00 Buckshot vs #1 Buckshot: Which is Better for Deer Hunting?

Paul tests whether 00 buckshot is better than #1 buckshot for deer hunting.
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Brad Nelson - minutemantheory.com

[@RogueRobot023]

Anyone else going back through older videos in remembrance of Paul? Best tribute I can think of is to improve my knowledge and skills.

[@edl653]

Yup. I liked the little dance move he did. He said it is not for entertainment, but he was entertaining while providing valuable unbiased understanding and experience.

[@showtime2629]

It's like he's still with us

[@JamesZJi]

We miss this man. I'll pass everything i learnt to my child

[@usnairframer]

I'm just going through some of his older videos wishing I could tell him "GO TO THE DOCTOR, NOW!"

[@phil20_20]

Yep, some of them are almost like I didn't watch it the first time. There's always something!

[@mtkoslowski]

This man’s decent and factual channel deserves to have well over 1M subscribers.

[@wingusdingus9447]

Yeah. All my gun knowledge comes from him. I've owned 2 guns and knew basic stuff, but after watching Paul I understand the physics of everything that happens between the trigger pull and target hit. Greatest thing about this channel is he shows you enough info to make your own decisions

[@colby7625]

He'll get there.

[@johnmat4678]

He needs to ask his viewers to subscribe. Paul has been around 750k viewers for a long time now.

[@colby7625]

758k ain't bad

[@williwonti]

@@johnmat4678 I'm sure it's totally organic how he doesn't get more followers

[@shrugg6593]

I was deer hunting in Arizona about 15 years ago and ran across a couple of other hunters. When I asked them how their hunt was going, they said they hadn't filled a tag yet, but they did have one "sound shot". I asked them what a sound shot was, one said he heard something move in the cover and took a shot but they didn't find any blood trail or other sign. I was so angry I called them idiots and walked off... The next sprung, a man killed his own son on a turkey hunt. He claimed he heard a turkey and shot into the brush. Which was where his son had set up and was calling. I don't know for sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was the same pair of idiots... Always know what you are shooting, and if you are set up calling, make sure you are in an idiot free zone...

[@WayStedYou]

Spoiler alert: it was not a sound shot

[@Stevarooni]

"Know your target and what's beyond it" is one of four fundamental rules of firearms safety for a reason.

[@PaulHarrell]

In a week or two we will publish a presentation on being shot at while in the field.

[@sweet65mustang]

Ironic that he removed his own dna from the gene pool

[@SCH292]

This shit happens in the Hmong community too but the Hmong community..especially the Boomers and Gen X older people will always blame..."The shape shifting monster", "ghosts" or the supernatural BS. "I swear it was a hog behind that bush. I saw it with my OWN EYES! It went behind the bush! It was a Hog! I swear!". A lot of Hmong older Generation believe in the supernatural BS and whatever so when SHIT HAPPENS they blame something else for their mistake.

[@retiredatforty]

RIP Paul. Thanks for everything!

[@lavida57]

Paul & Crew Have a great year and thanks for all the lessons. I appreciate them all.

[@bryangrote8781]

Don’t see tests like this on many channels. Straightforward, revealing, and informative video as always... ...and which I also find entertaining.

[@subzero4288]

Does anyone remember which video paul tells the story of when he was walking down a trail and someone pulled up beside him acting tough and said "what are you doing" multiple times until they seen Paul's gun?

[@sharqueeshajohnalaneesha2019]

I feel like I just watched that one. I think it had something to do with wilderness survival? I’m not sure

[@jeffreyleonard7210]

Is it an aside at the end of a presentation on pistol rifle combos?

[@bfboobie]

Yeah it's called Commando and Arnold portrays Paul in the reenactment

[@DANO-4899]

Oh, no I was just saying hi.

[@jrobert6872]

No , but i can remember something like.... " Im somebody minding my own damn business is what im doing." lol

[@cameronnorton5898]

Maybe I'm just a freak, but I find shotgun patterning to be highly entertaining.

[@jasonrhodes9683]

Paul's attempt at go-go dancing near the end made it very entertaining.

[@Paladin1873]

@@jasonrhodes9683 My eyes cannot unsee that.

[@jasonrhodes9683]

@@Paladin1873 yup, all your nightmares will be him doing the talking parts, dancing.

[@cerealkiller7143]

The practical man's roulette.

[@stephenedwards5038]

@@Paladin1873 Mine crrriiinnnggge either....

[@edgarburlyman738]

This channel is just the right balance between tactical operators operating tactically, and fuddy hunting, black powder and casting bullets.

[@Bob-qk2zg]

I got to say, Paul Harrell is the best gun-guy on the internet. I never get bored with his demos.

[@derrallinder4338]

51 Christmases ago I received a Remington Model 1100 and it is still my go to shotgun. It has always patterned No 1 better than 00 and for me and this gun, No.1 buck has been my go to round.

