Ammo advice for new shotgun?

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Hello
I just bought a Win SXP defender and was wondering what to put in it.
The last shotgun I’ve owned was 30+ years ago and it was strictly for ducks.

I’m not sure what I’ll use it for , lol but was thinking maybe some slugs, double aught ?
3 inch or 2 3/4 ?

Shot for rabbits,grouse etc?

Any pointers would help

Thanks
 
Hello

I would use 3inch slugs for deer/bear, #4 for rabbit, and 6-7/1/2 for grouse. Much depends on how you hunt - stalk or tree stand, road hunt or wingshot? Close or long range. This is the killing part of the question.

Now consider accuracy and effective range. Your shotgun is unique in some ways, ie. a short barrel and cylinder choked shotgun. You should start by checking accuracy with slugs (designed for unrifled shotguns) and bird/rabbit shot. You may find a distance where the accuracy is less than a pie-plate for slugs, or where the bird/rabbit shot patterns poorly.

Depending on what you find out you may wish to adjust your hunting style, and maybe even your ammunition choices. For example, if your patterning tells you that you must shoot everything within 20 yards you may find that lighter bird shot will kill rabbits as well. And that you will likely try head shots to lessen damage. etc

Enjoy it. Shoot with buddies and try different stuff.
 
Gary V said:
Hello

I would use 3inch slugs for deer/bear, #4 for rabbit, and 6-7/1/2 for grouse. Much depends on how you hunt - stalk or tree stand, road hunt or wingshot? Close or long range. This is the killing part of the question.

Now consider accuracy and effective range. Your shotgun is unique in some ways, ie. a short barrel and cylinder choked shotgun. You should start by checking accuracy with slugs (designed for unrifled shotguns) and bird/rabbit shot. You may find a distance where the accuracy is less than a pie-plate for slugs, or where the bird/rabbit shot patterns poorly.

Depending on what you find out you may wish to adjust your hunting style, and maybe even your ammunition choices. For example, if your patterning tells you that you must shoot everything within 20 yards you may find that lighter bird shot will kill rabbits as well. And that you will likely try head shots to lessen damage. etc

Enjoy it. Shoot with buddies and try different stuff.
Click to expand...

Lots of good advice here. I would also second purchasing different brands and loads and spending time pattern testing.
 
Thanks
I’ll try some different stuff that was suggested.

I don’t plan on hunting any big game with it , but will use it for rabbits and grouse.
And maybe some fun time on the range.

It’s Win SXP defender,short barrel.
I figured I’d try a budget gun first, see how much I like it.
 
Our family just acquired a Beagle, was thinking of taking her hunting as well.
There’s a ton of rabbits, in my back yard..
 
Charts on shotshell boxes used to show that #6 lead shot was best all round for small game and pest control, so if you have only one kind.... Unfortunately #6 seems to be particularly thin on the ground these days, it's either go large or small.
 
If you are going to eat what you shoot, I suggest #6 shot as the smallest to use. It is easier to detect and spit out than finer shot. 4's and 5's even better...
 
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