MNPheasantHunter

Hello all, im just wondering what is the best shot for pheasants? i currently use 6 shot, but im open to any suggestions, but make sure it is steel because we dont want lead!! Thank you for your help in advance. BTW i use a 20 gauge

Worc

In steel I would go with #4, #3, #2. Lead would be #6, #5, #4.

slugman

#4 for steel

MNPheasantHunter

ok ty, so i should say screw 6 shot for steel? im using 4 shot now!

Bartz_25

Don't shoot the same shot. Do combos. Like 4-4-2 or 6-4-2. Then also 2in for first couple shells then go to 3in.

gselkhunter

The rule of thumb is to go up one size in steel, if you shoot 6 in lead go to 5 in steel. Question, do you have to shoot steel? The reason I ask, is all the data on shotgun patterns says lead will pattern best. Then platted lead, then steel. Also chamber pressure on steel loads are high and hard on your gun. I broke a choke tube in my SKB O/U shooting steel. It was an IC choke tube, so I wasn't over choked for steel. I went out and got a Winchester 1300 for shooting steel. I know on a lot of Federal properties you have to shoot non-toxic shot, is this your situation? And I am also a believer in shooting multiple sizes. First #6, second #5 in lead. And that is for my 20ga and my 28ga. I will jump up to 5 then 4 on high wind days.
Gselkhunter

MNPheasantHunter

as far as that, no we dont have to use steel, but my dad would prefer it so our dog doesn't get lead poisning, or even us get lead poisning. But maybe im wrong, maybe lead wont hurt your dog/us....
EDIT: please reply back gselkhunter, about wether or not we'd get lead poisning, or our dog would get lead poisning. cause were buying shells tomorrow (friday night)