[@mirandacandice9626]

We kept a 12 gauge Mossberg 500 Mariner with an 18.5" barrel on board the supply vessel Maersk Challenger when I was 3rd Mate working in Newfoundland's offshore oil and gas sector. We always had two M2A1 ammo cans onboard fully loaded with those nifty 12 gauge flares, as we used the M500 to ignite the flare stacks on the Hibernia and Hebron platforms. Slugs were kept just in case a polar bear decided to climb on deck and make himself unwelcome during their annual Spring migration along the East Coast. #4 Buck was the standard anti-shark load for protecting the platform's maintenance divers and ROVs while they did work on the surface during hot Summer days. Larger 00 Buck was used for the rare Giant Squid that wouldn't let go of the ship's rudder-stock! The Canadian Coast Guard also uses the Remington 870 and Model 700 in .30-06 for polar bear patrol while engaged in ice breaking operations or watching over scientists on-ice. I think the US Coast Guard also employed short, 14-inch 870s whenever I had the pleasure of seeing them around the Arctic. Just so you land-lovers are aware, a gunshot fired at 1-minute intervals is one of the official distress signals sanctioned by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, every bit equivalent to a MAYDAY or SOS! I'm sure this can be used in Search & Rescue operations on land as well! Keep up the awesome work Paul! ☺

[@bobrees4363]

Back when I was a Small Arms Markmanship Instructor (Rangemaster) in the Navy, I shot or saw shot somewhere around two semi loads of 12 gauge 9 pellet 00 buckshot. Mainly Winchester or Estate. The book said 25 yard effective range, and the targets generally backed that up via pattern density from our 20" cylinder bore barrels. If you plan to use buckshot for either hunting or personal defense, please pattern test your gun and loads.

[@motorosso3349]

Good information indeed. BTW, I run slugs in my Beretta 1301T for self-defense.

[@romans6two338]

In my state you can't use buckshot for deer, but can use slugs and I have first hand experience they work very well. I do like #1 for HD. This was a very useful presentation, thank you.

[@JohnDoe-ud2cc]

I have 4 buck as my first shot followed up with all flight control 1 buck. I love the flight control 1buck. At 25 yards it has a perfectly symmetrical 16” pattern with no more than a 3 inch gap in between pellets leaving no holes. I have probably patterned every 00 buck on the market and have never found one patterns as perfect as the 1buck FC. All 00 buck has flyers, holes, and odd patterns.

[@JJ_SDWR]

Wow, sure wish I could find #1 buck at all, much less in flitecontrol. I've only ever seen flitecontrol in their 00 buck load.

[@JohnDoe-ud2cc]

@@JJ_SDWR any flight control is hard to find. #1 is very very difficult to find. About 10 years ago when it first came out, there was some videos and articles on it raving about how good flight control 1buck is. There is literally no other round out there that even comes close to this. Back then I could actually mail order ammo to my house here in California and that’s when I got mine. With shipping and everything it probably cost me $2-3 per round. Now that it is known as the absolute best round on the market and the inability to mail order here, it is unattainable.

[@clarkrichards1907]

FC 8 pellet 00 buck, no flyers and at 40 yards out of my 20 inch ported and back bored 870 holds all 8 pellets in the chest of a B21 qualification target. makes a fist sized hole at 20 yards and in. I love the #1 buck FC. It's just hard to find. Did get a case. The FC 8 pel 00 buck is plentiful in my area. Helps to not be super far from the main supply.

[@JohnDoe-ud2cc]

@@clarkrichards1907 yes the 8 pellet FC is also good, It is my 2nd choice to the #1. I still like the number 1 better though, they both hold nice and tight and in that same size pattern 15 impacts are better than 8. Literally twice as effective guaranteeing hits to those important vitals if not all of them.

[@phild9813]

1 buck should be much more popular and available than it is. Having said that, 00 buck flite control patterns exactly the same for me. No fliers or holes out to about 50 yards. Then it really starts opening up.

[@gameragodzilla]

I currently use #4 buckshot for home defense based on Paul’s videos because it seemed like the best balance of just enough penetration to be effective on a target at home defense ranges and no more to avoid overpenetration. Hornady Varmint Express, despite the name, does (barely) reach FBI penetration standards in ballistic gel up to around 20 yards, and it uses the Versatite wad (same as Federal’s Flitecontrol) to really tighten up the pattern.

[@NoWr2Run]

I use the same, my house I live in now you can't shoot more than 40FT. roughly.

[@captaincodebook3200]

Ditto

[@MB-jg4tr]

I use 27 pellet 4Buck for home defense. But I wouldn't use a FliteControl wad for HD as you WANT a little spread. At HD distances a control wad is just gonna punch one big hole, not much different than using slugs.

[@gameragodzilla]

@@MB-jg4tr I’ve seen different opinions on that. Some people say you want as tight a spread as possible to maximize effect on target and minimize collateral damage. Still, I think there’s merits to both arguments so I do have some wider spreading #4 buckshot too.

