Reloading 20 gauge shot shells with 00 Buck

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IKnowCodeFu

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Hi!

I recently got into reloading, so far just .303 British for 2 different Enfields. 25 hand loaded rounds in, and I still got all my fingers :D

I have a 20 gauge break barrel shotgun with a modified choke, that I want to reload for. My concern is that I've have never seen anything larger than number 2 steel for bird, for 20 gauge.

Would it be safe If I got 00 buck or a larger steel shot, measured 7/8th of an ounce ( 7/8th being a common weight ) and a powder recipe from another load with the same weight and wads? Im concerned about the safety of pushing larger lead and steel shot through my choke.
 
The standard factory load is AAA or #3 buck I think .25 calibers pellets?Likely the larger shot would string out on it's way to the target...............Harold I've seen .360/.380 lead balls loaded in 3" .410..............
 
I load 15pc #2buck (.270" dia) in my 2 3/4" 20ga BPS but without wads petals just cushion with some spare (loose) space but I doubt that #1buck (.300" dia) would fit unles only two per layer were to be loaded.
 
Does the larger shot you load rattle around after? I have read that people put rolled up cardboard inside the wad or shotshell to take up space.
 
You should load the size of buckshot that allows it to sit snug inside the wad, prolly 3 per layer like in the 12 gauge.
 
The 20 ga. has limited capacity to handle buckshot 'cuz it won't lay in nice layers in the larger sizes. The biggest buckshot loads in 20 ga. are usually #2 buck, or about 0.27" diameter. More suitable for coyotes and racoon than deer IMHO.

Specific 20 ga. buckshot load data can be found in Lyman's book or in Reloading For Shotgunners.
 
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