What size shot??
What size shot should be used for pheasant?? 12 gauge, 2 3/4 shell, full choke.
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First off, unless you're a very good shot, you're significantly handicapping yourself hunting game birds with a full choke gun. You might want to consider having a gunsmith open the chokes to at least Modified. As for shot, you don't say whether you're using a semi-auto, pump or single shot. But I'd recommend 6 shot for your first shot and 5 shot for second or third shots. Pheasants can take a lot of lead to bring down and, if not killed clean, are notorious for hitting the ground running. So it's wise to use the larger, more deeply hitting size lead. 0 -
With a full choke, at what range? If you are using pointers, I'd let them get out aways or you won't have much left to eat. That said, with pointers or flushers and a full choke I'd use 6's.
"Aim small...Miss small"0 -
At least let the bird "get out" if it is an early flush. High brass no.4,5,6's will work well.
" It Ain't Over till its Over"0 -
I used #6 for years but lost alot of wounded birds.Last year I switched to #4.It knocks 'em dead.It penetrates better.I use choke tubes ,full first ,turkey next. 0 -
6's work well, but 4's are also good. I've found that on a day when you're slightly off, then 6's are more likely to get a piece of the bird. Make sure you have a really good dog in that case.
4's, on the other hand, are better for either a complete miss or a hard hit.
Your choice... And chokes make little difference at the distances you should be limiting yourself to.
Nord0 -
I am using the full choke because the only two I have are full and skeet. Hunting is a rare occasion. Shotgun is a Remington 870. 0 -
i think the quickest way to get em down is using... an m60[:)] 0 -
hc, all good answers except for sir martin. If I ever get a chance to hunt them again, with a 12 gauge gun, 1-1/4 oz. of 5's. Used to be my favorite duck load. That size shot in this particular load has been published as an optimum considering pattern density and pellet energy.
Good luck,
OleDuk [:)][:)]
"Disperse you Rebels; Damn you,throw down your arms and disperse!"
British Major John Pitcairn, April 19, 1775. He fell at Bunker Hill two months later.0 -
I'm using high base 7/8oz of 7.5's with Imp. Cyl. and Lt. Mod chokes. This is with pointers. They aren't getting away and I'm not chewing on pellets.
"Aim small...Miss small"0 -
i recently bought a new choke tube for my 870 it was less then 20 bucks and i'm pretty sure you'd bag more birds with a modified 0 -
I probably would do better with a modified choke, but don't have a barrel for that, and don't have a barrel with a removable choke. I only use a shotgun occasionally for trap. I prefer guns with short barrels. Action to me is USPSA shooting match. I appreciate all the info. Looks like I will get some #5 or #6 shot for this trip. May need to watch ebay for a reasonable price barrel with a modified choke also. 0 -
Harold:
I think your underestimating the skeet barrel you already have. I'd pattern both of your barrels at 35 to 40 yards. With good wads, and a reasonable amount of shot you would be surprised at how well your skeet barrel will shoot. I hand load for both sporting clays and field loads. When testing field loads faster & heavier didn't always pattern as well as a little slower and lighter. I ended up with a 1450' per second load of 1 1/8 ounces, that definitely shot better than the heavier loads. Lots of debate out there, but the Brits have been shooting ounce loads for decades. I solved my crippled bird problem last year by dropping down to 4 shot. (The dog thanked me!) I'd try an 1 1/8 of fours in a good quality 2 3/4 shell with your skeet barrel. I've routinely shot an improved choke all season. Don't underestimate your skeet barrel. Better yet reload your own. Don't forget to pattern that load, and compare it to your full choke barrel.0
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