[@MB-jg4tr]

@@gameragodzilla I've pattered the load I use and know I can keep all pellets on a torso at 10 yards. For my situation it seems ideal as the longest in house shot I have is just under that distance. Full size law enforcement silhouette targets are great for patterning your loads, 6' human-shaped target at any distance you place them. I keep some 00 FliteControl on the side-saddle need be & feel well armed. Also, my imagination tells me the standard wad 4Buck makes for great crowd control or suppressive fire at longer distances. Good for a possible mob-rule-scenario when armed gangs are roaming a deteriorating society to R &pillage... And 4Buck could still possibly be deadly out to maybe 40-50yards? or so..? Cheers.

[@GetMeThere1]

I find that the type of wad plays a HUGE role in keeping smaller patterns at longer range. I use plain-jane Remington or Winchester #1 buck for home defense, but federal flitecontrol if I want extended range. The difference is enormous through the same gun (18" open choke on FN SLP).

[@NoWr2Run]

100%, FliteControl wads make a HELL OF A DIFFERENCE REACHING WAY OUT THERE ( TURKEY HUNTING ).

[@Odysseuss.]

Indeed. There's some bloke on YT doing slowmo waterfowl loads, very interesting. My tightest non tox load are Express 32g hevishot 3s through a WW supreme. Frighteningly tight way, way out.

[@andnorr7738]

Flite control wads certainly keep the patterns tighter. Doesn't heavier buckshot have better penetration at longer ranges?

[@LuvBorderCollies]

Federal Flitecontrol from an open cylinder Win M12 has a hand size pattern at 50 yards with #1 Buck. Hornady Superformance 00Buck is supposed to be as good, but multiple shots show 1 pellet hit on full size silhoutte target at 40 yards. If Fototime hadn't burned down I would provide a link to the photos. Flite Control is beyond awesome.

[@bertkilborne6464]

Are Federal Flite Control Wads available for handloading?

[@angrytaylor3710]

You have to be a certain person to get this mans humor, I'm glad that I fall into that group.

[@darksu6947]

Why you mad bro?

[@joelmacha1454]

I spent a year doing "testing" of various buckshot loads in both 10 and 12 gauge on wild hogs. I found that the copper plated buckshot not only penetrates much better, but seemed to produce better groups from my shotguns. I also found that at 30 yards or less, the #4 buckshot was much more effective for one shot kills on large hogs with many more pellets on target. The Winchester 3.5" #4 buckshot load is devastating on game, with 54 pellets in each shell. Let's see you compare that out of a full length "hunting" shotgun to some of the other loads available.

[@MLupacchino]

Quite frankly I'm surprised that #4 buck had enough energy at 30 yards to down a big hog. I've heard of heavy clothing impeeding deep penetration on #4 buck at longer ranges.

[@jshappart]

Great content once again! However, buckshot of any flavor is not the right ammo for "me" for deer hunting. This is not directed at Paul, but to the viewers at large. I live in the state that Paul resides and I hunt deer almost exclusively on the Willamette River with a shotgun (shotgun or bow required in this area). Shots are nearly always under 50 yards in the area I hunt, but typically between 20 to 30 yards (similar to the ranges tested in the video). I fail to understand why anyone would use buckshot instead of a slug, unless you simply could not buy slugs (such as during the pandemic ammo shortage). If you justify needing buckshot to increase hit probability (compared to a slug), I would suggest that you are taking shots that are not ethical and/or you need more practice. If a deer is moving so fast that you need to use buckshot to actually hit it (vs using a slug) with your skill set, the shot is probably not very ethical. Best to wait for a better shot. I don't think that anyone would argue that slugs cause much more devastating damage compared to buckshot, and that slugs will put a deer down immediately with a good vitals shot compared to buckshot at say 30 to 40 yards. However, at much closer range say 10 to 12 yards, the margin between the slugs vs buckshot substantially decreases as Paul demonstrated when the pellets are very close together. Happy hunting!

[@JD-tn5lz]

Well said, I grew up hunting deer in a "shotgun" state. We always used slugs. Slugs are more effective when properly applied, have a longer effective range, and waste less meat.

[@WolfinWolvesClothing713]

Exactly, this isn't 1970 or whatever. We have so many more efficient ways to do the job now. They may just be a deer, but they deserve more respect than to be splattered half way across their body in the hopes that a pellet or two might hit the spot. No one "needs a deer" that badly. We should strive as hunters to be as efficient as possible. Not as lucky as possible.

[@RAkers-tu1ey]

Very useful demonstration. I primarily shoot shotguns (trap - skeet - sporting clays) and have been on hog hunts using 00 buck and slugs. It is nice to see a realistic demo of what happens between these 2 rounds. Thanks!

[@PassivePortfolios]

Another excellent video packed with very useful information. You have settled several questions regarding which buckshot to use when hunting deer. Thank you Paul and a Happy New Year !

[@mikehenthorn1778]

i have always favored #4 buck for home social problems. .24cal pellets still fix goblins at house ranges and tend not to carry much mass and energy to leave my home and damage the people around me. i have also picked shoot lanes to make that even more unlikely.

