BB shot and BBB shot are very similar shot sizes, but there are some key differences you need to be aware of before using either of them for hunting geese.
BBB shot is larger in size than BB shot, which is effective at longer ranges, but has less pellets per ounce. BB shot provides slightly better pellet density and makes a better combo duck and goose load. The ballistics of BBB shot are superior to BB shot.
Pitting BB vs. BBB 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 waterfowl hunting. And, if you want to see the leading choke tubes for BB and BBB shot, be sure to check out the Carlson’s Cremator Choke and the Mojo Fatal Shot Choke.
The differences between BB and BBB shot
- Pellet diameter – BB shot (0.18”), BBB shot (0.19”)
- Pellet weight – BB shot (6.1 grains), BBB shot (7.0 grains)
- Pellets per ounce – BB shot (72), BBB shot (61)
- Effective range – BB shot (60 yards), BBB shot (63 yards)
- Hunting – BB shot (30-45 yards), BBB shot (45-55 yards)
BB shot measures 0.18 inch in diameter and BBB shot measures 0.19 inch. This makes BBB shot 0.01 inch bigger in diameter than BB shot. When individual pellets are weighed, BB shot measures on average around 6.1 grains and BBB weighs closer to 7 grains per pellet. This makes BBB (pronounced “Triple B”) around 0.8 grains heavier than BB pellets.
As you can see, BBB shot weighs more and is larger than BB shot.
BB vs BBB 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 a load travels 1500fps, BB shot retains 600fps out to 60 yards. The same load for BBB shot shows that it maxes out at 63 yards.
| Load Info | BB Shot | BBB Shot |
|---|---|---|
| Load Weight (grains) | 547 | 547 |
| Muzzle Velocity (fps) | 1500 | 1500 |
| Velocity at Target (fps) | 600 | 600 |
| Range (yards) | 60 | 63 |
| Penetration (inch) | 1.69 | 1.79 |
600fps is the recognized standard for pellet speed needed at range to successfully penetrate waterfowl. Once the speed drops below 600 fps, it is assumed the pellet won’t be able to kill the bird.
BBB shot retains energy for 3 yards further or 9 feet. This range might not sound like much but can be considerable when it comes to skittish geese on the edge of the decoys.
More Shot Size Comparison Guides
Shot size comparisons for the most popular pellet types. From small lead upland game loads to large game buckshot pellets. Find out how similar pellet sizes compare ballistically. Please click the links below to see the effective range of each pellet to determine which one you should hunt with.
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The differences between BB and BBB shot summed up
So far, we’ve established that BBB is both heavier and ballistically superior to BB shot due to its larger size when comparing effective ranges. However, there’s one factor to consider where BB shot excels over BBB, and that’s pellet count.
A 1 ¼ oz load of steel BBs contains 90 pellets while a 1 ¼ oz load of steel BBBs contains 76 pellets. That’s a 20-pellet increase (15%) when shooting BB vs BBB. This means that you can considerably increase your pattern density by using BB shot. If pellet density is a concern, BB shot is the clear winner.
BB vs BBB shot for Geese, which is better?
12 gauge 3 inch BB shot is one of the most popular shotgun shells for hunting geese. This load contains upwards of 90 pellets and has a max range out to 60 yards. BB shot loads can double as both duck and goose loads for an all-purpose ammo solution. For combo duck/goose hunts or open water hunts, BB makes a great all-around waterfowl load.
With that said, if you hunt geese exclusively, the knock down power and added range of BBB shot can not be matched by BB. Real world field applications prove this to be true. BBB shot is ballistically superior and with larger birds such as geese, you need all the help you can get. For late season decoying where geese are skirting the decoys or some pass shooting scenarios, BBB is the clear winner for goose hunting.
SUMMARY
BBB is the best shot size for dedicated goose hunting. It can handle both medium range and long range shots with plenty of knockdown power. Switch to BB on combo duck and goose hunts where the greater pellet density will be more effective.
BB and BBB shot in windy conditions
Wind drift can be a concern when using BB and BBB shot. On the windiest days, particularly right after a front has blown through, it’s common to see 30-40 mph wind gusts. What effects do these high winds have on large steel shot like BB and BBB?
Below are the results of wind drift in inches on BB and BBB pellets sizes for a 1 3/8 oz load at 1550 fps with a 10-mph lateral wind speed at sea level.
| Range (yd) | BBB | BB |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| 30 | 3.3 | 3.5 |
| 40 | 6.0 | 6.3 |
| 50 | 9.5 | 10.0 |
| 60 | 13.8 | 14.6 |
Wind drift between BB and BBB shot is fairly similar, with differences increasing as range increases. Between 20 and 40 yards, BB and BBB are only affected by wind drift by less than half an inch. This wouldn’t even be noticeable in field hunting conditions.
The differences in how each pellet reacts to lateral wind is more evident once the range increases past 50 yards. At these ranges, BB shot starts to drift more than BBB shot. This is expected since BB is a lighter pellet weight and loses energy more quickly than BBB.
Bottom Line: BBB is More Effective Than BB Shot
The main differences between BB and BBB shot are pellet size, pellet weight, and pellet density. BB pellet diameter (0.18 inch) is slightly smaller than BBB shot (0.19 inch). BBB shot weighs on average around 0.8 grains more than a BB pellet.
When comparing pattern density between BB and BBB shot, BB shot shows a 15% increase in pellets for the same weight payload. This is what makes BB shot a good option for a combo goose and duck hunt since it has the range and pattern density to harvest both species cleanly.
BBB shot is a dedicated goose hunting load and shouldn’t be used for duck hunting. BBB shot is less affected by wind drift at longer ranges and its max effective range is close to 63 yards. BBB shot is the clear winner for later season goose hunting or smart geese that like to skirt the edge of the spread.
If you’re wondering which chokes you should switch to for BB or BBB 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.
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