00 Buckshot vs. Slug: Which is better for hunting?

00 vs. Slug is the hunting debate for the ages

The 00 vs Slug comparison is a never-ending debate on which one is best. It will likely never have a real winner, but we’re going to try and help you to find which one will work best for you.

The ballistics of both shot types— 00 and Slug — are both excellent, but in slightly different ways. Many of their ballistics overlap, but payload delivery and projectile size are different. Whichever buckshot or slug size you end up buying, these two loads will be the most popular on the shelf.

Pitting 00 vs. Slug, we take a look at the respective strengths of each ammo type, so you can pick the right one for the next time you need it for hunting. If you want to see the leading choke tubes for buckshot, be sure to check out the Carlson’s Buckshot Choke, Carlson’s Dead Coyote Choke, and the Mojo Fatal Shot Predator Choke. And if you’re reloading buckshot, read more about buckshot sizes and pellets counts.

00 vs Slug: Why 00 buck is better

00 Pellet Size. The diameter of a 00 buckshot pellet is .33” or 8.38 mm. This is considerably smaller than a single slug or sabot. The difference can easily be seen visually when the two ammo types are put side by side. A smaller pellet from 00 buck means better pattern density and a larger effective spread.

Pellet Density. There are eight 00 buckshot pellets in an ounce of shot. This means more pellets can fit in a standard 12 gauge hull, thus increasing the amount of pellets hitting the target. Most hunters can agree, more pellets in load are a good thing, especially at effective ranges.

Accuracy. The combination of pattern density and larger spread means that 00 buck is more accurate than larger shot sizes since it’s more forgiving. For deer and hog hunting, the chance of a vital hit is still a probability even though the center of the shot may be a fraction of an inch off.

Availability. 00 buckshot is one of the most popular shot sizes and that makes it more likely to be found on sporting goods store shelves or online retailers. The availability of ammo when you need it is a huge factor to consider. It only takes experiencing one ammo shortage to realize that the most common loads, such as 00 buckshot, are the first to return.

00 vs Slug: Why Slug is better

Slug Sabot Size. The diameter of a typical 12 gauge slug is between .724″ and .729″. Compared to a 00-buckshot pellet diameter of 0.33”, the slug is over twice as large. Due to the size of the slug, it’s the only round in the hull. This eliminates a spread or pattern, which 00 buck can provide.

Penetration. Slugs can penetrate further than lighter and smaller 00 buck. Ballistics show this being several inches and is considerable on large game that require it. Deer hunters that plan to push the range of their shots to 50 yards or more, are almost always better off going slugs over buckshot.

Longer Range. Popular 12 ga slug loads contain a 1 oz. slug or sabot. Slugs retain their energy longer and fly further than smaller round shot. Simple laws of physics apply, and increased range means having to give up pattern density and spread to achieve it. But this is well worth it for deer hunting, where penetration and range play a key role in clean harvests.

Less wind drift. Slugs are not immune to wind drift but handle it better than 00 buck. Head and tail winds aren’t a factor in pellet distribution downrange, but crosswinds can wreak havoc on smaller shot. Because slugs retain their energy longer, it’s less affected by wind drift, resulting with more pellets on target at range.

00 vs Slug: Ballistics

When ballistics are evaluated, it’s clear to see that the slug retains its energy longer and penetrates deeper than 00 buckshot at 50 yards.

At 50 yards, the slug is traveling 39 fps faster than 00 buckshot and penetrates 2.32 inches further. The slug is the clear choice for hunting large game.

Which should you choose?

So then, 00 or Slug: Which should you choose? Both ammo types have pros and cons, and, as with many purchase decisions, your choice will depend on what you value most.

The range you will be hunting is the greatest factor to consider when choosing. For shots within 20 yards, the difference in pattern density, spread, and penetration will be close enough that little can be gained from the two. The general consensus is to choose 00 buckshot for coyotes, hogs, and other medium sized game for shots inside 30 yards.

For deer hunting, slugs are the clear choice since the larger sabot can penetrate deeper and excel at long ranges past 50 yards. Slugs are also less affected by wind drift should there be a stiff crosswind.

If you’re wondering which chokes you should switch to for buckshot, there’s no better place to start than our lists of the best buckshot chokes. Whichever choke you pick, just make sure it fits the choke system on your shotgun.

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Related

• The Ultimate Shotgun Pellet Size Chart
• Pellet Count Chart Per Ounce
• TSS Pellet Count Chart – Per Ounce
• Buckshot Pellet Count Chart
• TSS Pellet Weight Chart
• Choke Tube Effective Ranges for Waterfowl
• Effective Range of TSS for Turkey Hunting

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