Who Still Uses The 16 Gauge For Hunting

We have an older Cooey 16ga. as well as an Ithaca 37 pump gun. Don't get much hunting in these days but we really do enjoy the 16 gauges, I load for both on an old Lee Load-All.
 
I hunted with a 16 gauge Citori for many years, but got out of 16 gauge entirely, when I came to the conclusion, that for me, it is either too much, or not enough. I only shoot 12 gauge and 20 gauge shotguns now, with one Citori 525 in 28 gauge, for when finess or challenge is the flavour of the day.
 
October 2017 I purchased a Citori White Lightning in 16 gauge. 28" barrels with choke tubes, steel shot compatible. This is my now, go to upland gun. Pheasant, Ruffed grouse, Hungarians and Sharp-tails.
The 12 gauge Superposed will still get spot duty and I think my son may be interested in using the 12 as well.
I have a PW 375 set up to load 16 gauge.
 
I take my 16ga Tobin sxs out for grouse and rabbits. It was my uncles gun. He would go duck hunting with it many years ago.
 
I keep meaning to but with 12's and 20's in the same model I have a hard time getting motivated to reach for my wallet. If an ammo company made some better affordable Nontoxic loads like 1-1/16oz of steel at say 1400-1500 Fps I'd have probably picked up a modern 16.
 
Jim870 said:
I keep meaning to but with 12's and 20's in the same model I have a hard time getting motivated to reach for my wallet. If an ammo company made some better affordable Nontoxic loads like 1-1/16oz of steel at say 1400-1500 Fps I'd have probably picked up a modern 16.
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You would be surprised how well Federal 16 gauge Steel #2 factory loads kill ducks. I hand load also for a little more speed but the factory stuff is good enough. Some guys try to make the sixteen into a twelve which it is not nor was never intended to be. (I am not suggesting you are, just a generalization).

Take a Remington 870, Winchester 12 or Ithaca 37 16 bore with a mod or more open choke and go kill some ducks with Federal #2's it can't be beat.

Darryl
 
madtrapper143 said:
You would be surprised how well Federal 16 gauge Steel #2 factory loads kill ducks. I hand load also for a little more speed but the factory stuff is good enough. Some guys try to make the sixteen into a twelve which it is not nor was never intended to be. (I am not suggesting you are, just a generalization).

Take a Remington 870, Winchester 12 or Ithaca 37 16 bore with a mod or more open choke and go kill some ducks with Federal #2's it can't be beat.

Darryl
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Where are you finding those no.2's Darryl
Cheers
 
My dad bought me a used model 12 full choke at a cost of $50 big money back then I shot my first duck (black) and my first grouse ,pheasant and rabbit with that gun Like a dummy I sold it to a buddy. Great gauge with a 1oz load of sixes .
 
3macs1 said:
Where are you finding those no.2's Darryl
Cheers
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Cabela's was were I bought my last case about 2 years ago. I had them ship it free from the Winnipeg store to the Barrie store where my nephew picked them up. Then they came with him for some duck hunting. Free shipping and only 6 month delivery time! But it worked. Last I checked contributing dealer SFRC stocked 2's and 4's. Yep just checked SFRC has some #2 steel Federal. Little spendy at 27.00 a box but not too bad.

Darryl
 
Use a utility spanish sxs 16 gauge, mid 50's I think by proofs. Perfect for my type of cover; dense bush, quick shots with enough moxie to shred some foliage (spruce boughs) and still knock down the bird if my swing is on target. Put a Limbsaver on her (much needed) and good to go, much lighter than my 12 gauge Ugaretchea SXS. At the ranges I shoot a 20 would probably be just as effective. Difficult to buy slugs as it would be nice to have a few for bear defence.
 
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