Preferred Upland Loads?

[R.K.]

Thought I’d add a fun poll to pick everybody’s brain.

Last fall I started the season with 7.5 lead target loads from my 20ga. Worked great on young sharpies and huns that held tight.

As the season wore on, I found a new brand that I’d never heard of- B&P. They had nickel plated shot, in a heavy payload.

So I picked up a box of 6s, and it just seemed to kill everything- including two odd pheasants that held a little too tight. But most of the birds I encounter are sharpies and Huns, so I think I’ll stay with the 6s.

What about you- what’s your go-to shot size?

 

[Bulldog0156]

I like #6 game loads the best.

 

[2ski]

7.5 target loads? We like wounded birds? The only time I use 7.5 or 8's is training dogs while launching pigeons out of traps or dizzied chukar.

Not to sound mean but please don't use target loads on wild birds unless its doves.

 

[longbow51]

I loaded high-antimony 7.5s 1 1/4 oz 12 gauge shells for doves when I lived in Texas; great for late season when they were flying high.

 

[R.K.]

7.5 target loads? We like wounded birds? The only time I use 7.5 or 8's is training dogs while launching pigeons out of traps or dizzied chukar.

Not to sound mean but please don't use target loads on wild birds unless its doves.

No cripples, no misses, just pillows.

Opening day saw very close birds, and a new dog meant only choosing the right shots where the dog worked right. Which means ranges which the 7.5 was very effective.

And 7.5 is closer in size to a 6 than an 8. It’s not my preferred, but it did work.