Lighter 12 gauge loads for Island deer

VanIsleCam

VanIsleCam

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Hey all:

I am finding that 00 buck 2 3/4 are more than sufficient to smoke Island deer. Given that I am in a shot only zone and ranges from the blind(s) is typically 20 yards max, anyone have suggestions for a lighter load that will put them down and minimize the meat loss? This isn't an accuracy question particularly as I smoked Funky on the move. I have a Matrix 380 and started with an xbow while waiting for my PAL to come through. But for the cost of a good bolt, I prefer the SG. Thanks for your time and suggestions.
 
Buckshot shouldn't waste any meat........you can eat right up to the pellet.......if you want to shoot light recoil buckshot at 20 yards the deer won't be able to tell the difference.........Harold
 
Some ideas that may help.
Stop the deer before you shoot with a grunt, bleat, or a whistle.
Pattern your gun at 20yds with your buckshot and choose the choke giving the tightest pattern.
16 and 20g loads have less pellets and plenty of power at 20yds although a still target and tight pattern with the 12 should leave little meat damage if you do your part.
 
If they are typically at 20 yards aim for the head with you 00 - some will still spread and hit the neck but should minimize the meat damage.
 
Pretty much stuck with 12ga. BC regs state minimum #1 buck shot size.

I bought a few boxes of #2 buck 20ga when I finally found some thinking it was "heavy enough", only then did I check the regs........
 
Thanks GMC - so I guess I am back to $30 shots with the xbow....00 does fold them up like a cheap tent but I might go head shots and trying to bleed them out asap eh lol.
 
You could try the "Hog Wild" ammo, It's two .675" lead balls (I think). It should be classified as "shot" and you'd only have 2 low velocity created holes to contend with.

No idea on recoil though.
 
If you can replace the choke tube take a look at a buckshot choke tube, you can get your pattern tighter and put all the pellets into the chest, almost no meat waste.
 
VanIsleCam said:
Thanks GMC - so I guess I am back to $30 shots with the xbow....00 does fold them up like a cheap tent but I might go head shots and trying to bleed them out asap eh lol.
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With the 380 you should have clean pass through's at 20 yards unless you hit the shoulder. You could also switch to heavier brass front inserts on your arrows and use a 150gr broadhead with fixed blades that'll offer both more kinetic energy to ensure a pass through and the ability to swap the blades. Likely around $5 to replace the blades on the broadhead if you're not able to resharpen.

Or go for the hog wild shells. They have great reviews and I am currently looking to grab a box or two.
 
GMC403 said:
You could try the "Hog Wild" ammo, It's two .675" lead balls (I think). It should be classified as "shot" and you'd only have 2 low velocity created holes to contend with.

No idea on recoil though.
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Having a look at the sizing, the Hatsan can run the Hevi shot from Cabs.
 
I wouldn't recommend head shooting a deer with buckshot as a lost lower jaw is a needlessly painful and slow death.......... starving .You don't eat lungs so shoot them behind the shoulder.Harold
 
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