Shooting buckshot in Jacksonville FL

For my relatively new Remington 870, I got a few boxes of OO buckshot as primary ammunition. Sadly, the range I am using (Gateway Rifle Club) does not have a facility to shoot buckshot (only birdshot).

First of all: How much of a difference should I expect between the "feel" of 00 buckshot vs. birdshot? The main point of shooting it is to familiarize myself with the weapon so I am not surprised once I have to use it.

Secondly: Are there any ranges in the Jacksonville FL area that allow buckshot?

Go out an buy full power 3 inch mag turkey loads. They will recoil almost as hard as oo buck. In a real life scenarion adrenaline will help with the recoil.

If your doing it properly, the only difference will be a slightly bigger boom.

Next time you plan a trip down south bring your shotgun and stop by the Titusville Rifle and Pistol Club. The general public is allowed. Last time I was there I used shot, buck and slugs in my 870. :)

For what its worth, M. Ayoob recommends #1 shot for SD work.