[@frankbrowning328]

I wish alternative sizes such as #000, #0, #1, #3 Buck were easier to find in my area. Different sized pellets can shoot signifcantly different barrel to barrel, choke to choke and as such one may fit your needs better for your particular shotgun or purpose

[@numbaoneUFCfan]

Its hard to find #4 buck in my area.......I was at a sporting goods store last spring, buying live bait to go fishing, saw some #4 buck on the shelf and bought it...............

[@josepheller8395]

Have tried going online? I find a larger range of selection online.

[@thewatcher5271]

I Am So Thankful For The Knowledge About Ammunition That I've Learned From Paul Harrell. The Meat Target Results Speak For Themselves. Thank You.

[@dennishines9996]

props to one of the best gun channels on KZbin

[@Formerlywarmer]

I’ve Been interested in this for a while. Always leaned to #1 but 00 much easier to find. Happy new year coming… I hope 😂 😎

[@BigT27295]

Me too. .30 cal. Swarm of hornets...

[@Steven-gv1ke]

I would like to see #2 buckshot vs #1.

[@Bigshooterist]

Great job sharing important data. I think your general synopsis of "Your miliage may vary" is spot on, and you've pulled an assist in answering some of those questions to help someone make their best decision. Happy New Years sir.

[@wildbill5698]

Happy New Year Sir!

[@donlahey1734]

Not only informative, but entertaining as well (the outro) As always, keep the content coming, I'll always watch them from beginning to end!

[@1776Angry]

I use #4 buck for home defense. At house ranges the 27 pellets work for me.

[@WinnfieldCustoms]

NEVER CHANGE PAUL, KEEP IT UP. Happy New Year. I have #4 magnum for personal defense, James Yeager did a video about it along time ago. I think iraqveteran did a video comparing velocities compared to spread pattern and it was very suprising, the law enforcement buckshot seemed to always hold a tighter group, with less velocity. Dont think i've ever killed a deer with a shotgun, just hogs.

[@brandonbowerstx]

A comparison with 4 buck would be worth looking into as well. .33 (00) vs .30 (1) vs .24 (4)

[@WayStedYou]

They have already done that

[@WayStedYou]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKqZaI2ErpmtrbM&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE 25:30 or so for the deer section.

[@markkosa1]

I use 4 buck on coyotes and it is deadly out to 60 yards with clean kills modified choke...hope to try on wolves where I live.

[@michaelblacktree]

Paul actually mentioned the #4 vs 00 test near the end of this video.

[@giuseppe4909]

Paul, I really like your no-nonsense approach to these issues and questions. Thx

[@alancranford3398]

Thanks for your demonstration of #1 Buck and #00 Buck. For deer hunting I conducted pattern testing, chronograph testing, and then I looked up hunting regulations. When I fired #1 Buckshot through the slug barrel of my 12-gauge shotgun on an 18"x12" target at 25 yards, I achieved a five-shot average of 3.2 hits and my average chronograph reading gave me a 98-foot-pound energy level at that distance. A different barrel with tighter choke might work. Firing 9-pellet #00 Buck through the same shotgun at the same target and distance gave me 5.6 hits (five-shot average at 25 yards). The instrument average of 146-foot-pounds energy told me that the larger buckshot delivered more to the 25-yard target. Unlike Paul Harrell, I didn't test terminal ballistics on a media target. In my state, deer hunting regulations mandate a minimum #00 Buckshot size. That was the cincher--obey state hunting regulations. But my testing with my shotgun and shotgun ammo told me that #00 buckshot works better for me. Testing is important.

[@maxmccain8950]

I’ve found eight pellet loads to pattern consistently tighter than nine pellet loads. The Federal LE eight pellet low recoil 00 loads with the flight control wad is the hands down winner in every test I’ve done. The Remington load was one of the worst performing loads almost every time. I’ll leave it up to you to determine how much spread you want in and around your home but I want a tight pattern on mine. At 40 yards where most of this testing was done the Federal load wins every time.

[@bucsh00tt28]

I had a particular interest in this video. My father gave me the nickname "Buckshot" when I was much younger, 65 years younger and as a user ID for many years. Still one heck of a round in the home defense scenario. Great video. Happy, Safe and Healthy New Year to Paul and all the other followers. Thanks Paul.

[@StevoH2O]

My father used to call me that when I was a kid. Now I have two buckshots of my own. Here’s to all the great fathers and their little buckshots!

[@yeehaw6518]

thank you for your clear presentation, Paul. Couldn't have asked for a more clear and concise way of explaining such a topic with shotgun rounds considering I've had this question for years, I think you're doing great work. God bless

[@jasonsliger5430]

It makes a huge difference with either a modified or full choke especially at distances over 25 yards.

