We have traditionally used lead 3" BB's for winter jack hunting. These are now near impossible to find and me not being a waterfowler was wondering what the best steel equivalent would be and how would it be comparable range wise? Also what choke would you suggest to go with the load? My gun is only 3", thanks.
Steel shot for jack rabbits?
- Thread starter linderhof
- Start date
madtrapper143
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Steep Rock Lake NWO
I have killed more than a few western jackrabbits with steel #2's while duck hunting in Manitoba. It was in my 16 gauge and it worked well. My shot were 35 to 40 yards.
Darryl
Darryl
The boys here are using BB steel and doing OK. It will never kill like lead but most rabbits are within 30 yards at least here. But our bunnies are smaller also. That being said I have killed coyotes with BB steel when goose hunting and those dogs are way bigger than yours
Just remember to never shoot your steel through a full choke unless the choke is marked safe for steel.
I think most here are using a lead IC choke.
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BBB is going to be the closest equivalent and my experience, although short lived and used for geese, with the stuff showed that Imp. Cyl and L. Mod chokes provided the best patterns. I quickly stop using the larger steel shot due to a lack of pattern density at ranges beyond 45-47yds.
The last time I was at the Cabelas in Edmonton I found some Challenger 3", 1 7/8oz, BB lead shot loads and picked up a couple of boxes for close range work on coyotes. You should give them a call and order a flat of the stuff...probably be a lifetime supply. It was $27.99 a box but it is some of the best lead shot you'll find anywhere!
And this is the Cabelas link: http://www.cabelas.ca/product/1830/...-gauge?&_suid=1359221775904003387835752178825
The last time I was at the Cabelas in Edmonton I found some Challenger 3", 1 7/8oz, BB lead shot loads and picked up a couple of boxes for close range work on coyotes. You should give them a call and order a flat of the stuff...probably be a lifetime supply. It was $27.99 a box but it is some of the best lead shot you'll find anywhere!
And this is the Cabelas link: http://www.cabelas.ca/product/1830/...-gauge?&_suid=1359221775904003387835752178825
NewfoundlandLaw
Regular
- Location
- Newfoundland, Canada
Number 2 steel does the trick.. Although not near as good as lead. Just lacks the oomph....
fishslinger
CGN Regular
- Location
- southern ontario
I just use #4 lead works great and can easily be found.
canadian hunter312
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Brant County
=VLT79;8209658]BBB is going to be the closest equivalent and my experience, although short lived and used for geese, with the stuff showed that Imp. Cyl and L. Mod chokes provided the best patterns. I quickly stop using the larger steel shot due to a lack of pattern density at ranges beyond 45-47yds.
The last time I was at the Cabelas in Edmonton I found some Challenger 3", 1 7/8oz, BB lead shot loads and picked up a couple of boxes for close range work on coyotes. You should give them a call and order a flat of the stuff...probably be a lifetime supply. It was $27.99 a box but it is some of the best lead shot you'll find anywhere!
Y
And this is the Cabelas link: http://www.cabelas.ca/product/1830/...-gauge?&_suid=1359221775904003387835752178825[/I have a few of the same shells left and found that they
sure put the hurt on Jack's and crows at extended ranges.
I wanted to recommend Challenger as well. Supporting the Canadian manufacturer!
BBB is going to be the closest equivalent and my experience, although short lived and used for geese, with the stuff showed that Imp. Cyl and L. Mod chokes provided the best patterns. I quickly stop using the larger steel shot due to a lack of pattern density at ranges beyond 45-47yds.
The last time I was at the Cabelas in Edmonton I found some Challenger 3", 1 7/8oz, BB lead shot loads and picked up a couple of boxes for close range work on coyotes. You should give them a call and order a flat of the stuff...probably be a lifetime supply. It was $27.99 a box but it is some of the best lead shot you'll find anywhere!
And this is the Cabelas link: http://www.cabelas.ca/product/1830/...-gauge?&_suid=1359221775904003387835752178825
