I'm trying to get a sense on how well buckshot works under various circumstances. I'd say we probably can all agree that at 25 yards on small "meat" hogs shot in the head- buckshot is okay. The gray area is on deer or hogs at say 35 to 45 yards. I'd like the good, bad, and ugly. Any feed back appreciated.
Idea:
1. Killed 8 small deer, neck shots, all inside 40 yards, all dropped.
2. Shot mid-size buck, 42 yards, lung shot, ran off and never found.
3. Killed over 20 hogs at 25 yards with head shot, 00Buck, all dropped.
Things like that.

Buckshot can work at those ranges. You will have to play with loads and chokes to make it work. Most will max out at 40-50. If your lucky it will hold a pattern to 50. I know I'm going to catch some flake for it but I killed a doe last year. I used remington 3" #4 buckshot with a carlsons dead coyote choke in a 930 jm pro.

My "sense" is that it is best at 25-30 yards and if at that range it puts all the pellets in a paper plate then a "meat" hog shot in the head will drop. A deer at 40 yards where 2 or 3 pellets hit the lungs- one fellow said he had that happen and deer ran about 50 yards and dropped. Not sure if it was a broadside shot or through the shoulder. I realize the whole deal is how well it will pattern or keep pellets together.

Love #4 buck ! Hogs Hate it.

That's good to know. I haven't got to try it on them yet.

There is an internet video where a guy tested No.1 buck and No.4 buck at 12 feet and they both penetrated 7 sheets of drywall but the No.1 didn't go any farther than the no.4.

I've only tried once had a big sow about 20 yards from me running away hit her in the back with a 3in Remington 00 I heard the impact found no blood and never found the hog either. Now I keep my 44 mag lever handy instead of the shotgun around camp.