[@derrickblythe648]

Well done Paul! It is so refreshing to see someone to do scientific and practical demonstrations and experiments. I have done the same exact experiments. I have a Mossberg pump 12 gauge with a Knox collapsible stock that I carry in my truck. It has a cylinder bore. I did not conduct this test comparing the two and three quarter inch shells with the 3-in shells. I did however conduct a pattern test comparing double all buck two and three quarter with number four buckshot. My results were very similar. I used butcher paper rolled out and taped together as my target. Using this method I was able to account for each and every projectile. In summary my results were at 50 yards I can cover a Toyota Tacoma pickup from bumper to bumper with shots spread out in between. The number four buckshot puts more shot in that area. That was the ultimate result of my experiment. The spread pattern was the same, but with number four buckshot I put more shot in that circumference. As a side note I grew up hunting deer with a shotgun and was raised to believe that a 3 inch Magnum offered an advantage over a two and three quarter inch shell because of the number of projectile. If I had thought about it logically I would have known otherwise but until I watch this video I never thought about it. Well done, I can't wait till the next one.

[@notsosilentmajority1]

Thanks for the "tedious" work. It is extremely helpful and these are questions that many people have in their minds. Most shooters/hunters wonder about the differences in damage and/or increased hits that may occur with different shells/ammo. Thank you.

[@blankblank4642]

The light and scenery at the start looked so good, almost like a fake movie scene, beautiful country.

[@wxman66]

Always informative. And with that wiggle at the end I would even say entertaining. Have a great new year. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@chriswalsh9989]

Great video Paul. I always try to pickup any #1 buck when I can find it these days. Extremely hard to find in my area unfortunately, but it's definitely a good loading. Thanks again Paul, and FTR I can't imagine why anyone would fast-forward to the part where they see you next to the chart, and miss all the best parts!!

[@robbrown5702]

Paul another great video! I have used a shotgun extensively in deer hunting and have found that in my shotguns Federal premium loads pattern much tighter than Remington. You might ditch the open choke as well. Try modified or improved modified. your groups may improve.

[@furmanmackey5479]

And that is why the round currently up the tube of my Mossberg 500A is a slug....Followed by three rounds of 3" 00 buck. If that don't solve the problem, I'm pretty sure the 155grn +P JHP .40S&Ws that follow will. As for deer hunting, I go with the same shotgun, a longer barrel, a screw in choke, and 3" 00 buck but that's just me and the area I hunt in. Excellent video as usual not to mention informative and educational.

[@CatDaddySteve]

NEXT EPISODE " Do Pop tarts stop 9mm " .....PS: I found Federal 00 flight control to be much tighter than Remington

[@SavigeSadist1]

Paul would never waste food like that.

[@michaelgarrow3239]

@@SavigeSadist1 -lol

[@WayStedYou]

@SavigeSadist1 He doesn't consider poptarts to be food

[@FishFind3000]

@@SavigeSadist1 idk he shoot’s a lot of orange lung tissue

[@wingracer1614]

@@WayStedYou Wrong. He has literally made and eaten cheesecake made from poptarts.

[@HircineDaWolf]

thanks paul really helps you visualize the effect of the shotty at realistic distances for food/defense

[@TheKlickitat]

Another great video! This would be much better over coffee and around the woodstove, but some things I want to throw out there for discussion. #1 This video shows the importance of patterning your shotgun. #2 You mentioned power in place of velocity, and I know you know that they are not the same, but some newbies might not understand that. In the end power is equal velocity x mass x number of pellets on target. I have always been one of those fuds that likes #4 buck, particularly a roll crimped 3" holding 32 pellets of .24. claiming that it was faster and more accurate than a full auto M16. I used to tell my buddies that I could empty a full mag with each pull of the trigger and empty 8 mags worth before they could reload the second mag. Anyhow, love your videos and maybe take that shotgun to Vang Comp and have it back bored. ;)

[@jimcheatwood9009]

GREAT PRESENTATION I have been ridiculed and scoffed at for years for using # 4 buck, I am sending this to several people. Thanks

[@sanninjiraiya]

I don't think I've ever seen one of your videos this early before. The bell is working!

[@davidcox3076]

Always used game loads in my 870. I just use it for targets and as an ASW (anti-serpent weapon) and they're easy to find. Never stopped to consider the huge variety of loads in buckshot alone. Great presentation and good data for scattergun hunters.

[@ColeDedhand]

For tighter patterns at any range, use Flight Control ammunition.

[@jacobackley502]

Flite control only works well out of a cylinder bore, and usually doesn't pattern better beyond 15 or so yards. It just doesn't release from the wad for about 7 yards, so after that it just opens up like a normal load out of a cylinder bore. Truly long range shotshells are dependent on slow burning powders, good quality wads (TPS, MG42, etc), hard pellets, and good chokes (kicks buck kicker is my personal favorite).

[@palerider7171]

Good information. Thanks! I have to say Paul doing the twist made me do a double take (rewind), gave me chuckle and was, despite the disclaimer, was entertaining!

[@RjGold5.12]

Last year, I did some research on double ought compared to number one buckshot, then bought a case of number one buckshot. I'll be using it for home defense and garden defense against the 4 legged variety. I'm glad Paul Harrell confirmed my decision to buy the #4 buckshot. I sure do like the way this fellar explains things.

[@johnjanoscrat8000]

Watching your video tonight was the perfect way to start 2023. I'm grateful for all of your presentations this past year and want to wish you, crew, and everyones family all the best in 2023.

