Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to compare #0 buckshot and #00 buckshot today. These two popular defensive shotgun loads represent slightly different approaches to the same fundamental concept: delivering multiple projectiles capable of stopping threats with a single trigger pull. Despite their similar appearances and applications, these loads offer distinct performance characteristics that may influence selection for specific defensive scenarios.
Today we will examine the physical specifications, ballistic performance, pattern characteristics, available loadings, and practical applications of these two buckshot options. Without further ado, let’s explore the differences between #0 and #00 buckshot.
Physical Specifications and Characteristics
Buckshot loads are defined primarily by their pellet diameter, with different numerical designations indicating specific standardized sizes:
#0 Buckshot (pronounced “aught buck” or “zero buck”) utilizes pellets measuring .32 inches (8.13mm) in diameter, with each pellet weighing approximately 48-49 grains. This represents a modest 10% reduction in individual pellet weight compared to #00. A standard 2¾-inch 12 gauge #0 buckshot shell typically contains 10-12 pellets, offering increased projectile count for the same shell length compared to #00 loads.
#00 Buckshot (pronounced “double-aught buck”) features larger pellets measuring .33 inches (8.4mm) in diameter, with each pellet weighing approximately 53-54 grains. This has traditionally been the most common defensive buckshot load, particularly in American law enforcement and military applications. A standard 2¾-inch 12 gauge #00 buckshot shell typically contains 8-9 pellets, though reduced-recoil variants may contain fewer, and magnum 3-inch shells may hold up to 15 pellets.
The slight size difference between these pellet types creates meaningful performance distinctions when comparing shells of equal length. The #0 buckshot’s smaller pellet size allows manufacturers to load more projectiles while maintaining similar overall payload weights and pressure levels. This trade-off—slightly smaller individual projectiles in exchange for increased projectile count—forms the fundamental distinction between these neighboring buckshot sizes.
Available Gauges and Loadings
Buckshot loads appear across various shotgun gauges, though with significant differences in availability and pellet count:
12 gauge offerings dominate the market for both #0 and #00 buckshot, reflecting this gauge’s prevalence in defensive applications. For #00 buckshot, options span from standard 2¾-inch shells with 8-9 pellets to 3-inch magnum loads with 12-15 pellets. Premium defensive loads often feature specialized wads and buffer materials to improve pattern performance. For #0 buckshot, standard 2¾-inch shells typically contain 10-12 pellets, with 3-inch magnum loads holding up to 18 pellets in some configurations.
20 gauge buckshot options are more limited but growing in popularity for defensive use due to reduced recoil compared to 12 gauge. For #00 buckshot, 2¾-inch shells typically contain 5-6 pellets, reflecting the smaller case capacity of this gauge. For #0 buckshot, 2¾-inch shells usually hold 7-8 pellets, again demonstrating the increased count advantage of the slightly smaller pellet diameter.
16 gauge buckshot loads exist but with very limited commercial availability. Traditional #00 loadings for this gauge contain 6-7 pellets in 2¾-inch shells, while #0 loads might hold 8-9 pellets, though these are increasingly difficult to find in modern production.
.410 bore ammunition typically doesn’t use traditional #0 or #00 designations due to the bore’s small diameter. Instead, .410 defensive loads use smaller shot sizes or specialized projectile designs like discs or slugs rather than standard buckshot pellets.
Beyond gauge variations, manufacturers offer several specialized loading types in both #0 and #00 configurations:
Standard velocity loads represent traditional full-power buckshot offerings, typically launching pellets at 1,200-1,325 fps from 12 gauge shotguns. These loads generate substantial recoil but maximize terminal performance and pattern integrity at extended distances.
Reduced recoil options have gained significant popularity for defensive applications, typically operating at velocities of 1,100-1,200 fps. These loads reduce felt recoil by approximately 25-40% while maintaining adequate terminal performance at typical defensive distances. Federal’s “FliteControl” and Hornady’s “Versatite” reduced-recoil loads have become particularly popular for their combination of manageable recoil and tight pattern performance.
Specialty defensive loadings include options like Federal’s Force X2 splitting buckshot and various copper-plated or nickel-plated premium offerings designed to enhance specific performance characteristics. These specialized loads often command premium prices compared to standard buckshot options.
Ballistic Performance Comparison
Comparing the ballistic performance of #0 and #00 buckshot reveals both similarities and meaningful differences:
Velocity and energy figures remain comparable between the two shot sizes when comparing similar shell lengths and types. Initial velocities typically range from 1,100-1,325 fps depending on whether the load is standard or reduced-recoil. The minor weight difference between individual pellets (53-54 grains for #00 vs. 48-49 grains for #0) creates a small energy advantage for #00 on a per-pellet basis. However, when considering total payload energy, the increased pellet count of #0 loads often creates comparable or even slightly higher aggregate energy delivery.
Penetration depth shows measurable differences in standardized testing. In ballistic gelatin, #00 pellets typically penetrate approximately 10-15% deeper than #0 pellets at equal velocities due to their larger diameter and weight. This penetration advantage becomes particularly relevant when considering intermediate barriers like drywall, glass, or light cover that might be encountered in defensive scenarios. The deeper penetration of #00 buckshot can be viewed as either an advantage or disadvantage depending on the specific application and concerns about overpenetration.
