Rifleman Q&A: 00 Buckshot In 20 Gauge?

by
posted on December 10, 2024
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
00 Buckshot In 20 Gauge
Photo by Forrest MacCormack. Ilustration by David Labrozzi.

Pellet Diameter chart graphic comparison buckshot sizesQ. I’ve been asking my local retailers for 20-ga. 00 buck shotshells. Their response is “good luck finding that.” Were these shells ever made available by any company?


A. Major shotshell manufacturers do not load 00 buckshot in 20 gauge for the simple reason that so few of the large pellets can be loaded into a 20-ga. hull. They do, however, offer 20-ga., 2 3/4" loads that contain enough No. 3 buckshot—20 pellets on average—to provide sufficient energy for lethal hits.

A 2 3/4" 12-ga. hull will hold only nine 00 pellets, which illustrates how few a 20-ga. shell of similar length would be able to hold.

Latest

Cz P10 Ported Review 1
Cz P10 Ported Review 1

Review: CZ USA P10 Ported

CZ expanded its popular line of P10 handguns with a specially configured model that features integral barrel ports just behind the muzzle to aid in recoil management.

Keeping The Wilderness Quiet: Bergara's BTi30 Suppressor

Bergara joined the growing crowd of suppressor manufacturers in 2026 with its BTi30 design.

New for 2026: Ruger American Rifle Generation II Scout

Ruger adds a Scout rifle option to its Generation II American rifle.

New for 2026: Springfield Armory SA-35 Polished Pistol

Springfield Armory’s homage to the Hi Power now has an even better-looking option.

New for 2026: Franchi Momentum Mule Rifle

Franchi’s do-it-all MULE rifle is designed as a general-purpose carbine.

New for 2026: Smith & Wesson Spec Series M&P9 and R Handguns

Smith & Wesson expands its Spec series with the Spec Series IV M&P9 M2.0 Metal Compact pistol and the Spec Series R revolver.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.