Dove loads
#13
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location:
Posts: 41
RE: Dove loads
Wow, i am surprised to see people say 4s and 6s for doves...that would blow them up...ive tried. I personally reload my own shells for doves...just works out nicely. I like 7 1/2 reclaimed shot (recycled) becaause its not exactly round and it speads for a nice pattern. I dont like buying the 7 1/2s at wal mart for 2.98 because they are only 7/8 ounce loads...if you have ever ripped on open...it seems like there is only 20 bbs in there...oh yeah...12 gauge
#14
RE: Dove loads
I just recenlty got a .410 (Christmas) and haven't had a chcane to use it on anything besides rabbits. It seemed to work good using 6 shot 2 1/2 and 3 inch, but i was wondering if 3 inch or 2 1/2 would be better for dove.
#15
RE: Dove loads
ORIGINAL: seth07
what size sheels and shot do you guys use to hunt doves. also i have been told to use everything from a 12 with a 3 in shell to a .410 so what do you think
what size sheels and shot do you guys use to hunt doves. also i have been told to use everything from a 12 with a 3 in shell to a .410 so what do you think
#16
RE: Dove loads
A 12ga works but it can be overkill for doves. A 20ga 2.75" shell 7.5 or 8 shot will work fine. If you're a good shot then you could consider 28ga or even .410. The main problem with those gauges is that you can go through a lot of shells dove hunting, and generally the 28 & .410 cost a bit more than 12 or 20. (unless you reload)
#6 shot might give you a bit more range, but hit a dove with a full pattern and see what you got left.(my friend hit a cock pheasant at 35yds in the center of the pattern with a 20ga choked IC and it was nearly blown to pieces, he left it in the field.)
#6 shot might give you a bit more range, but hit a dove with a full pattern and see what you got left.(my friend hit a cock pheasant at 35yds in the center of the pattern with a 20ga choked IC and it was nearly blown to pieces, he left it in the field.)
#17
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: St. Mary\'s County Maryland USA
Posts: 393
RE: Dove loads
4's? 6's? way too much for doves. I go with the lightest loads i can get my hands on. if i see 9's for sale ill get them but usually they only have 8's or 7.5's. that's all you need. doesn't take much to knock them down.
#20
RE: Dove loads
i usuallly use a full or mod. but ive done it with a superfull turkey choke before when i forgot all my others at the house a few of the dove were ruined though from being hit with a little to much shot