[@bradbranch6462]

And it's because of those limitations that my state of Oklahoma doesn't allow the use of buckshot for hunting deer. I always liked rifled slugs anyway for harder hitting at the somewhat more "open environment" we have here at home. Buckshot would be handy for sure in heavy enclosed environments though. And my home defense load is 2&3/4 NO. 4 buck/ 0000

[@jon1801]

I think your state is one that has got it right.

[@charlessexton1719]

I live in Oklahoma as well. You are correct Brad. I put the old 12 up and switched to a rifle for deer. However when they made 410 legal to hunt with I might throw some slugs in mine a try it. I use 12 guage 2 3/4 inch defenders in my home defense shotgun

[@redtra236]

Same in Missouri as far as shotguns go only slugs are legal for deer. Personally I don't see much advantage in buckshot for deer. At close ranges I guess it'd allow for a little more error on point of aim but it's severely limiting the effective range.

[@jon1801]

@@redtra236 I live in the UK. Shotgun for "putting injured deer out of their misery" only. There is no ethical reason to use shotgun pellet on a large mammal. I have come across so many injured deer over the years due to poachers? I have lost count. Glad your state has a sensible regulatory position too.

[@redtra236]

@@jon1801 I mean slugs are fine, but in my opinion buckshot of any size has too much risk of wounding a deer that will run off and not be found. Within 30 yards or so with a full choke its adequate but has minimal advantage over slugs and some people will misjudge the distance or overestimate their weapon's effective range, so I say limiting shotgun hunting for deer to slugs is a good regulation.

[@alancrews2066]

Good information. Not what I expected from the results. Thanks again. Keep up the good work. I use #4 buck in my home defence. Presumably it won't carry as much energy through the walls of my house as 00 therfore not as great a risk of collateral damage beyond my home.

[@tonij9089]

Paul....The dad we all know we needed. My dad's name was Paul and was a cop, swat, dtf, hunter, and gunsmith. Unfortunately was a dirty cop and ruled everything and everyone w fist and boot

[@harrypeterson9287]

Angry and insecure men often seek power, usually more or less high school bullies who never grew up. Too many cops out there are better off offed for the good of the communities they're sworn to protect. They setup, beat, belittle and abuse anyone who dares question them with their crooked smiles and puffed out chests. They're usually worse behind closed doors. Back in the 70s a local deputy in my town beat his wife in the back with the thin side of a 2x4 paralyzing her, it all got swept under the rug and she supposedly never left the house again, meanwhile he was out getting drunk having relations with many women some of which were allegedly forced, all swept under the rug. He retired with full benefits. Sad how they get away with it.

[@berniestraight126]

Thanks Paul. This answers a lot of questions about shot gun loads and yes was very good education. And i must say was entertaining so there any stick in the mud individuals take care Paul thanks again brother

[@macdadstromboli2762]

Happy New Year to you and your crew Paul! Thank you for an outstanding year of informative and sometimes funny presentations.

[@445supermag]

At 40 yards, it seems like someone with a 10/22 could put as many 35 grain/1100 fps projectiles on target as the shotgun in the same time. That'd be a interesting comparison on the meat target.

[@breezyx976]

I figure more pellets means more spread means more range, until you get to the range at which the small pellets don't deal damage. That crossover is the sweet spot which gives you ammo with maximum effective range for a given target

[@benbowditch9265]

Nice, Global Ordnance has S&B 12 pellet #1B for 64¢ ea. shipped when you buy a case. Not bad considering most places still want $1+ for quality 00B. I keep a mix of #4B, 00B, and slugs riding on the pump gun receiver and stock saddle. Thanks for the presentation, Happy New Year!

[@chrisjones6002]

I don't remember where I saw this but they did a comparison of the surface area of a load of 00 vs #1 and the #1 came out ahead there too. So in theory it should cause more damage if all the pellets hit. I've been looking for some, specifically flight control, ever since but it seems to be rare stuff.

[@derrickgardener2148]

Great vid Paul. For home defence i prefer #2 or #4 shot. Still the same velocity much higher pellet count and less likely to go through three bedroom walls. Plus most typical houses with rooms your looking at anywhere between 3 to 10 yrd shots at best. So the pattern will be very tight.

[@flackcat5928]

Nothing like enjoying one of Paul’s videos on New Year’s Eve day. Paul, to you and your team, happy New Year.

[@rooster3019]

Son and I did very similar assessment two years ago, but oriented toward home defense and maximum range one might encounter inside the house. We decided that even just 20 yards would be stretch, so that is where did our patterning. O buck and 4 buck were our choices. We decided that 4 buck RULES! Test guns were my 870 Wingmaster with IC and his Cyl 590 Mosburg. We do have a neighbor close enough to make O buck a possible risk to them. For deer, I prefer slugs or 30WCF.

[@Gideon_Judges6]

I recommend #4 buck for two-legged deer. Happy New Year!

