is a 12ga to big
 

ok since i will get my shotgun a week after deerseason ends i figure since i like rabbit meat i will go rabbit huntingand squrrial hunting to help improve my aim and shootign style to get ready fornext year

is a 12 ga to big for rabbit and squrrial
or is it ok

if it is ok what size of round should i use

RE: is a 12ga to big
 

A 12 gauge is fine for rabbits and squirrel. I would use a #6 shot. It will list on the box what size shot they recommend for rabbit and squirrels.

RE: is a 12ga to big
 

It will work fine for both of them. Use either #6 or #7.5 shot and a Mod choke.

RE: is a 12ga to big
 

good i have some 7.5s that i haev had iting around since i owned my first mossberg 500 so they wont go to waste

RE: is a 12ga to big
 

Is a 12 ga to big??? No. Personally, if I could only have 1 gun to do everything and hunt everything then I would use and have used a 12 gauge. Use light loads like 7.5s for rabbits. I like to use 4 and 6s for squirrels.

RE: is a 12ga to big
 

A 12 gauge is all I've ever used...Dad gave me a double barrel when I was 12, choked modified and full...I've always used high brass 6s as that's what the gun preferred...With rabbits and squirrels you can also use low brass, since they have less powder and shot, you will put less into the game...I'd start with high brass and see if you put 4-6 shot into them, that's about how many you need to insure that 1-2 are in the vitals...

RE: is a 12ga to big
 

In 1947 my grandfather gave me a .410 single shot that he had brought from Spain in 1922. I used it on Rabbits and Squirrels until I received the Win mod 12 20ga. BTW, my family and I eat Rabbits and Squirrels.:)

When my father gave me my first shotgun in 1951 ( Winchester mod 12 20ga) I used it for Quail, Turkeys,Rabbit and Squirrels until my wife to bebought me a BRN A-5 12ga in 1966. My friend, if a 20ga can do it, I'm sure a 12ga can.

BTW, I still have the 3 shotguns!:)

RE: is a 12ga to big
 

The only differences between loads in a 410, 20 or 12 ga (and any inbetween) is the payload they can deliver. All of them will usually deliver a specific size shot at between 1200 and 1700 fps. The difference is the larger calibers can deliver more shot, like 1 once of shot verses a half ounce of shot. Basically you can put more pellets in the air for a denser pattern.

The down side is that means more pellets in the game sometimes, especially with smaller shot sizes like 7.5's.

A .410 shooting light field loads at 1250 fps is no less lethal than a 12 ga shooting the same size shot at the same speed, it just puts out more pellets is all. Which is why it kicks harder by the way, more weight to move at the same velocity equals more recoil.

For small game hunting I actually prefer larger shot, like 6,5 and 4's. I really like #4 shot in a fast moving shell. I will use pheasant loads for just about everything from bunnies to turkey. My theory is the larger the pellets, the less of them in the shell, the less of them you have to pick out of the animal;). Plus you can see them easier.

If you are even pondering using rifled slugs in a smooth bore shotgun get the 12 ga. 20 ga is good if you plan on using a rifled barrel with modern sabots, but for rifled slugs I would still suggest the 12 ga for the larger diameter slug.

My opinion anyway.

Paul

RE: is a 12ga to big
 

i plan on the 500 smooth bore 12gauge and beforenext gun season either getting a rifled barrel or just a complete rifledbarrel shotgun

i have some federal 71/2 1 1/8oz there 2 1/2inch shellsis that ok for rabbit and squrril

i alsohave omc 2oz 6s there 3 inch shells that i bought for turkey are they ok as well

RE: is a 12ga to big
 

I would go with the smaller loads for the bunnies. Are you sure they are not 2 3/4 instead of 2 1/2's ?

Unless you are pretty far away those turkey loads may tear a bunny up pretty good if you connect with it. Not to mention the recoil they will generate simply will not be worth it. I would save those babies for defense loads in your house.

Paul