what size shot
 

hey guys i am using a 500 mossberg what size shot would i use for pheasant and small game i can use 2 3/4 and 3in shells... and what size would you use for squirl...

RE: what size shot
 

I'd Use common game loads, 2.75" anywhere from 7.5-9shot.

RE: what size shot
 

I always use 7 1/2 for birds and 6 for squirrel and rabbits. I like a 20 ga for small game.

RE: what size shot
 

Squirrel I use 6
Phesant I use 6 in the beginning and 4 towards the end of the season

RE: what size shot
 

Whoever decides to use shot sizes smaller than 7 1/2 for pheasants will be seeing nearly everyone get away. I have enough trouble knocking them down with 7 1/2's though they do drop, but with life still in them. Usually for the first two weeks of the pheasant season I can get by with 7 1/2 game loads (low brass). After that it's either high-brass 7 1/2's or low brass 6's for the third week to about the 5th week. Then it is all high-brass to the end once they grow in all of their feathers for the winter. The largest I think would be needed for shot size is 5's but I have used high brass 4's for those long range shots at the end of the season. Most of my annual hunting is for pheasants. Few days in the spring for turkeys and maybe a week or so of deer, so I should know what works and what doesn't after shooting enough of them.

Don't hunt squirrel so couldn't tell ya.

RE: what size shot
 

Pheasants I use 5 shot.. Squirrels and such i use 7 shot.

RE: what size shot
 

I have never seen #7's available. I thought it jumps from 6's to 7 1/2's. I am sure you could probably get it custom, but not standard on the shelves at the store.