Best Shot Size For 20 Gauge

vaslugger · 07-20-2008, 03:43 PM

Going to buy a Remington 870 20 gauge shotgun
this week for early squirrel season.Need to also
buy some shells and would like to know the best
size shot you have used for squirrels and turkey.
Also what brand have you had the best success
with.The gun comes with a modified choke but
I will also buy some other chokes.Thanks for any
input you can give! Mike

keyshunter · 07-21-2008, 05:48 AM

Mike,
20 gauges tend to pattern better with smaller shot. This is not a hard and fast rule, however. The only way to find out is to pattern the gun with different shot sizes. I would start with #6 shot.

Pro-Line · 07-21-2008, 06:18 AM

In my experience, Keyshunter is right. I'd start with #6.

If you are hunting early season with a ton of leaves...see if #4 or #5 patterns well out of your gun.

Through all those leaves, I like the bigger shot for squirrels.

I like 6's for turkeys.

retrieverman · 07-21-2008, 10:32 AM

Patterning is a good suggestion, but I have hunted and KILLED squirrels for over 30 years with many brands of #6 shot and never patterned my gun.

skybuster20ga · 07-21-2008, 04:00 PM

i have a few 0's but my fav is a remington upland special 1187. ive tried a couple of different makes of chokes from hastings and briley and ended up hunting w/ the factory chokes believe iut or not. on woodcock and partridge i use a imp cyl w/ #7.5 and 8 from kent or remington both 1oz. hunting rabbits and squirrel i use #5 remingtons 1oz w/ a mod choke and hunting ducks and geese i use the mod choke w/ 3" kent fasteel 7/8oz #2 and #4.

vaslugger · 07-21-2008, 10:25 PM

Thanks so much guys to all who responded.Going wednesday morning
to buy a Remington 870 wingmaster in 20 gauge.Never had a 20 before
but have shot one plenty of times.I have a couple of 12 gauges but just
wanted something smaller and light as it weighs only 6 1/4 pounds.Just
want a fun gun that wont make my young boy recoil shy when he shoots
at a squirrel for first time.Lots of leaves here in early season so I will get
a box of #4 and #6 and pattern them! Thanks so much! Mike

bronko22000 · 07-24-2008, 06:54 AM

If you go for doves you may want to pick up a box or 2 of 7 1/2s or 8s. These will be good for shoting clays too to give your young lad some practice (more shot = more hits = more fun/confidence).