20 gauge shot size

happykal

happykal

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Balmertown, Ontario
I'm currently in the process of purchasing a 20 gauge shotgun from a friend of mine. It's a nice sxs ithica. He used it for ruffed grouse "once or twice". but hasn't used it "10-12 years" so he doesn't know what size shot works best for game.
I use 12 gauge for everything. 2 3/4 -7 1/2 for ruffed and sprucehen, 2 3/4 #6 for sharptail, 3" #3 for ducks. 3" BB for geese or 3 1/2" BB.

I'm going to use it for grouse, rabbit, the odd duck.

What works best for a 20 gauge. I want a little change in pace. Besides hunting over my dog with a 20gauge sxs....heaven on earth.
 
IMHO anything over size 6 lead shot in a 20 ga. shotgun produces poor patterns. You will have to pattern the firearm in question with whatever size shot and payload you use. I would not shoot steel shot through any older side by side no matter what the gauge. If non-toxic shot is reqired for waterfowl, Hevi-Shot is the ticket.
 
shot size......

Why would you change shot sizes because it's a 20 ga.? Yes your payload is slightly smaller but that shouldn't really matter with what you're shooting.

I shoot a 20ga. all the time and use #4 for ducks and geese, 4's for sharptails, 6's for Huns, 4's for pheasant and 7 1/2 for grouse, 9's for skeet......
 
smokinberetta said:
Why would you change shot sizes because it's a 20 ga.? Yes your payload is slightly smaller but that shouldn't really matter with what you're shooting.

I shoot a 20ga. all the time and use #4 for ducks and geese, 4's for sharptails, 6's for Huns, 4's for pheasant and 7 1/2 for grouse, 9's for skeet......
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4's for geese? I've had success with kent 3'' #3s but not with my blackcloud 4s. What kind of shell are using? This is only my 2nd season for waterfowl.
 
I'm new to grouse hunting, but my research leads me to believe that it's best to use 20ga o/u 7.5 in mod barrel as a first shot, and 6 in full barrel as last 2nd shot.
 
IMHO smaller size shot (#6 or smaller) is called for in the 20 ga. Sure you can push larger shot through a 20 ga. barrel but your pellet count is less and (lead) shot deformation is greater. Both equal questionable patterns.
 
I have not used my 20ga for waterfowl since thay band lead shot but for upland game a 20ga is awsome you will never go back to a 12 as for shot size 4,5, and 6 all do the job.
 
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Just an update I bought the gun lol. Ithaca/skb 200E. Stock is great condition, needs a new heel plate though. Barrel has some wear on it. Fires like a dream, and throws the shells out with ease. Not to fond of the front fiber tube instead of a bead, but I can live with it. Beautiful gun.
 
happykal said:
4's for geese? I've had success with kent 3'' #3s but not with my blackcloud 4s. What kind of shell are using? This is only my 2nd season for waterfowl.
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I would not go near the gun with steel shot !
if it is an SKB however, it may be okay.
If it's an older SXS Ithaca, I would hand load Nice shot or ITX for it.
I use 2's and 4's for waterfowl, 7 1/2's for pheasants, and 9 skeet loads for ruffies in my 20
Cat
 
I would definately get a professional opinion on whether steel shot can be used, I'd use it for upland game and get a 3 or 3.5" 12 gauge for waterfowl.
 
20 ga. shot size

I have used a M-12, 20 ga. 28" mod. for years on pheasants. First off I try to keep all the shots within 45 yds.
The first two up are #6's the last shot is #4 because if I've missed with the first two the #4's is going to be needed to fetch the bird down.

If in closer quarters/ranges the first two up are #7 1/2's the last out is a #6.
The #6' are my all round favorite. If the bird is within the 40 yd range and your on him right, there down for the dog.

Pattern your gun to see whats up and what the barrel likes best. As all barrels are a wee bit different and most will like some shot sizes over others.

Never sell a 20 ga. short it is a formable shotgun in the right hands.
 
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