· top picks · 9 min read
Best 20 Gauge Buckshot Loadouts: Our Top 14 Rounds
Find the right 20 gauge buckshot for your shotgun with our comprehensive guide, comparing performance, pattern consistency, and price points across popular ammunition options.
Choosing the right ammunition can make or break your hunting trip, and 20 gauge buckshot stands out as a versatile option for both newcomers and experienced shooters. In this guide, we’ll compare the most popular 20 gauge buckshot patterns, helping you select the load that matches your shooting style and hunting needs.
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Reviews
BNTECHGO 20 Gauge Silicone Wire Kit
Featuring premium tinned copper strands and high-temperature resistance up to 200°C, these flexible silicone wires outperform standard alternatives. Constructed with an impressive 100 strands per wire, they deliver exceptional conductivity whileWithstanding extreme temperatures from -60°C to 200°C. The color-coded 30-foot spools offer versatile options for any project.
Maxxis MT-764 Buckshot II
This Maxxis tire combines an aggressive tread pattern with substantial sidewalls for both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The 37-inch tire delivers robust performance in muddy and rocky terrain while maintaining a reasonably quiet ride during highway driving. Built for Jeeps, light trucks, and SUVs, it offers superior traction and cut resistance compared to standard light truck tires.
Artistic Wire 20 Gauge Natural 15yd
Crafted from soft temper copper wire with a protective clear coating, this 20-gauge artistic wire transforms jewelry projects with its natural copper color. The 15-yard spool glides through beads and bends into shape with remarkable flexibility, making it perfect for wire-wrapping and crafting detailed jewelry components.
Atlas 319 50’ Stranded Wire
When you’re working on your model railroad layout, every little detail counts. The Atlas 20 gauge wire comes in handy for all sorts of electrical projects, from connecting turnouts to powering small accessories. It’s available in five colors to match your ribbon wire, and at 50 feet per reel, you’ll have plenty for your next build.
BNTECHGO 20 Gauge Silicone Wire Kit
This 20-gauge wire kit brings some serious flexibility to your projects with its ultra-thin 0.08 mm copper strands wrapped in soft silicone rubber insulation. The 10-color selection makes tracking your connections a breeze, while the 30-foot rolls in red, black, blue, and other bright hues give you plenty of wire for extensive builds. Each color resists both heat and cold, handling everything from your soldering iron to Arctic conditions in your project box.
Atlas 316 50’ Red 20 Gauge Stranded Layout Wire
Running some wire through your model train layout might not be the most exciting part of building a miniature railway, but trust me, it’s important – and this stuff makes it a lot easier. The 20-gauge stranded copper wire comes on a 50-foot reel, with five color options that match Atlas’s 5-conductor ribbon wire. Whether you’re working on an O, HO, or N scale layout, you’ll appreciate the way this wire helps keep your model’s electrical system neat and tidy.
Northland Buck-Shot Rattle Shell
These clear plastic rattles feature a silicone band that securely attaches to your fishing lure while letting out a convincing fish-attracting rattle made from steel buckshot. Weighing just 0.022 pounds, the five-per-card package won’t bog down your rig. Fishermen praise their effectiveness for both saltwater and freshwater applications, saying the noise triggers more strikes than conventional baits.
Northland Tackle Buck-Shot Coffin Spoon
The Northland Tackle Buck-Shot Coffin Spoon combines subtle elegance with proven fish-catching power. At just 1/8oz, it’s lightweight enough for long sessions but packs a hefty punch thanks to its internal brass rattle and distinctive Kicker-Tail fin. The flat-sided profile and angled body create a captivating tumble through the water that flickers with light, drawing fish from all angles. With glowing reviews from anglers who’ve put it to the test in both perch and walleye waters, this spoon has proven itself a reliable addition to any ice fishing setup.
20 Gauge Electrical Wire
This 20-gauge wire combines superior flexibility with high electrical conductivity, featuring 26 strands of oxygen-free copper in each conductor. The soft black sheath makes it easy to work with, while the wire’s low resistance allows for efficient power transfer in various applications from solar panels to automotive wiring. The wire’s durability and oxidation resistance make it a reliable choice for both professional and DIY electrical projects.
BNTECHGO 20 Gauge Red and Black Stranded Tinned Copper Wire Spools
This 20-gauge wire is a dream for hobbyists, with its super flexible silicone coating that bends like nothing else out there. The tinned copper core makes it a breeze to solder, and you get a huge 50 feet for your money – split between red and black cables that you can use for all sorts of projects. The wire handles voltage like a pro while keeping your connections nice and tight.
BNTECHGO 20 Gauge Silicone Wire Kit
Imagine having access to 10 feet of versatile wire in every primary color of the rainbow, all bundled into a single, highly efficient kit. Each strand is tinned copper, ensuring durability and easy soldering, while the flexible silicone insulation handles everything from freezing cold to scorching heat without missing a beat. Whether you’re working on a small DIY project or designing a complex electronics system, these ULtra-flexible silicone wires have got you covered, from the tiniest 30 AWG to the robust 8 AWG.