[@imissyoujimmy]

I like those splatter shot targets, and they make really good visuals on video

[@nathanlambshead4778]

About a year ago I retired my 870 Home defense gun for a 20 gauge pump. Old schooler in me wanted 00 buck, but could only find #4 buck. Eventually I found some #1 buck for it, and she is loaded with that in the closet. The only test I did was to see how my gun liked it, and also blew up a couple of pumpkins at 20 feet. I am satisfied it will do the job if needed. Thanks for the video. I never see #1 buck on anyone's KZbin 'bucket' list of videos.

[@jeffreyleonard7210]

The 20 in a 2 barrel coach size or if you expect more guests a pump in the shorty size seems like the way to go for pp indoors.

[@nathanlambshead4778]

​@@jeffreyleonard7210 Wish I had a 2 barrel in 20. I have a coach gun in 12. But I generally like a pump for this. The 20 is lighter and easier to maneuver with for me. (and the missus)

[@T4nkcommander]

I love my 20 gauge BPS. Can shoot it all day when all my family is done with their 12 gauges after an hour. Thanks for the tips on ammo, but I'm a bit surprised you don't use birdshot for home defense. Based on Paul's testing it seems like that's the best for in-house use.

[@nathanlambshead4778]

@@T4nkcommander I understand the wall-penetration issue of home defense use, which is true of almost any handgun round also, but if ever anyone was on enough drugs to want to break in around here, I want to stop them cold. And birdshot would never do that. Maybe if hit square in the face or something, but I don't chance defense to shots like that. If all i had was bird shot, sure, I would use it. But not when i have a choice. #4 buckshot would be a better choice than bird shot, but I still need confidence in what i am using, and old school guy that i am I want heavier projectiles. Within reason of course.

[@T4nkcommander]

@@nathanlambshead4778 you should watch Paul's video on birdshot for home defense. I think youd be surprised!

[@tommyt8998]

Mossberg 500 is America's bread and butter shotgun. I just wish they sold an 18 or 20 inch barrel with their accu choke, in addition to the ubiquitous cylinder bore. At 2:00 Paul said he had a short barrel Mossy with an improved cylinder barrel. I've never seen this option on the 500.

[@hobby1853]

Another well informed and thorough vid,thank you Paul.Hope you had a Merry Christmas,and an even better Happy New Year!!

[@dustinandersen8176]

I hear from a lot of people that running buckshot through chokes closer to full choke can result in your pattern actually being larger due to the rounds being squished together. I've never found this to be the case in my experience. I would really appreciate a video getting your input on the matter and maybe some testing with a couple chokes and a couple type of buckshot. Thanks.

[@jeffreyhuebsch9679]

Would be interesting if you did the same demo with some of the extra tight choke tubes such as used by coyote and turkey callers Like always a dang good and informative video

[@numbaoneUFCfan]

I've used the Carson's "dead coyote" and Remington factory super full extended tube........with # 4 buck, the Remington tube is a beast........

[@jerryk7048]

Sir! Excellent presentation! Thank you for standing out in the cold all Day to straiten this out for me👊 I’m certain you have many people feeling the same Appreciation, I’m headed to the store 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@vinceblasco]

Great presentation! It’s interesting that #1 buck is a projectile the same approximate weight and speed as a 22 lr projectile fired from a handgun (different caliber obv) and yet its so much more effective. The more you know.

[@JimYeats]

Well…its a 30 caliber ball…and there is about 12-16 of them, so yeah, its more effective than one 22lr round. Otherwise, one 30 cal ball vs one 22lr round is going to be hard to tell a difference.

[@wailinginanger3521]

You're amazing Paul, love that little dance near the end.

[@rubencantu5067]

The weight of the pellets doesn't matter, the only weight that counts is the one of the pellets that actually HIT THE TARGET. Great job with your videos PH

[@jimnaz5267]

great channel, great info, great presentation. I watch to learn, and the data presented is never boring. One can always skip ahead. HOWEVER, the conclusion/ summary is NEVER to be missed. Happy new year Paul.

[@JungleJimAB9AB]

This was a very "entertaining" and informative video. Your research, demonstrations and logic are well thought out and contribute to the positive knowledge base of are shooters.

[@vincedibona4687]

My “New Year’s Wish” - for this channel to surpass 1 million subscribers before 2024!!! Thanks for all your hard work just to entertain us plebes, Mr. Harrell. Happy New Year!

[@vincedibona4687]

@17:07 - _wiggle wiggle wiggle_

[@jimreed6875]

This result was not what I expected. I've been selling #1 short. Thank you.

[@vdog4799]

I have been reloading buckshot shells for a few years now. Started casting my own and bought the #00 , #000 ,#4 buck molds.# .33 ,.36 , and .24 cal. Respectively. Later I learned that the pros like the slightly smaller size. The #1 bucks and the .32 cal #00 or the .35 cal #000 or .37 cal#0000. Problem is Im tired of buying molds so I will keep what I have but the take away is the slightly smaller pellets are favored for the higher pellet count or better fit of pellets in the shell.( More stacking options) FYI for anyone wanting to get started out there. NOTHING WRONG WITH TRADITIONAL SIZES! Just what the pros seem to like best

[@jedediahsibley3355]

May not be intended for entertainment?? I love this sh$t! Another very informative and entertaining video... LoL.

