Community
Upland Bird Hunting Whether you are into pheasants or grouse, quail or chukars, find out what you need to know here.

upland loads

Thread Tools
 
Old 02-26-2008 | 09:11 PM
  #1  
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From:
Default upland loads

What is your favorite load for pheasants, partridge, grouse, quail?
I am looking at getting an over under i am not sure if i want a 12 or 20 gauge.
has anyone used 20 gauge 3 inch 1 1/4 ounce 1300fps6's or 12 gauge 1 3/8 ounce 2 3/4 inch 1500fps 6's from federal let me know what you thought.
stumper is offline  
Reply
Old 02-27-2008 | 02:50 AM
  #2  
Fork Horn
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
From: Kenly, North Carolina
Default RE: upland loads

I just got a Stoeger O/U 20 gauge and I am liking it. I like shooting #5 or 6s for pheasant don't do much of the other
Cessna Flyer is offline  
Reply
Old 02-27-2008 | 08:16 PM
  #3  
SouthDakotaHunter's Avatar
Nontypical Buck
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 0
From:
Default RE: upland loads

I've been shooting a 12ga for years now... If I'm shooting lead I'll shoot 6-7 shot early in the season and then 4 and 5 shot later in the year... If I'm shooting steel, I shoot 4's pretty much the whole year.

20ga works just fine on pheasants too - had a side be side that I used years ago...
SouthDakotaHunter is offline  
Reply
Old 02-29-2008 | 08:41 AM
  #4  
Typical Buck
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 647
Likes: 0
From:
Default RE: upland loads

In 20 gauge, I've always used 7.5-6 for quail and 4s for pheasant
In 12 I actually use 8s for quail and 6s for pheasant
IndyHunter83 is offline  
Reply
Old 02-29-2008 | 11:40 PM
  #5  
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From:
Default RE: upland loads

For me personally depends if it is early season with a pointing dog or a flushing dog. Early season with a pointing dog on pheasants I use 6 shots, but if it is a flushing dog I use 6 high brass to a 5. Then later in the season I go to strickly 4 shot lead or steel. But if it is on quail I just use 6 in low brass on first shot then high brass on second shot all season. And that is pretty much the same on both guns. I personally shot a SxS 12 and a SxS 20, and on rare ocassion I like to try my luck with the SxS 410 but I usually don't do well with that gun.
BKL Gundogs is offline  
Reply
Old 03-01-2008 | 09:12 AM
  #6  
Edcyclopedia's Avatar
Nontypical Buck
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,045
Likes: 0
From: S. NH
Default RE: upland loads

I have a Browning "upland special" over and under 12 ga.
I love this gun and have hunted with it for over14 years.
I picked it for many reasons..
#1) 24" barrel length so it's real nice in tight NH woodlands.
#2) It's light, @ well under 7 lbs, so carrying it around all day doesn't kill you.
#3) I mostly go after Grouse, Woodcock & Rabbit and have tried many shell manufactures and have
found that Federal (target) #8 shot, holds the best pattern and doesn't blow the crap out of the birds.
#4) I go up to a heavy Federal #6 for Pheasants, which is only a couple of times a year, and kicks like a mule, considering the weight of the gun.

Attached is a picture of a day in the field with my buddies
(this is with no dogs, just me, as I'm the short one and can get into tight places)
Edcyclopedia is offline  
Reply
Old 03-01-2008 | 09:13 AM
  #7  
Edcyclopedia's Avatar
Nontypical Buck
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,045
Likes: 0
From: S. NH
Default RE: upland loads

I can't get my pics under 100kb, any advice?
Edcyclopedia is offline  
Reply
Old 03-01-2008 | 09:15 AM
  #8  
Edcyclopedia's Avatar
Nontypical Buck
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,045
Likes: 0
From: S. NH
Default RE: upland loads

Here are the pics, resolution is horrible
Edcyclopedia is offline  
Reply
Old 03-01-2008 | 09:16 AM
  #9  
Edcyclopedia's Avatar
Nontypical Buck
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,045
Likes: 0
From: S. NH
Default RE: upland loads

last one
Edcyclopedia is offline  
Reply
Old 03-03-2008 | 09:28 PM
  #10  
GSPsnFORDs's Avatar
Typical Buck
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 950
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
Default RE: upland loads

For quail, I use a 20ga. CitoriFeatherweightO/U and shoot a Skeet choke with a 2 3/4" 7 1/2's or 8'sin the bottom barrel and a Mod. choke with 3" 7 1/2's in the top barrel. For pheasants I usually have to use steel shot because there are no wild birds in So. IL. and have to resort to released hunts on DNR ground...use 4 shot steel or 6 shot lead (for preserve hunts)...typically a Mod. choke for steel and Imp. choke for lead...depending on conditions.

EDIT: Edcyclopedia...I love the feel of the 12ga. upland specials...the straight grip combined with the schnabel (sp?) forearm...I have always wanted one!
GSPsnFORDs is offline  
Reply


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.