Buckshot

does anyone know where I can buy 12ga. 3 1/2″ 4buck shells? every place I’ve checked is out of stock or say they can’t get them.

I’m assuming you want lead? I don’t know of any current production in lead. This was/is not a common load even in 3 inch.

I checked several warehouse ammo sites I buy from and nobody lists them even as not in stock.

Since the focus in 3.5 shells is on waterfowl, my suggestion would be to either downsize to 3 inch or look at steel in F (very rare) or T shot (much more common).

#4 buck is .24. F is .22. T is .20

All options I see in 3.5 T are steel except I believe HeaviShot still makes their Dead Coyote loads, but these were always at a crazy price of around $5 per round!

Hope this helps.

Grouse

yes I wanted lead just because its cheaper. I use them for coyotes. the last ones I got was $14 for 5 shells which is expensive enough. I might have to go to 3″ shells

Grouse is there an ammo dealer you would suggest if I need to order 3″ shells?

If Able Ammo is where I usually start.

Natchez Shooters Supply is also a good outfit and stocks a lot of ammo.

I have ordered ammo from both companies, they are especially good when searching for harder to find loads, sub-gauge, etc.

Personally, I have had no problems with 3 inch Hornady coyote loads in BB shot size. This plated load absolutely scalds them and while a 3.5 inch shell has more pellets, I think the limiting factor on a shotgun isn’t pellet count, it’s just the pellets running out of velocity to the point where they cannot penetrate fur and hide. Keeping in mind a shotgun basically has the same velocity as a .22 rimfire, but the .22 has an edge in projectile weight.

Grouse

would this be a comparable load Grouse?

Federal WF134T Speed-Shok Waterfowl 12 ga 3.5 in 1.5 oz T Shot 25Bx/10Cs
Mfg Item Num: WF134T
Category: SHOTSHELL STEEL LOADS
Gauge :12 Gauge
Type :Steel
Length :3.5 in
Ounces :1-1/2 oz
Shot Size :T
Muzzle Velocity :1500 fps
Rounds Per Box :25 Rounds Per Box, 10 Boxes Per Case
Application :Hunting

Here’s the Heavy Mag Coyote Load I shoot:

Hornady 86222 Heavy Magnum Coyote 12 Gauge ga 3″ 1-1/2 oz BB Shot

SPECIFICATIONS:
Mfg Item Num: 86222
Category: SHOTSHELL LEAD LOADS
Gauge :12 Gauge
Type :Heavyweight
Length :3″
Ounces :1-1/2 oz
Shot Size :BB
Muzzle Velocity :
Rounds Per Box :
Hull Material :
Application :Hunting
Brass Length Type :

Bottom line is that load you posted would kill any coyote deader than dead at all reasonable distances. If you’re saving fur, you’re going to be putting a LOT of holes in them, but to some guys, this doesn’t matter. I would personally rather shoot lead than steel.

I think there are limits with shotgunning coyotes beyond which ammo just doesn’t make a difference. A shotgun is not a long range weapon for coyotes. You might be able to knock down a goose at longer ranges but a coyote is a bigger, tougher animal with thicker fur and hide and it doesn’t need to fly. The enemy here is velocity loss over the distance such that the pellets won’t be able to penetrate. Tight chokes and throwing more pellets at them doesn’t really fix this problem. Once the pellet speed drops below a certain level, you don’t have the penetration to kill effectively.

But the whole point of shotgunning them is to call them in close and have the thrill of whacking them right in your lap. I don’t recall shooting even one where range was questionable. Usually it’s the other problem where they’re in your lap.

Grouse

Try Sunset Distributors in Ankeny IA. See if they have any and would ship to you or an FFL dealer near you.

we run coyotes with dogs in our group and only allow shotguns in the group as a safety factor with the frozen ground and to many houses. that’s why I’m trying to maximize the shotgun load. I’m not as concerned with saving fur, the ones we keep are sold whole just to get a little dog food money. I’ve tried the 00 buckshot and had poor results it tips them over but doesn’t penetrate. Bullcans my local gun club does an annual spring order through Sunset I’m going to try and add to that order. Thanks

Stay away from steel for coyotes. Tried it and just doesn’t have the KE to put them down right there. They’ll run a long ways before they die. Stick to lead. Try #1 buck. I know Winchester makes it in 3”. Like 31 pellets in 3” and it puts a serious hurting out to 60+ yards.

Try here https://www.ammograb.com

I 2nd the hornady heavy magnum loads, have shot 2 this year that rolled and died on impact. Just don’t restrict it, imp cyl or mod choke

This has me curious. I have a MEC reloader for 3.5″ 12 gauge shells. I may have to look up the formula for loading 3.5″ 4buck and see if it is worth it to try reloading some. I have a ton of 3.5″ hulls and primers so I’ll just need wads, powder and lead shot and some new bushings for the reloader.

TheFamousGrouse wrote:

I think the limiting factor on a shotgun isn’t pellet count, it’s just the pellets running out of velocity to the point where they cannot penetrate fur and hide.
Grouse

I think its more how well they stack in the casing. 00 will have three to a layer. #4 buck has 5-6 to a layer.

The 3.5″ 12 gauge shell and chambering came along after the federal steel shot mandate so maybe 4 buck in not available in that length. I have some 3″ 4 buck laying around yet from that mandate era that I used for geese before I started hand-loading lead T-shot for goose shooting. I don’t recall ever seeing 4 buck in a 3.5″ but that doesn’t mean its not out there as I pretty much lost touch with goose hunting when I had to go to steel or heavi shot.