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

World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine
World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine

Taking It Home: War Trophies in American History

From our founding to the more recent past, war-trophy firearms have played a significant role in arming American citizens.

Questions & Answers: Patterning with the Poly Choke

I bought a Remington 1100 LW 20-gauge shotgun for my wife to shoot clay targets (informally) and sometimes hunt with me when I go hunting for waterfowl.

Meprolight Offers Free Suppressor With Optic Purchase

Readers have only until July 31, 2026, to purchase a qualifying Meprolight optic and be eligible to receive a rebate for a free Backdraft Hunter suppressor in a caliber of their choosing.

Gun Locker: Wilson Combat eXperior Elite

Wilson Combat continues its fine tradition of making excellent guns even better with its new eXperior Elite design.

The Sako 90 Grizzly: Modernity Meets Tradition

Hunting remains a largely traditional activity, and some of us just like the feel of a nice wood stock. For those purists among us, Sako has introduced its new-for-2026 Grizzly.

The Armed Citizen® July 13, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.