Buckshot Sizes and Pellet Counts

Buckshot sizes are large lead pellets normally loaded in shotshells. In the SAAMI table, the common buckshot sequence runs from No. 4 buck at .240 inch to No. 000 buck at .360 inch, with No. 00 buck in between at .330 inch. Pellet count is not fixed by the size name. It depends on the specific shell, gauge, shell length and load design, so always read the ammunition maker’s product listing.

What buckshot means

SAAMI defines buckshot as “lead pellets ranging in size from .24” to .36” diameter normally loaded in shotshells.” The source for the size table below is ANSI/SAAMI Z299.2, the SAAMI shotshell standard approved April 23, 2019, which provides dimensional characteristics for shotshell ammunition.

Buckshot naming can be confusing for beginners. The sequence in the SAAMI buckshot table is No. 4 buck, No. 3 buck, No. 2 buck, No. 1 buck, No. 0 buck, No. 00 buck and No. 000 buck. In that sequence, the pellets get larger as you move from No. 4 toward No. 000.

That is different from the simple numerical formula SAAMI gives for ordinary numerical shot sizes, where the average diameter is calculated as 17 minus the shot number in hundredths of an inch. SAAMI gives No. 6 shot as an example: 17 minus 6 equals .11 inch. SAAMI’s lead shot table lists standard American shot sizes from Dust at .040 inch through FF at .230 inch, then the separate buckshot table begins at No. 4 buck at .240 inch.

Sources: SAAMI glossary, buckshot, SAAMI glossary, shot size, ANSI/SAAMI Z299.2 shotshell standard.

Buckshot size chart

These are SAAMI nominal diameters for common lead buckshot sizes. SAAMI also gives a buckshot diameter tolerance of nominal plus or minus .015 inch, or 0.38 mm.

| Buckshot size | SAAMI nominal diameter, inches | SAAMI nominal diameter, mm | |, -|, -:|, -:| | No. 4 buck | .240 in | 6.10 mm | | No. 3 buck | .250 in | 6.35 mm | | No. 2 buck | .270 in | 6.86 mm | | No. 1 buck | .300 in | 7.62 mm | | No. 0 buck | .320 in | 8.13 mm | | No. 00 buck | .330 in | 8.38 mm | | No. 000 buck | .360 in | 9.14 mm |

A simple way to read the table is this: No. 4 buck is the smallest buckshot size listed here, 00 buck is larger, and 000 buck is the largest listed here. The “bigger number means smaller pellet” rule that many shooters learn for birdshot does not carry neatly through the buckshot names once the names move into 0, 00 and 000.

Source: ANSI/SAAMI Z299.2 shotshell standard.

Pellet counts in 12-gauge buckshot shells

Pellet count is a load design detail, not a universal guarantee from the size name. SAAMI notes that actual pellet counts can vary because of antimony content and shot diameter tolerances. SAAMI also gives pellet count tolerances by shell: 0 and 00 buck may be nominal minus 1 pellet, while No. 1 and smaller buck may be nominal minus 2 pellets.

Winchester examples show why the box or product page matters. The same pellet size can appear in more than one pellet count, especially when shell length changes.

Winchester’s shotshell guide lists typical buckshot loads this way: No. 4 buck with 27, 34 or 41 pellets, No. 3 buck with 20 pellets, No. 1 buck with 16 or 24 pellets, No. 0 buck with 12 pellets, 00 buck with 9, 12, 15 or 18 pellets, and 000 buck with 8 or 10 pellets.

Federal also says a typical 00 buckshot payload holds nine individual pellets. That is a useful reference point, but it is not a rule for every 00 buck load.

Sources: Winchester Shotshell Ammo 101, Federal, Buckshot vs. Birdshot, ANSI/SAAMI Z299.2.

Pellet counts in 20-gauge buckshot shells

Pellet count for 20 gauge buckshot is also a load design detail, not fixed by the size name. Check the manufacturer’s exact listing for the gauge, shell length, buckshot size and pellet count.

This is the key lesson for 20 gauge as well as 12 gauge: pellet diameter comes from the buckshot size, while pellet count comes from the particular load.

Buckshot vs. birdshot vs. slugs

Federal says the main difference between buckshot and birdshot is the size and number of pellets they hold. Winchester explains that ordinary shotshells contain many pellets rather than one bullet, and that shot leaves the barrel as a small, tight group of projectiles before spreading into a wider pattern downrange.

Buckshot uses fewer, larger pellets than birdshot. Federal lists buckshot offerings from .240 inch to .360 inch, and gives a typical 00 buck payload as nine pellets. Winchester’s guide says ordinary shotshells can contain hundreds of pellets, which helps show the contrast.

Slugs are different because they are single projectiles. Winchester describes smoothbore slugs as single large projectiles for medium-large game at short ranges. Winchester describes sabot slugs as projectiles designed to be fired in rifled barrels and used for medium to large game.

Sources: Federal, Buckshot vs. Birdshot, Winchester Shotshell Ammo 101.

Hunting use and legal cautions

Federal says some of its Federal Premium Buckshot and Power-Shok Buckshot loads are designed for targeting predators, deer and hogs. That is a product design statement, not a hunting regulation. Whether buckshot may be used depends on the species, season, place and the current rules from the wildlife authority.

One official example in the source ledger shows that rules can be specific:

• Ontario’s hunting regulations summary says that for deer, a shotgun must be not smaller than 20 gauge when using shot, and the shot size must be SG or No. 1 buck or larger. The cited ledger source did not provide a publication date.

This example should not be treated as a complete law summary. It shows why the ammunition box is only one part of the decision. Before hunting, confirm the current state, provincial, tribal, refuge and local rules with the wildlife agency. Winchester’s shotshell guide gives the same general reminder: always consult local hunting regulations before going afield.

Sources: Federal, Buckshot vs. Birdshot, Ontario hunting regulations summary, Winchester Shotshell Ammo 101.

What to check before you buy or hunt

For ammunition selection, check the manufacturer’s exact listing for gauge, shell length, buckshot size and pellet count. Do not assume that every 00 buck shell has the same count, or that every No. 4 buck shell has the same count.

For hunting, check the current regulation booklet or online rules from the agency with authority where you will hunt. Pay attention to species, season, public land or refuge rules, local rules and any special ammunition restrictions. If the rule is unclear, ask the agency before going afield.