Most versatile size of shot?

[vpsalin]

What is generally considered the most versatile size of shot for putting meat on the table, if you could only chose one? Does your answer change depending on 2 3/4 or 3" chamber?

sry for the double tap thread

 

[eiderduckhunter]

id say #4 in lead. or #2 in steel

 

[unstableryan]

#4's or 5's work for pretty much everything.

 

[fishslinger]

X2 on #4 for sure.

 

[hoochie]

as others have said..#4

 

[Sharptail]

Depends which meat you are trying to put on the table. 1.5 oz. of #4 shot doesn't leave much ruffed grouse left to eat!


Sharptail

 

[pharaoh2]

I like 4's for pheasant and 6's for grouse. In a compromise I'd select #5. For waterfowl I won't buy anything other then BB shot anymore.

 

[Claybuster]

Tungsten #5.

 

[pinkmoon]

I have always used #4 on ruffed grouse...and the meat is normally fine....With #4 I find the bird normally has less shot in it then with 5 or 6...so less damage to the breasts.

 

[mbogo3]

Lead

 

[blasted_saber]

#4

My grandfather always tells me that "Imperial Special Long Range" 2 3/4 #4s were a "beautiful" duck load. Too bad I never got to use them for that purpose.

 

[DMS]

Number 4's for me too. I also agree with the old Imperial's. Very hard hitting shell. Also very hard on the shoulder after a day on the water turr hunting. I still find one every now and then in the old ammo stash.

 

[blasted_saber]

Number 4's for me too. I also agree with the old Imperial's. Very hard hitting shell. Also very hard on the shoulder after a day on the water turr hunting. I still find one every now and then in the old ammo stash.

Ive got a few boxes kicking around from the old timers at camp who no longer use them. I use them as my "general purpose" load when I take the shotgun for a walk around the bush.

 

[catnthehatt]

If i had to chose only one size and type of shot it would likely be #4 Nice shot.
HOWEVER, I don't , so all my upland is with nickel plated 7 1/2's i my 28 gauges and I have Nice shot in 2's and 4's for my BPC shotguns and muzzle loaders, and #2 steel for my 20 gauge duck and goose gun.
Cat