Just What Is Buckshot?

[RMcL]

Well, what is buckshot?

We see the term used everyday, but is the term "buckshot" a market, or legal, definition?

[springfield 720]

buckshot was used to hunt deer in the old days.(( hint the name). mostly double aught (.00) lead balls in the shell.. usually only 6 -8 lead pellets in the shell..

[RMcL]

I am not looking for an example, but rather the definition.....think about it!.

[springfield 720]

google ---buckshot=== then

[jmortimer]

Use your search engine
"lead shot that is from .24 to .33 inch (about 6.1 to 8.4 millimeters) in diameter"
from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buckshot
It gets bigger 000 is .360"

[RMcL]

jmortimer:

So the dictionary definition is wrong?

[jmortimer]

Technically, it is not fully accurate but is essentially right. At some point, 000 or whatever, we go from buckshot to round ball of what ever diameter and then at some point we go to cannon ball.

[RMcL]

Ballistic Products Co. lists buckshot in sizes from .17" to .50"

http://www.ballisticproducts.com/Sup...uctinfo/SBK40/

[jmortimer]

Sounds good to me - the 0000 is .380 and after that it is generally called "Super Buck" so there is no reason the Dixie Tri-Ball with three .60 hard cast super buck shots would not count. How about anything that is two or more "buck" or "super buck" of whatever diameter that fits in a shot shell or metallic cartridge of whatever bore- that is my new definition.

[RMcL]

More muddy water...

The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute (SAMMI) defines buckshot as .20" to .36" or "T" to 000.


http://www.saami.org/glossary/display.cfm?letter=B

[youngunz4life]

Just What Is Buckshot?

the badguy's worst nightmare or end of the line

[RMcL]

jmortimer:

Looks like this shotmaker agrees on Buckshot:

"Buckshot is simply lead shot formed to larger diameters. Sizes range in ascending order from size B to Tri-Ball."


http://www.nuclead.com/leadshotapps.html

[RMcL]

So is the term "buckshot" a manufacturer's definition, or a legal definition?

[jmortimer]

My definition includes "Twin-Ball" - i.e. "any multi-ball load from a metallic cartridge or shotshell that has "buck" or "super buck," i.e buck SAAMI spec to 000 and "super," anything beyond 000, in whatever size bore." So I think we may have this covered. You sand-bagged me with SAAMI and BPI, but who can argue with either of them.

[jmortimer]

"So is the term "buckshot" a manufacturer's definition, or a legal definition?"
If it is codified it is a legal definition, even if it is "wrong." SAAMI is a generally accepted standard so I would agree with that and the manufacturer can say whatever they want. I'm sticking with the new and improved Mortimer definition.

[RMcL]

jmortimer,

"Sandbagging" was not intended.

Further information:

SAMMI standards are completely Voluntary and apparently are not even binding on member companies.

[RMcL]

So then if game regulations state that "buckshot" is a legal method of take, then any multiple ball load manufactured as buckshot is indeed a buckshot load!

[jmortimer]

Now that is a good question. If there is no specification in the law and there is no appellate decision defining "buckshot" one would be safe with 000 buck shot. I would consider my "twin-ball" or the Dixie Tri-Ball to be legal "buck shot" but who knows.

[jmortimer]

""Sandbagging" was not intended..."
I was joking, common sense would have caused me to check SAAMI first, but I did not think of them. My mind defaults to large/huge slow lead balls/slugs/bullets and Dixie Slugs' Tri-Ball.

[RMcL]

Well, most states that permit or mandate buckshot are mute on pellet size/diameter. For them it appears buckshot is a multiple large pellet load labeled as "buckshot." It doesn't matter if the pellets are .330, .350, .380 . 400, .520 or .600 diameter or that the three pellet buckshot loads are packaged in a Winchester box labeled .410 gauge or in a Dixie box labeled 12 gauge

[jmortimer]

If there is no definition in the law, I agree.

[RMcL]

The range and effectiveness of today's buckshot has certainly changed!

The "sea change" in buckshot ammunition is no different than what has happened in the field of shotgun "slug" ammunition. There are many states and govt. managed lands that require the use of shotgun slugs. This was instituted in the era of the Foster style slug that were and are very limited in range. However, Remington, Winchester and Federal have all thrown "long established industry standards" to the wind. Today's shotgun slugs (abeit in rifled barrels) have a greater danger range as current factory .45-70 and .444 ammunition, let alone the .44 magnum carbine. Virtually all state wildlife agencies that restrict hunters to shotgun slugs have not changed their regulations but simply accepted the new reality.

[Noreaster]

RMcl good point. The same with Muzzleloaders that now shoot like center fire rifles. Most shotguns are set up for wing shooting not rifle shooting. Many people don't practice enough with slugs because of the recoil. There was a push at one time to allow the use of cartridges like the 38-55 in shotgun only jurisdictions.

[YARDDOG(1)]

RMcL, You my friend must live on or close to Ga.,, Unless you can't hunt with (Buckshot) in Alabama ; )

Y/D

[RMcL]

In 2011 the Alabama Conservation Advisory Board lifted the statewide ban on buckshot during stalk hunting deer season. Previously buckshot was only legal in areas and seasons open to dog deer hunting.

In returning the ammunition/firearm decision to the hunter, the C.A.B. recognized the popularity of buckshot for stalk, and stand hunting thick cover in many areas of the state.