shot size for partridge

[.Ben]

so if i was to hunt partridge with a 12 gauge what shot size would i use? also is an open choke better or a tighter choke????

 

[303carbine]

so if i was to hunt partridge with a 12 gauge what shot size would i use? also is an open choke better or a tighter choke????

That depends on how close they are,7&1/2 shot usually works good with a Mod choke.

 

[Turbo]

I use 7 1/2 size shot and an improved cylinder choke. You could use a cylinder choke, it's not like you hitting them at 40+ yards.

 

[beefman]

Leaves on the trees #6....leaves off 7.5's. Choke size depends on how tight the cover is you are hunting. I usually use IC chokes 15-25 yards.

 

[eastwind]

My old 12g single shot has a full choke and I use 7 1/2's. If they are real close I try to aim a little high, hitting them in the head or neck.

 

[northwoodslivin]

I use 7 1/2 but since I am hunting them near water right now I am using the #4 HV 1550FPS steel shot I bought last year for rabbits, and let me tell ya... you aim for the head and the head comes completely off LOL

But ya, 7 1/2 works just great and is what I usually use.

 

[Furync]

I use anything from #6 to #8. What's most important, I feel, is a very open choke (IC).

 

[northwoodslivin]

I disagree.. I like Mod, why? tighter and when you aim for the head it hits the head and zero pellets in the breast if you place the shot right. Always works for me

 

[Win/64]

If you reload, Try some 7/8 oz in 7 1/2 or 8's.

 

[Woodsman]

I prefer 7 1/2's and 8's too in a 16 or 12 with no choke. There's almost no damage to the breast meat.

 

[martinbns]

I shoot a 20g SXS that is imp cyl and mod. Sitting still on the side of the road I shoot the mod tube then try and get the second one with the IC barrel. I like #6.

 

[Scott_N]

I usually use #6, but sometimes #7 1/2.

 

[Furync]

I disagree.. I like Mod, why? tighter and when you aim for the head it hits the head and zero pellets in the breast if you place the shot right. Always works for me

Well I suppose if you shoot it when it's being a dumb road chicken standing still, you could aim for the head (heck you could probably beat it with a stick). If it's bolting through the bush and you have a split second to hit it, I'll keep my IC...

I guess it all depends on what kind of bush you hunt. I like to go in thick places for partridge.

 

[JohnC]

i go 5's or 6's & try to catch their heads with the edge of the pattern.

 

[Deano]

i go 5's or 6's & try to catch their heads with the edge of the pattern.

Me too.

 

[northwoodslivin]

Well I suppose if you shoot it when it's being a dumb road chicken standing still, you could aim for the head (heck you could probably beat it with a stick). If it's bolting through the bush and you have a split second to hit it, I'll keep my IC...

I guess it all depends on what kind of bush you hunt. I like to go in thick places for partridge.

I know what your saying and completely understand

I shot 2 crows on the wing yesterday with this same setup while hunting for grouse yesterday it works well.

 

[Grouse Man]

7-1/2 or 8, with Cylinder, Skeet, or IC chokes. Target loads work perfectly.

 

[.Ben]

just took a look in the old cabinet and found a box of #6 way in the back also have a box of #2 and #4 so ill think ill try some #6's out with an improved cylinder choke

thanks for the help.

 

[Chizzy]

Hello:

Depending on the time of year, the foliage on the trees, and the distance of the average shot, I shoot shot size 7.5 starting the season with a cylinder choke and switch to a skeet choke and eventually an improved cylinder choke as the season progresses. Good luck this season.

Regards,

Chizzy

 

[7mmlefty]

Short barrel in open choke, and my favorite load? 1-3\8 #6's, for blasting through them briars and branches, and other crap that the birds seem to know where to fly in behind to make their escape.
# 6's will find them, every time.