gauge-choke-shot size- location

[RHYRE]

Gauge-choke-shot size-location.

Just trying to see what you guys are using.

I shoot a 12 gauge with a full to mod choke with 4 shot. I live in wv and we have several grouse. I like the heavier loads when the grouse flush out @ 40 yards. It puts the slam on the bunnies too!

[johng]

lt 20 gauge 1100 remington full choke i use 6 shot

[hogbody]

20 gauge #6 shot. Imp. Cyl. in early season when brush is thick and short shots are the norm. Will change to Mod. later when snow and less brush affords longer shots. Only takes a few BB's to kill a rabbit. Hate to tear them up with tight chokes and heavy loads.

[Schag]

I use a 28 gauge side-by-side with modified and full choke 6 shot.

I also use a 16 gauge side-by-side modified and full choke 6 shot.

[wvcooner]

G y'all wanna Put a hurtin on'em don't ya I shoot over under 28ga. First shot (top barrel) improved. Second shot full and that's shootin 6.5 target loads I've been doing pretty good with that set-up
Jason

[TrlBustinBeagle]

I use either a 12 or 20 guage with modified choke tube with Federal High brass 6 shot. Have no problems reaching out 40 yards or putting them down in the thick stuff.

[deerhost]

I started using a 28 gauge with 7 shot and Im/cyl. I love it. Its shoots and patterns real well. Perfect for rabbit. Absolutly deadly and its so light, it feels like your carrying a broom stick, and very little recoil....DH

[stavemillbeagles]

over/under 28 gauge 6 shot first shot improved, second shot full choke

[Duke]

Pattern Kills. Did a post on this once and a lot of guys didnt like the facts.

I use 7.5 heavy loads in all guages. Primarily hunt with a 20 guage with improved cylinder.....410 with full choke..........if I use a 12 guage its cylinder bore or improved cylinder. The further out the game the more your odds decrease of hitting it with larger shot.

1 oz of 7.5 = 350 pellets. 1 oz of 6 = 225 pellets. 1 oz of 4 = 135 pellets. Shooting 1 oz of 7.5 out of and improved cylinder will place 199.5 pellets in a 30 inch circle. Shooting 1 oz of 4 out of a FULL choke will place 101.25 pellets in the same 30 inch circle. In other words you will have a larger and more fuller shot pattern with lighter shot even with a more open choke. This will increase your odds of hitting your target. You basically double the amount of shot in the killing pattern with 7.5 from an improved cylinder over 4 shot in a full choke. And the amount of shot rapidly gets thinner at 40 yds and exponentially decrease your odds of hitting your target with number 4 shot.

Go out with easel paper and try your shotguns out with all the chokes at 20 30 and 40 yards with various shots, you will be surprised at what you find out. You may also find out that the pattern may not be centered for your gun and perhaps you can make some changes to become more efficient and effective with it.

In conclusion with modern high velocity shot shells you will have a larger, fuller and more lethal shot pattern for light game like rabbits quail and even grouse all the way out to 40 yds with smaller shot and more open chokes.

[RHYRE]

I will agree with you on a better/more dense pattern, but I have a hard time believing that a 7.5 will break a rabbit leg or a grouse wing at 40 yards. I have shot game with lite shot and killed game but I have seen a lot birds get knocked sideways and keep flying OR rabbits hit and make it to a hole or the dogs pick them up 50 yards later. 4's break bones and put meat on my table!

[prairie]

Duke,

My experience mirrors what you are saying, most hunters use to much choke and to large of shot size. Shooting your favorite choke/load combination at paper will tell you the real story.
My ideal all around pick for a rabbit gun would be a 20 or 28 gauge, improved cylinder, and #7 1/2 shot.
I do most of my cottontail shooting with a .410 side by side with full chokes and 2 1/2" or 3" #7 1/2 shot loads. A .410 is absolutely not a beginning shooters gun as it is to hard to hit with. Pattern a .410 on paper against anything else and it will be obvious.
For jackrabbits a 12 gauge modified choke is preferred, and #6 shot for more energy at longer ranges.
For snowshoe hare I like the the 28 or 20 gauge combination listed above.
But that being said, use whatever works for you.

[D.Gross]

I shoot a Model 12- 20 ga, Mod original bore. Had it tapped out a bit years ago. I shoot Winchester# 7 1/2 high brass or# 6's high brass. Been shooting it for 55 years along with Itheca side by side- 20 gauge that was my Father's. Shoot same ammo.
I just turned 71 the day before Christmas and have killed piles of rabbits with those combos. Don't often shoot 40 yards as always shooting over dogs but those loads will break a bunnie's leg, no problem.
I've shot lots of pheasants with the Model 12 shooting # 6 high brass. Kills them dead.
I agree, it is a personal choice. I just like my two guns.
Pic of side by side.

[Duke]

Just giving some facts for guys to mull over. Remember we are not shooting our grandfathers shells anymore. High Brass or Heavy Load shells offer some extreme velocity now, some shells even brag of having over 1300 FPS and that will carry a lot of energy a long way. Again use what you want and enjoy shooting.

I even hunt with a 410 pistol and boy I miss a lot with that, so its not always about killing, but if your looking for the ultimate load for the shotgun and choke you use, take some time and enjoy some range time and experiment with different loads and chokes.

Oh and Mr. Gross that is a beautiful firearm!!!!! There is something to be said about tradition and the passing down of a good hunting shotgun or rifle to someone you love!!!!! Kinda keeps them in the field with you everytime you go out.

[Shotgun John]

20 guage-full choke-7 1/2's low brass-virginia

[rinkydink]

this reminds me of the debate of whether you should use a 30-06 or 300 win mag on deer. or should you use 150 grain bullets or 165 grain. It doesn't matter. Hit them right by taking a makeable shot, and you will kill them

Same with rabbits.

I prefer #6 shot, but that is what I was taught a lot of years ago. It works so why change. ALL gauges are good. It is a matter of personal preference. My preference of a choke is skeet. I now have moved to a 28 guage to get a smaller and lighter gun--but it does not kill them any deader.

Tom aka rinkydink