7 1/2 shot in a twenty gauge

zak123 · 01-02-2007, 02:40 PM

I am taking my twenty gauge out for a squirrel hunt tomorrow morning. I have several boxes of dove shot (7 1/2), and I was wondering if I could use it for squirrel hunting. I am shooting a twenty gauge with a modified choke. The shot patterns well, but I fear its size will limit my distance. How far, assuming the pattern is acceptable, would this shot be productive? Thanks

buckhunter14 · 01-02-2007, 04:40 PM

I wouldn't use a 20 ga. for squirell hunting. For the little meat you do get out of squirell, the 7 1/2 shot will ruin the rest.

For the answer of your question, I have no clue. Maybe 30 yards. That is a clear shot with no brush in the way. 6 shot would do you better off.

Pygmy · 01-02-2007, 04:44 PM

Perhaps 35 yards, which is plenty of range for most squirrel hunting..

7 1/2 shot will kill squirrels OK, but it puts too many pellets in the eatin' meat for my taste... I much prefer #6 shot, and 5s and 4s work well also..

The problem with 4s are that they tend to pull too much hair into the pellet wound...IMHO 6s are the best choice..If you are hunting squirrels with a shotgun, it's tough to beat either 7/8 oz. or 1 ounce of 6s in a 20 gauge...

outdoorslover · 01-02-2007, 05:11 PM

I would say that 35 yards is max as well. The 7 1/2 should work very well if you don't wanna eat the squirrels(I don't). I have used it before and it will shoot them up pretty well. If you wanna eat them you shouldn't use a shotgun anyways.

zak123 · 01-02-2007, 05:19 PM

I have a twelve gauge with several boxes of six shot. Would this be better idea, or should I just go out and buy some larger shot for my twenty gauge?

TEmbry · 01-02-2007, 05:30 PM

that 12 gauge will work fine too. basically what they were saying was itll work if you dont wanna eat them, if so go with a .22 rifle or larger shot size.

southern_hunter194 · 01-02-2007, 05:43 PM

i would use a 22 or a 17 because a 20 gauge will mess the meat on the squirrel and maby tear the squirrel the **** up

kevin1 · 01-03-2007, 05:44 AM

I shoot that exact rig , and it takes tree rats down at 30-35 yards with a single shot . Yes , you'll get a pellet or two in the meat , but they lose energy so fast upon entry that the pellets don't go in further than their own diameter . I just flick them out with my thumbnail while cleaning .

buck_hunter14 · 01-07-2007, 12:58 PM

7 1/2 shot will taer the squirrel to pieces i use 4shot!

joejoepeck · 01-07-2007, 01:19 PM

Istarted out hunting squirrels with a 20 gauge and size 6 shot. 7 1/2 will work.It isn't to hard to pick out shot they don't go to deep in the squirrels.And onthe range question, go ahead and try it at what ever range you want, you might get lucky. Butyou probably won't get one past 35 yds.