Larger sizes of shot, large enough that they must be carefully packed into the shell rather than simply dumped or poured in, are called "buckshot" or just "buck", Buckshot is used for hunting larger game, such as deer (hence derivation of the name), Buckshot size is designated by actual diameter or (traditionally) by letter or number, with smaller numbers being larger shot, sizes larger than "0" ("aught") are designated by multiple zeros. "00" ("double-aught") is the most commonly used size,
the most commonly produced buckshot shell is a 12 gauge, 00 buck shell that holds 9 pellets, Buckshot is generally used for two purposes: self-defense and hunting medium to large game, loads can be tailored through altering the size of the shot, pellet count, length of the shell, powder charge, and in other ways to fit individual weapons and purposes, for instance, loads of 12 gauge 00 buck are commonly available in 8 to 18 pellets in vendor-stated lengths from 2 3/4" to 3 1/2", on packaging, vendors state the length of the cartridge as expanded after firing, before firing, the crimped cartridge starts off approximately one half inch shorter, also, precise length varies depending on manufacturer and model, reduced-recoil shells are becoming increasingly available, low-recoil 00 buckshot allows the shooter to make fast follow-up shots, which may be needed in a combat situation, they are also useful for training shooters who are not yet used to the recoil of full-power shells,
Tungsten buckshot is often alloyed with nickel and iron, softening the base metal, that alloy is approximately 1/3 denser than lead, but far more expensive, Bismuth shot falls between steel and tungsten shot in both density and cost, the rule of thumb in converting appropriate steel shot is to go up by two numbers when switching from lead, however, there are different views on dense patterns versus higher pellet energy.
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