Effective range of 00 buckshot with a Mossberg 590 A1

[mrbladedude]

20 inch barrel 8 shot. Was wondering what the effective range would be say taking a shot at a medium to large size deer?

[Palladin]

Mebbe 40-60 yds?

Pattern it on some big cardboard to get a feel for what it's slinging.

[meak99]

Your title says 00 Buck, but you mention 8 shot in the post. I certainly wouldn't attempt to take a deer with 8 shot.

With 00 Buck in my Benelli SuperNova, I'd go out 50+ yds depending on the shot. Others may feel comfortable going farther. You'd need to set up some big paper targets, take some shots at a few different distances and see what kind pattern it's throwing. Try different chokes, if you can, and different brands/sizes of ammo. You'll be able to pick the best shell/choke combo, then make an informed decision based on your own testing.

[Sotiris]

Your title says 00 Buck, but you mention 8 shot in the post. I certainly wouldn't attempt to take a deer with 8 shot.

Federal has a LE/Tactical 8 pellet 00 buck load.

With a Trulock IC choke using Federal flitecontrol low recoil 9 pellet 00 buck in my Mossberg 500 I can pattern decently at about 50-60 yards. For hunting with 00 buck though, I'd rather be closer so I don't gut shot the deer, or turn too many steaks in to sausage.

Or just use a rifled slug which can get me close to 100 yards with the same choke tube.

[mrbladedude]

Sorry i meant to say 8 round magazine capacity.

[Vahunter]

Pattern it and then you'll find your effective range. Shotguns are like rifles, no two will shoot the same.

[gunderwood]

The tactical loads (which have flight control wads) give you much better range. However, you need to test it to see.

[grumpyMSG]

The tactical loads (which have flight control wads) give you much better range. However, you need to test it to see.

+1
The other thing is you need to try several different brands/ loads, a Federal load might work great in my 590, but a Winchester Ranger load might work better in yours.

[bryanrheem]

Just a question: Why are you using 00 instead of a slug? I'm not a hunter so I have no clue! Also, for those of you that are interested, the Mossberg 590a1 does not have a removable choke.

[gunderwood]

Just a question: Why are you using 00 instead of a slug? I'm not a hunter so I have no clue! Also, for those of you that are interested, the Mossberg 590a1 does not have a removable choke.

Not all places allow slugs (they are my first choice too). You are correct about the choke, although an additional barrel may be a possibility.