Shot size for smaller birds
 

What shot size have you been using for smaller birds, eg, quail. (Not meaning to dredge up stuff on the accident here.) I have used the 12 gauge and #6 shot exclusively on local tasty pheasants, but I am looking at going to a lighter and faster (20 or 28 guage) shotgun for the small fast movers. Would like to hear what works!

RE: Shot size for smaller birds
 

What works for me in my 20 gauge, is I get 1220 speed,1 ounce of shot in 7.5 or 8 shot. I go with usually a light modified choke. The light modified is .005 looser than a true modified. If I'm shooting my O/U I will have an improved cyclinder in the bottom light mod. in the top for quail and hungarian partridge. Chukers; I go same size shot and speed, but light mod bottom and true mod in the top. it seems to me they take more of hit to bring down.

RE: Shot size for smaller birds
 

71/2 shot outta a 28ga seems to be more than adequit fer 78 year old lawyers:D

RE: Shot size for smaller birds
 

most of my clients shoot 12ga with standard upland game/target loads.
the house brand here is AA super sport with 1 1/8oz #8

If you want a challenge try a 410 2 1/2" shell with 1/2oz #8 this is what i shoot in a AA it still has a velocity of 1300 fps
i love my single shot 410 if i miss i will miss em clean

Besides True Quail Hunting is all about the Bird Dog, Quail, and being in the outdoors with good friends

RE: Shot size for smaller birds
 

Dale, I couldn't agree with you more, just walking thought the fields in the off season and the law allows. I love to take my Brittany out and just watch him hunt birds. It keeps both of us in shape and the weight down.

RE: Shot size for smaller birds
 

Biscuit takes notes. In my shooting life, I have done very little bird hunting so I appreciate the comments. Just curious, does anyone know for sure what size shot that poor soul was hit with in Texas?

RE: Shot size for smaller birds
 

I mostly hunt Grouse and Woodcock, and have found 7 1/2 's to be sufficient for the chore. Later in the season, as the forest thins, and the grouse become a bit jumpy I will back the 7 1/2 's with a 6. My 20g is choked sk/ic, while my 28g is chocked sk/sk.

Should I hunt pheasant, or quail around here I would use the same loads, except I would always go 7 1/2-6 on pheasant whether it be early season or late, and just 7 1/2's for quail.

I prefer 1 ounce loads, but ussually buy whatever is available.

These loads, and shot sizes might seem a bit light to a hard core pheasant hunter pursuing wild birds, but around here all the pheasant and quail are released birds.

Most important is having a gun you shoot well, and putting the pellets where you need them.

RE: Shot size for smaller birds
 

i would go with the #6 shot

RE: Shot size for smaller birds
 

prolly #8

RE: Shot size for smaller birds
 

I agree...6, 7.5, 8, or 9 will all do the trick.