Haerkn 20AWG Solid Wire Kit
This solid wire kit combines premium tinned copper conductors with durable PVC insulation, offering reliable performance up to 300 volts and 5 amps of current. The 20AWG wire features excellent temperature rating of -20 to 80°C, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Available in seven colors and 23 feet per roll, these versatile wires are ideal for DIY projects and breadboarding.
Black Gold Pro Hunter HD 5 Pin Bow Sight
This versatile bow sight combines Burris’s renowned precision with Burris’s signature reliability, featuring five pins and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd axis leveling adjustments. The quick-link base makes installation and removal breeze, requiring only a basic allen key tool. Built for longevity with a lightweight, ultra-durable design that won’t add unnecessary weight to your bow, the sight includes Burris’s lifetime guarantee.
Ook 20 Gauge Copper Wire
This solid 20-gauge copper wire is the perfect balance of flexibility and durability for your crafting projects. At 50 feet long, you’ll have plenty of wire for those intricate jewelry designs or artistic wire sculptures. The annealed finish makes it incredibly easy to work with, allowing you to bend and shape it precisely as needed.
Buyer’s Guide
20-gauge buckshot loads pack a powerful punch for home defense and small-game hunting. The right ammunition can make the difference between stopping a threat and a dangerous stalemate. Understanding the key features and considerations will help you choose the best buckshot load for your needs.
Shot Size and Pattern Performance
20-gauge buckshot typically comes in various shot sizes ranging from BB (0.18”) to #4 (0.22”). The larger the shot size, the better the pattern density at closer ranges. For home defense, #4 or #3 buckshot provides an effective balance of penetration and pattern integrity. A 6-inch pattern at 25 yards is ideal for consistent hit placement.
Muzzle Velocity and Energy Delivery
Muzzle velocity significantly impacts penetration and stopping power. Higher velocity loads (1,300-1,400 fps) deliver more energy, but may reduce pattern expansion. Many law enforcement agencies prefer 1,200-1,300 fps loads for optimal performance. Energy delivery between 1,000 and 1,700 foot-pounds covers both defensive and hunting applications.
Casing Quality and Reliability
Invest in premium brass or steel-cased ammunition for better reliability and longer barrel life. Steel casings offer superior corrosion resistance and can handle higher pressures. Check for manufacturers with reliable track records in 20-gauge ammunition production. Look for loads with primer compatibility for your firearm’s action.
Stopping Power and Ethical Considerations
Ethical shooting requires effective ammunition that stops threats quickly. In home defense, a well-placed 20-gauge shot usually produces unconsciousness within 5-10 seconds. For hunting, consider the game species and local regulations. Many authorities recommend multiple 20-gauge shots for larger animals like deer, while small-game hunting often only requires a single effective hit.
FAQ
What is 20 gauge buckshot?
20 gauge buckshot refers to the diameter and type of ammunition used in shotguns. The “20 gauge” indicates the size of the bore, while “buckshot” describes the pellets used, which are larger than regular birdshot.
Buckshot is designed for close-range use against medium-sized game or self-defense. Common patterns include #4, #3, #2, and 0000, which represent different pellet diameters and patterns.
What’s the effective range of 20 gauge buckshot?
20 gauge buckshot performs best at ranges below 30 yards, making it suitable for self-defense or hunting small to medium game within this distance.
At closer ranges, typically under 15 yards, buckshot maintains enough energy and pattern consistency to reliably hit vital targets.
How do I choose the right buckshot pattern?
The #4 pattern offers a larger spread and greater capacity, making it suitable for open environments where larger targets are present.
The #2 pattern provides a smaller spread and higher pellet density for more accurate, close-range shots against single targets.
What’s the typical load capacity of 20 gauge buckshot shells?
Standard 20 gauge buckshot shells contain between 6 and 12 pellets, depending on the pattern gauge. For example, #4 pattern shells typically hold 9 pellets, while #2 pattern shells usually carry 6 pellets.
Higher pellet counts increase the pattern’s density but reduce the energy of individual shots. Most practical loads range from 7 to 10 pellets per shell.
What are the legal considerations for carrying 20 gauge buckshot?
Check local regulations regarding carrying and possessing ammunition. Many jurisdictions allow concealed carry but may restrict the number of rounds carried or prohibit carrying loaded firearms.
Some areas have specific rules about the type of ammunition allowed, particularly in public places or on specific property types.
How should I store 20 gauge buckshot?
Store buckshot in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Original factory packaging typically provides sufficient protection.
Keep ammunition separated from other metal items to prevent corrosion. For long-term storage, consider dehumidifying the storage area or using moisture-absorbing materials like silica gel packets.
As an Amazon Affiliate we receive compensation from qualified purchases.