I prefer #1 buckshot in my old 500A, but it's not always easy to find. I think #1 bridges the gap between 00 and #4 buck, as the pellets are .30 caliber and there are 16 of them. 00 buck usually has 9 .33 caliber pellets, sometimes 12(DON'T get the 3" magnum loads unless you like pain. There are MUCH better loads out there), compared to 27 light .25 caliber pellets in #4 buck.



+1 on the "ditch the shotgun for a carbine" crowd if recoil is a problem for you.