What gauge do you use??
- Thread starter TAZWILLFIX
- Start date
I really appreciate the tips on loads and aiming that is a couple of things I did not think about. Thanks again and keep the comments coming. I am getting way to many people on a hunting forum than I expected for a Saturday morning. I'm at work what are your excuses?
I'm at work too....
Rob
As much as I love the 28 gauge, I would recommend you pick up a good used 20 gauge in double, pump or semi... Try to get a 3" chamber gun... You don't need it for grouse and hares, but it also makes a versatile waterfowl gun with 3" loads. Contrary to Cote's findings, I have NEVER seen equivalent quality loadings of 28 gauge ammo at 12/20 gauge prices... I buy all mine by the flat and get 28 gauge for $99/flat... Equivalent quality 12/20 gauge loads are $65/flat.
Target loads yes,12/20 are cheaper, but compare the Fiocchi hunting loads sold by Prophet River, which is who I purchase mine from, and you will see that the 28 gauge cost no more than the 12 or 20 gauge.In fact the 12 gauge, cost more.
Comparative cost of ammo is fine when comparing apples to apples but were really talking about comparing apples to oranges as trap loads are perfectly fine for grouse and if you can get a better deal than 12ga trap loads (or light utility loads) then more power to ya!
antiqueguy
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- windsor ontario
I use 12ga a lot only other one I have is a .410 have a bolt action and a small backpacker. 12ga is a good all around gun only reason I use .410 is I do a lot of pest control with pest birds and rats 5/16oz of #12 shot seems like a better idea in .410
.410 is no cheaper then 12ga with factory loads
.410 is no cheaper then 12ga with factory loads
Hunting grouse for many years 1 always used a 12 ga o/u 7 1/2 target loads all ways had a trained Springer spaniel never shot birds on ground. Many birds where not salvageable with 50 or more pellets Last few years had no dog and used my Re 410 pump using 3" #6 then to in mag # 4
I call them A birds when you shoot them and there is no pellets in breast, ones I get on ground are 99% A birds.When there is a group of birds and take shots in air with #4 the pellets pass right through and another thing I have shot birds in air way way farther 60+ yards than I ever did with 12 ga.I don't believe a 28ga would take them down at 60 yards? could be wrong
I call them A birds when you shoot them and there is no pellets in breast, ones I get on ground are 99% A birds.When there is a group of birds and take shots in air with #4 the pellets pass right through and another thing I have shot birds in air way way farther 60+ yards than I ever did with 12 ga.I don't believe a 28ga would take them down at 60 yards? could be wrong
I prefer to use a 12 gauge with a full choke when hunting chickens (at least when I'm not using a 22). The major factors in this are: cheap ammo, available anywhere, and the 12 gauge does a good job of beating through heavy undergrowth that is the norm in my region. If you shoot them on the ground, even out to 40 or so yards, you can make a clean head shot and not have to worry about pellets in the meat.
Adrian J Hare
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- NewLowell On. Can.
I have changed from the 12 gauge to all 20 gauge slug gun, turkey gun and such and will not ever go back...
Yeah... But )ou are like 4'3" and weigh about a buck-o-five... Lol...
Brutus
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I've done some pretty neat things in the past with a 12 gauge & lead shot with waterfowl on South Saskatchewan flyways, including flinging buckshot at varmints and launching Brenneke slugs at wild boar.
But when it comes down to purposefully hunting upland game, a 20 is my first choice, up here in the boreal forest.
PS: And maybe someday when the urge hits me hard, I might very well spring for a 10 gauge as a superb buckshot platform.
But when it comes down to purposefully hunting upland game, a 20 is my first choice, up here in the boreal forest.
PS: And maybe someday when the urge hits me hard, I might very well spring for a 10 gauge as a superb buckshot platform.
What I noticed in your chart is that the 20 gauge is cheaper than either the 12 or 28 gauge which are on par... this has not been the case with the Win AA loads that I typically shoot... but I still believe that the 20 gauge is the best middle ground for upland game.
I agree with the 20 gauge gang... I am looking to buy a new over under as a dedicated grouse gun and it will definitely be my choice... Unless a cz uplander ultrtalight. 12g pops up in the ee for a great price...lol...
There appears to be a pricing error with the #6 Golden Pheasant in 28 gauge, the boxes that I just picked up, are marked $15.99, just like the same load in #5, and #8 shot listed in the chart. I also picked up some #6 in 20 gauge, also labelled $15.99. I did pick up a couple boxes of 12 gauge, and they are priced at $17.99. The 20 and 28 gauge are priced the same, with the 12 gauge price $2 higher.
Looking at the chart, there are a few errors, as the price for the identical load seems to vary with shot size, but that wasn't the case when I was in the store a few weeks ago.
Regardless of my recommendation, I shoot 12/20/28/410 on upland, but primarily 28 gauge... my favorite, except when specifically targeting pheasants shooting over my springer... I use an Citori 20 gauge on those hallowed days. I just bought a set of Remington 1100 Sporting guns in 20/28/410 gauges... have not fully worked out the kinks yet, but had a wonderful day with the 20 and another with the 28.
blasted_saber
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- A blue part of Ontario
Get a 20g as a dedicated grouse/rabbit gun. Much better option.
- Location
- Ottawa origanally Muskoka
I personally use a 12ga. But I reload with a Mec600jr so making ultra light loads for it are doable for squirrels and such, and it is also enough for geese. Commercial ammo is also available cheaply, anywhere.
