pheasant loads?
- Thread starter fuerza o razon
- Start date
madtrapper143
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Steep Rock Lake NWO
I have killed more than a few with Federal 1 1/8 oz #6 in a 16 gauge. I think #6 is probably the best shot size choice. Just about any gauge and any shot charge weight ( 1 oz or more preferred) will work. I don't mean to include the .410 in this statement but some guys have had luck with the little gun.
Darryl
Darryl
beretta boy
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Orillia, Ontario
I've had the opportunity over the years to hunt a lot of "wild" birds, as well as many forays to several pheasant clubs for both numerous field and simulated driven shoots. Beyond that, I've also had occasion to "gun" at a few licensed trials, where the number of birds shot in a weekend would likely be equal to several seasons-worth of serious pheasant hunting. For general use, in 12 ga., a standard field load of
3-1/4 dram 1-1/8 oz. of 6's ( 1255 fps ) will do very well. For "driven" birds at longish ranges, a premium 3-3/4 dram, 1-1/4 oz load of 5's ( 1330 fps ) works like a charm, and for closer range stuff, a standard heavy target load, 3 drams, 1-1/8 oz. of 7-1/2's ( 1200 fps)works great, especially if there are Chukars, Huns or other small birds in the mix.
In 20 ga., I stick to a 2-3/4 dram, 1 oz. load of 6's ( 1220 fps) and in 28, the 2-1/4 dram, 3/4 oz. load of 6's ( 1295 fps ) is the ticket.
As to "brands", I've been completely happy with Winchester, Remington, Federal ( but I do stay away from the "promo loads") and lately, I've been shooting a lot of Kent/Gamebore.
3-1/4 dram 1-1/8 oz. of 6's ( 1255 fps ) will do very well. For "driven" birds at longish ranges, a premium 3-3/4 dram, 1-1/4 oz load of 5's ( 1330 fps ) works like a charm, and for closer range stuff, a standard heavy target load, 3 drams, 1-1/8 oz. of 7-1/2's ( 1200 fps)works great, especially if there are Chukars, Huns or other small birds in the mix.
In 20 ga., I stick to a 2-3/4 dram, 1 oz. load of 6's ( 1220 fps) and in 28, the 2-1/4 dram, 3/4 oz. load of 6's ( 1295 fps ) is the ticket.
As to "brands", I've been completely happy with Winchester, Remington, Federal ( but I do stay away from the "promo loads") and lately, I've been shooting a lot of Kent/Gamebore.
canucklehead
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Calgary, AB
Man some of those pheasants you guys shoot must be pussies. 
7.5 shot? Wow... the pheasants I've hunted are a tough bird. I use a 12g and 4 shot. If they hit the ground wounded, they be runnin!
Maybe the birds (like the men) are tougher out in Alberta than Ontario?
7.5 shot? Wow... the pheasants I've hunted are a tough bird. I use a 12g and 4 shot. If they hit the ground wounded, they be runnin!Maybe the birds (like the men) are tougher out in Alberta than Ontario?
This. Winchester Pheasant is very good, what good lead shot waterfowl loads used to be.
1-1/4 oz of copper plated, max dram loads.
Walmart had them on for $12 a box a couple years ago, and i picked up a good supply.
Late season wild birds flush wild way out there, heavier shells mean less lost birds. For close in early season shooting or released birds lighter shells are fine.
We are all in the same ball park for shot sizes. Basically if there flushing up within 40yds. 4's to 7.5's will knock them down. If your on Pelee Island and the winds up and the birds are getting out there real quick 1 1/4oz of 6's at 1330fps backed up by the same in 4's. 99% of the birds we shoot here in Ontario are pen raised pheasants, so they are not a true wild bird.
The very first criteria to having a good pheasant hunt is having a "GOOD DOG", you can be in the best pheasant field possible but accompanied by no dog or worse yet a poor working dog, you are not going to get many birds in hand.
So don't worry so much about what shot sizes to use worry about whether or not the dog is up to the task of working close (within 25-30yds.) and not putting pheasants up 75yds out. And can he /she retrieve said birds and not screw off into the next field to see what's going on over there. Your dog has to have a keen nose and more importantly he has to believe what his nose is telling him/her.
One more thing, did I mention you should have a good dog as it is the most important aspect of a successful pheasant hunt. If the dog is real good he will catch them alive and bring them back to you so you don't waste ammo. I was graciously blessed with having such a dog that has done that on numerous occasions year after year. Usually after I had missed birds that he had worked hard to flush for me. It was his way of rubbing it in.!!
The very first criteria to having a good pheasant hunt is having a "GOOD DOG", you can be in the best pheasant field possible but accompanied by no dog or worse yet a poor working dog, you are not going to get many birds in hand.
So don't worry so much about what shot sizes to use worry about whether or not the dog is up to the task of working close (within 25-30yds.) and not putting pheasants up 75yds out. And can he /she retrieve said birds and not screw off into the next field to see what's going on over there. Your dog has to have a keen nose and more importantly he has to believe what his nose is telling him/her.
One more thing, did I mention you should have a good dog as it is the most important aspect of a successful pheasant hunt. If the dog is real good he will catch them alive and bring them back to you so you don't waste ammo. I was graciously blessed with having such a dog that has done that on numerous occasions year after year. Usually after I had missed birds that he had worked hard to flush for me. It was his way of rubbing it in.!!
I plan on hunting small game where only non-toxic shot is allowed, but any damaged meat will be turned into jerky or soaked in salt water.
Going to try out 12ga Challenger Super Magnum Steel, 3", 1 1/8oz, #4. Inexpensive (~15$/box of 25), made in Canada and good reviews. I could always exclusively use it for ducks/turkey if it is too aggressive, but I think they will do great. I do love these shells, if only for the fact that they are gold colored
I also picked up a variety of other shells: the Remington High-Speed Steel and Winchester Super-X look promising.
Lots of options out there that's for sure!
I am thinking best thing to do is try a variety of different shells and see what works best with my IC choke.
Going to try out 12ga Challenger Super Magnum Steel, 3", 1 1/8oz, #4. Inexpensive (~15$/box of 25), made in Canada and good reviews. I could always exclusively use it for ducks/turkey if it is too aggressive, but I think they will do great. I do love these shells, if only for the fact that they are gold colored
I also picked up a variety of other shells: the Remington High-Speed Steel and Winchester Super-X look promising.
Lots of options out there that's for sure!
I am thinking best thing to do is try a variety of different shells and see what works best with my IC choke.
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