BBB vs T shot: Which is better for goose hunting?

BBB vs T Shot is the waterfowl hunting debate for the ages

The BBB vs T shot 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 pellet types— BBB and T — are both excellent, but in slightly different ways. Many of their ballistics overlap, but size-wise they look slightly different, aside from the basic round steel pellet design. Whichever shot size you end up buying, these two pellet sizes will be the most popular on the shelf.

Pitting BBB vs T shot, we take a look at the respective strengths of each pellet type, so you can pick the right one for the next time you need it for hunting ducks and geese. If you want to see the leading choke tubes for these two shot types, be sure to check out the Carlson’s Cremator Choke and JEBS Waterfowl Choke. And if you’re reloading shotshells, read more about pellet sizes and choke diameters.

BBB vs T shot: Key Differences

• Pellet diameter – BBB shot (0.19”), T shot (0.20”)
• Pellet weight – BBB shot (7.18 gains), T shot (8.38 grains)
• Pellets per ounce – BBB shot (61), T shot (52)
• Effective range – BBB shot (63 yards), T shot (66 yards)
• Hunting – BBB shot (40-50 yards), T shot (45-55 yards)

T shot measures 0.20 inch in diameter and BBB shot measures 0.19 inch. This makes T shot 0.01 inch larger in diameter than BBB shot. When individual pellets are weighed, T shot measures on average around 8.38 grains and BBB shot weighs closer to 7.18 grains per pellet. This makes T shot around 1.2 grains heavier than BBB shot pellets.

The most important aspect for most hunters is range, and the effective range – or how far a pellet will adequately penetrate a bird’s thick feathers – is what everyone wants to know. The effective range of BBB shot is 63 yards, and T shot is 66 yards. These ranges make several assumptions, which includes the absence of external limiting factors and the ability to keep a pattern together at max range.

BBB vs T shot: Ballistics

When the two pellet sizes are analyzed for ballistics, the results are rather surprising for the slight difference in size and weight. Assuming the parameters of 32F, sea level, and 1500fps, T shot retains 600fps out to 66 yards. The same for BBB shot shows that it maxes out at 63 yards.

600 fps is the recognized standard for pellet speed needed at range to successfully penetrate waterfowl. Once the pellet speed drops below 600 fps, it is assumed the pellet won’t be lethal.

T shot retains energy for 3 yards further or 9 feet. This range might not sound like much but can be considerable when it counts for skittish birds on the edge of the decoys.

Why BBB Shot is better

BBB Shot Pellet Size. The diameter of a BBB shot pellet is 0.19” or 4.83 mm. This is 0.01” or 0.23 mm smaller than T shot. While this may not seem like a huge amount, the difference can be seen visually when the two pellets are put side by side. A smaller pellet means better pattern density and a larger effective spread.

Pattern Density. There are (61) BBB 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 BBB shot is more accurate than larger shot sizes since it’s more forgiving. For goose hunting over decoys, the chance of a vital hit is still a probability even though the center of the shot may be off target. This is more evident in fast flying game birds.

Availability. BBB shot 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 BBB shot, are the first to return.

Why T shot is better

T Shot Pellet Size. The diameter of a T shot pellet is 0.20” or 5.06 mm. This is one size larger than BBB shot. While this may not seem like a huge amount, the difference can easily be seen visually when the two pellets are put side by side. There are 52 T shot pellets in an ounce of shot, 9 less than BBB shot.

Penetration. T shot can penetrate further than lighter and smaller BBB shot. While ballistics show this as only being 0.12” at max effective ranges, it’s still considerable on large waterfowl, such as geese. Goose hunters that plan to push the range of their shots past 50 yards, are almost always better off choosing T shot over BBB shot.

Longer Range. There are 52 T pellets in an ounce of shot. Larger steel pellets, such as T shot, retain their energy longer and fly further than smaller 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 longer shots – such as pass shooting – where penetration and range play a key role in clean harvests.

Less wind drift. T shot is not immune to wind drift but handles it better than BBB shot. Head and tail winds aren’t a factor in pellet distribution downrange, but crosswinds can wreak havoc on smaller shot. Because T shot retains its energy longer, it’s less affected by wind drift, resulting in more pellets on target at range.

Which should you choose?

So then, BBB or T shot: Which should you choose? Both pellets 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 40 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 BBB shot for geese over decoys at ranges inside 50 yards.

For longer shots, T shot is the clear choice since the larger pellets can penetrate deeper and excel at ranges past 50 yards. T shot is also less affected by wind drift should there be a stiff crosswind. 12-gauge 3-inch T shot is one of the most popular shotgun shells for pass shooting geese. This load contains upwards of 70 pellets and has a max range out to 69 yards.

If you’re wondering which chokes you should switch to for BBB shot or T shot, there’s no better place to start than our list of the best waterfowl chokes. Whichever choke you pick, just make sure it fits the choke system on your shotgun and is rated for large steel shot.

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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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