The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - What is the effective range of buckshot for west texas whitetails?

Al Thompson · November 16, 2000, 07:02 PM

Hi Stephen,

Here in South Carolina, buckshot is still used on deer drives. One club I was in had deer drives. I have both killed deer (a big one is 130 field dressed) and cleaned a bunch that were shot with buckshot.

Here are my conclusions.

The size of the shot needs to be # 1 or larger. ( #1, 00 or 000)

Check your pattern. When the specific load will not stay in a 12 inch by 12 inch group, you have hit your maximum range. Test each load.

Check your point of impact. A plain bead sight can work, but it's difficult. The inclination is to raise your head off the stock and throw your shot high. I strongly suggest some sort of rear sight - the inexpensive clamp ons work OK.

Do not believe what others say. Test your gun, your loads and determine what works. I have had some unpleasant encounters with folks who have the most outrageous ideas about buckshot.

Try to remember that your really shooting the deer with a small number of .32 pistol bullets flying in a slightly diverging formation.

Good luck!

Giz

November 16, 2000, 07:02 PM	#3
Al Thompson Staff Alumnus Join Date: May 2, 1999 Location: South Carolina Posts: 3,611	Hi Stephen, Here in South Carolina, buckshot is still used on deer drives. One club I was in had deer drives. I have both killed deer (a big one is 130 field dressed) and cleaned a bunch that were shot with buckshot. Here are my conclusions. The size of the shot needs to be # 1 or larger. ( #1, 00 or 000) Check your pattern. When the specific load will not stay in a 12 inch by 12 inch group, you have hit your maximum range. Test each load. Check your point of impact. A plain bead sight can work, but it's difficult. The inclination is to raise your head off the stock and throw your shot high. I strongly suggest some sort of rear sight - the inexpensive clamp ons work OK. Do not believe what others say. Test your gun, your loads and determine what works. I have had some unpleasant encounters with folks who have the most outrageous ideas about buckshot. Try to remember that your really shooting the deer with a small number of .32 pistol bullets flying in a slightly diverging formation. Good luck! Giz