Buckshot vs Birdshot

[Smokin Joe]

I've been loading Win AA hulls with birdshot for many years, but now I have a question; is there any particular difference in loading the same weight of buckshot as birdshot in the same recipe?

In a cylinder bore shotgun, could I load (for example) 1 1/4 oz of buckshot (of proper size) in place of 1 1/4 oz of birdshot?

[james]

It should make no difference as far as safety, which size lead shot you use.  Some guns pattern better (or worse) with certain sized shot. I loaded 9 double ought or 27 #4B in the 12 ga 2.75 shells as this was what the factory loads were.  My reloads didn't pattern as well as the factory loads but I think it had something to do with the wads I used.  I was quite impressed with the 41 pellets of No 4B in a Federal 3 inch and used them to take several deer 40 years ago when we ran dogs. 

[Smokin Joe]

Thanks, James

[Couger]

While the 'theory' of what you're asking about should sound 'sound,' you need to do some more research!

Also, some very good data can be found for reloading buckshot from Ballisitc Products, Inc.  At least look at their web page even if you don't buy any of their reloading data and how-to info.