Terminal wound channels created by individual pellets favor #00 buckshot due to its larger diameter and weight. Each #00 pellet creates a slightly larger permanent wound cavity than a #0 pellet, enhancing individual projectile effectiveness. However, the increased pellet count of #0 loads creates more separate wound channels, potentially compensating for the slightly reduced effectiveness of each individual pellet.
Pattern density represents perhaps the most significant practical difference between these loads. The higher pellet count of #0 buckshot creates denser patterns at all distances compared to #00 loads from equal-length shells. This increased density potentially enhances hit probability, particularly at extended distances where patterns have expanded significantly. For example, a standard 12 gauge 2¾-inch shell with 9 pellets of #00 buckshot might create a 10-12 inch pattern at 15 yards, while a comparable #0 load with 12 pellets might deliver a similar-sized pattern but with approximately 33% more projectiles within that area.
Effective range remains similar between the two loads, typically extending to approximately 25-35 yards with standard defensive shotguns. Beyond this distance, pattern dispersion generally becomes too significant for reliable target coverage with either load. The slightly better aerodynamic performance of the larger, heavier #00 pellets may provide marginally better pattern retention at maximum distances, though this advantage is minimal in practical applications.
Practical Applications
The performance characteristics of these buckshot sizes make them suitable for somewhat different applications:
Home defense applications can utilize either size effectively, though with slightly different advantages. The increased pellet count of #0 buckshot potentially enhances hit probability in high-stress situations where perfect aim might be compromised. The slightly reduced penetration of #0 buckshot may also address overpenetration concerns in residential settings, though both sizes will penetrate multiple interior walls—an important safety consideration requiring proper ammunition selection and shot placement awareness.
Law enforcement agencies have traditionally favored #00 buckshot, particularly for patrol shotguns that might engage threats at varied distances. The slightly enhanced penetration capability of #00 pellets provides performance advantages through intermediate barriers or vehicle body panels that officers might encounter. However, some departments have transitioned to #0 buckshot to balance terminal performance with slightly reduced penetration in urban environments.
Competitive shooting applications, particularly 3-gun competitions where slug-to-buckshot transitions occur, often favor the pattern density of #0 buckshot for engaging multiple targets quickly. The increased pellet count provides greater margin for error when shooting at partial targets or moving quickly between engagement zones.
Hunting applications generally favor #00 buckshot when buckshot is legal for game like deer or wild boar. The enhanced penetration and individual pellet energy better ensure ethical harvests on medium-sized game. However, hunting regulations vary significantly by location, with many jurisdictions prohibiting buckshot entirely or specifying minimum sizes for certain game animals.
Selecting Between #0 and #00 Buckshot
Several factors should influence the choice between these similar but distinct load types:
Defensive priorities often determine optimal selection. For those prioritizing maximum terminal performance from each individual projectile, #00 buckshot offers advantages. For those concerned more with hit probability through increased pellet count, #0 buckshot may prove preferable. This difference becomes most pronounced in reduced-capacity shotguns like coach guns or double-barrels where total projectile count is more limited.
Pattern performance in your specific shotgun should guide selection regardless of theoretical advantages. Individual shotguns, particularly those with cylinder or improved cylinder chokes, pattern differently with various ammunition types. Testing both #0 and #00 loads in your defensive shotgun allows for selection based on actual performance rather than general specifications.
Availability and cost considerations often favor #00 buckshot, which typically enjoys wider distribution and slightly lower pricing due to its market dominance. This factor becomes particularly relevant for high-volume training, where cost differences can significantly impact practice frequency.
Recoil sensitivity might slightly favor #0 buckshot in standard loadings due to the marginally lighter total payload weight, though this difference is minimal compared to the more significant recoil reduction achieved by switching to purpose-designed reduced-recoil loads in either shot size.
Conclusion
Both #0 and #00 buckshot represent effective defensive shotgun loads with proven track records across various applications. The #00 buckshot offers slightly larger individual pellets with enhanced penetration and per-projectile terminal performance, while #0 buckshot provides increased pellet count for potentially enhanced hit probability and slightly reduced penetration.
For most defensive shotgun users, both options perform admirably within their intended purpose. The differences, while measurable, remain relatively minor compared to the more significant variables of proper shotgun setup, adequate training, and appropriate shot placement. Many experienced shotgun users maintain both load types, selecting based on specific application requirements rather than considering one universally superior to the other.
The optimal approach for serious defensive shotgun users involves testing both loads in their specific firearm to determine which provides the best pattern characteristics and handling qualities for their individual needs. This personalized selection process acknowledges that theoretical advantages must always be verified through practical testing in actual defensive shotguns rather than relying solely on general specifications.
We here at True Shot Ammo mainly stock #00 buckshot in our range of ammo for sale. Our inventory of ammunition for sale covers popular calibers like 9mm, 5.56, 12 gauge, and .22 LR. Put plainly, we carry a wide range of pistol, rifle, rimfire, and shotgun ammunition optimal for shooters of all types. Whether you want to buy buckshot ammunition or purchase bulk ammo, we have you covered. As always, happy shooting.
