a 9mm pistol shooter expects to hit a baseball size target under high pressure shooting the shooter of The Judge should expect to hit a soccer ball sized target.

By anon996314 — On Aug 10, 2016

Commercial 12 gauge buckshot ammunition is available in sizes from "T" or .20 caliber to Tri-Ball or .60 caliber.

By Melonlity — On Jan 13, 2014
For those interested in home defense, going with a shotgun round can be a good choice. Buckshot -- often regardless of the size of the shot -- can do a lot of damage in close quarters and the shooter doesn't typically have to be as accurate as shot flies all over the place.

A nervous shooter does tend to simply "point and fire" rather than take aim before pulling a trigger. There is, after all, a reason that the Taurus Judge line of pistols -- revolvers that take .410 bore shells -- is so popular. A shooter who has a Judge or any of the many pistols out there that take .410 shells has all the advantages of a shotgun load without the inconvenience of toting an unwieldy, full sized weapon.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

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