I want to try deer hunting with a 12 ga double full and modified which shot size is the most effective? In PA we can't use buckshot from what I am told does anyone know if I could use No 2 regular shot and what would my effective range be? The gun can shot No. 4 pellets out to 50 plus yards and patterns about 30 pellets in 16 inches out of the full choke tube this is about 25% of the factory load. Haven't tried No. 2's yet.

If you can't use buckshot for deer, I would bet the only shotgun loading legal for deer would be slugs. Check your regs.

if you cant use buckshot I very seriously doubt you can use bird shot.

If I remember correctly PA requriers you to use slugs if you use a shot gun.

Again, better read the regs again.

The only person who I know who hunted deer with a double bareled shotgun was my Uncle.He was a subsistance hunter(poacher)and a very good woodsman.He only usd double O buck(9 pellets).He was very successful;did much better then his brother,who used a Savage '99 rifle.
Frank
Frank

http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/view.asp?a=478&q=151084#2322
Chapter 23. Hunting and Furtaking
Search Pennsylvania Game Commission - State Wildlife Management Agency Home Printable Version eMail
Subchapter B. Hunting Big Game


Sec. 2322. Prohibited devices and methods.

(a) General rule. - Except as otherwise provided in this title or commission regulation, no person shall hunt, kill or take or attempt, aid, abet, assist or conspire to hunt, kill or take any big game, except wild turkey, with any of the following devices or methods:

(1) Any device other than a centerfire or muzzle-loading firearm or bow and arrow.

(2) Any automatic or semiautomatic firearm, except that any semiautomatic firearm modified to permit one shell in the chamber and no more than four shells in a magazine may be used by a person who suffered an amputation or lost the total use of one or both hands.

(3) Any firearm propelling more than one projectile per discharge.

(4) Any projectile which is not all lead or which is not designed to expand on contact.

(5) When any big game is swimming.

(6) By any other method or device which is not specifically authorized or permitted by this title or commission regulation.


Reading the game regs, the only way to use a shotgun legally for deer or bear hunting would be with slugs. No other Buckshot or any other type of shot is illegal.

Thank You Guys!
Couldn't find the information, but now it's clear, only slugs can be used.

Good Luck on this year's hunts!