Shotgun load / choke recommendations for rabbit
 

Hi, I'm going rabbit hunting this weekend, and I'm trying to decide which of my guns to use.

I have a 12 gauge O/U Browning Citori and have skeet, modified, and improved cylinder chokes for it. I think a 2 3/4" shell with about 1 ounce to 1 1/8 ounce of #6 shot will work. What do you think?

OR

I have a 20 gauge Remington 870 with a modified choke. I have some 2 3/4" shells with 1 ounce of #6 shot.

Do you guys think I need bigger shot? I seem to recall hunting quail with that load as a youngster, so I believe it should work on rabbits, but I'm open to suggestions.

Btw, I'll be using lead shot, as it is completely legal where I live.

Mac, Are you going fopr cottontails? If so the 20 ga. Rem. will serve you well.

Cottontails, jack rabbits, and snowshoe hares are all in season right now. When I was out elk hunting I saw cottontails and snowshoe hares, but no jacks.

I generally use a #6 shot and hunt cottontails. I use a modified choke tube for rabbits and it works pretty well. #4 shot is good for hunting heavy brush/cover. Some people use #7-1/2, but to me that's a little on the light side & a lot of pellets. Some run-of-the-mill #6 in 2-3/4" shell works well for most conditions. I usually buy the cheap stuff for bunny bustin' @ $5.99/box.

Oh yea... I'm using a 12ga Mossberg 500. But a 20ga will work great too. At least on cottontails. They are easy to kill.