[@kbjerke]

Thanks, Paul! That was an excellent presentation and explanation. There are just *SO* many variables, aren't there!! And the deer themselves are an important part of the equation! The last whitetail I harvested was with Federal 12 gauge 00 Buck, fired from a Winchester Defender. Range was an accurately measured two yards. I had fallen asleep behind a fence line, and when I woke up, there he was, on the other side of the fence. An hour later, he was at the butcher being processed. Happy New Year, Paul!! And many more!

[@PetuniaIii-pd1ww]

At two yards there ain't much of a spread...good deal...! there was a deer in our front yard this morning, it would have been about a 8-10 yard shot, but the city probably would have dropped a bomb on me...

[@squidmonkey940]

Thanks Paul, an unbiased review as always. Happy New Year to all!

[@Washoejim]

Thank you for that information, I was thinking about testing different shotgun ammo, this helps with that research.

[@terryschiller2625]

As always Sir great presentation I learned a lot from. Thank you. Hope y'all had a great Christmas and have a safe and happy New Year!

[@AndrewGibson22]

Cheers Paul,.really enjoyed that one... Have a happy and healthy 2023 💚

[@shawnwells5719]

I've never considered buckshot a viable hunting choice for large game. Slugs are more consistent, and have at least three times the effective range (75+ yards vs 25 yards). Buckshot is preferred only for defensive purposes at short range, and for that use, #1 is preferable over 00, IMO.

[@JD-tn5lz]

Been hunting for almost all my life and except for hunting two-leggeds as an LEO, never used buckshot. Frankly, I'd take a longer range shot on a man with buck than I would on a deer. If for no other reason to make room for a slug. Before you say it, most agencies mandate the tube as all buckshot and sidesaddle slugs. Yeah, not everyone follows the mandates though

[@oscargustavoarcosruiz8793]

17:06 Paul Harrell's New Year's Eve Ball, the best way to start the year. For me the shotgun is the ideal weapon: it defends my home, with it I can hunt from squirrels to deer and it is not ridiculously expensive. A shotgun at home is happiness

[@jackschulte6185]

Hi paul, very good presentation as always. I'd love to see a follow up with #4 buckshot. #4 seems to be more common than #1 and with generally 3x the number of pellets of 00, it makes for a compelling argument as to why you might use it for potentially increasing hit probability and increased effect on the target.

[@JR9979]

Police used #4B for 50 years or so until patrol rifles took over. #4B is awesomely devastating inside of 25 yards and penetration is perfect.

[@Paelorian]

@@JR9979 Yes, I agree and value #4 buck, but your example is against unarmed men at police distances. For deer in the woods, often at great distances, more penetration would be desired. Deer hide is tougher than human skin, deer are usually encountered at greater distances than dangerous criminals, and over penetration issues are much less of a concern in hunting areas than in areas with people and property around. #4B has low penetration. That's often desirable for home defense or police use. #4B has just enough penetration to get the job done at close range. #1B is more versatile, the extra penetration gives you more flexibility if you need to take a shot further away or through something tougher than a man in a t-shirt. The downside is there are fewer pellets to cause damage and it's more likely to go through things. It doesn't penetrate beyond FBI standards, though, unlike 00B. #4B penetrates about 12" in gel, #1B penetrates about 18". 00B goes considerably deeper. #1B is a great compromise between #4B and 00B. Anyway, in the deer hunting context I feel pretty strongly that #4B underpenetrates. It's not shooting at a criminal down a hallway, it's a deer in the woods. And we're not worried about innocents behind the deer. #4B at moderate range could potentially cause a big, superficial flesh wound on a deer. Using bigger buckshot is safer. We want our shot to reliably penetrate to the vital organs.

[@johnwhoissavedbygrace9975]

@@Paelorian yes, but can you say all that backwards, three times, fast?

[@MB-jg4tr]

@@Paelorian what about Federal 000Buckshot?

[@swayback7375]

It was kind of a fluke but the only time I’ve ever shot a deer with a shotgun I fired one 3” mag #4 buck, about 35 yards. It dropped that deer instantly, looked on the other side of the tree line and saw a brown lump laying in the field which turned out to be another deer… I could only find 2 holes in that second deer, one was right into his lung and that was enough to do him in. I had no visual witnesses but quite a few people heard there was only a single shot but there was 2 dead deer.

[@joeyhardin1288]

Thank you Paul and crew, Happy New Year. God Bless and stay safe.

[@BC-of1ri]

I would like to see these rounds out of the Mossburg Shockwave.

[@thekombatrealm6082]

I love the background in his videos and the camera is so clear. Great video Paul.

[@oldschooljeremy8124]

Who actually "fast-forwarded" to skip the first 10 minutes? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? I thought not.

[@marcuschauvin7039]

Paul: "but first I'm going to talk for a minute..." me: "don't threaten me with a good time!"

[@jeffreyleonard7210]

Yes. More poptarts!

[@Paladin1873]

No, God, please, no!