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.

 

[El Jason]

I buy Fiocchi HV 2 3/4” in either 5 or 6 shot. I shoot sixes early in the year and switch to fives when it gets colder and the plumage is thicker and heavier. I almost hit two cases worth last year.

I will sometimes use 7 1/2 for grouse, but usually sixes.

 

[brymoore]

Deadest pheasant I’ve killed was shot with 8s. I was grouse hunting and didn’t have any other size rounds.

I’ve played all over the scale. I still pick up 5s occasionally for Sage grouse and Pheasants. Both die with 6s too.

I’m lazy and usually shoot one size for the most part. It was 6s for years. I switched to 7.5s two years ago. Lots of dead wild partridge. I didn’t see anything different in bird reaction to the shot. My hit ratio seemed to go up fine.

One of my sons used 20 gauge 7.5s for 10 years without problems. I had a stash from a mispurchase from a buddy.

Improved cylinder over points is my other fun point. Shooting skeet during the summer is my best preparation.

 

[Sask hunter]

I usually use 7.5’s early and 6’s later. Ruffie 7.5 all year

 

[D4570]

I reload my own, 1 oz or 1 1/8oz, depending on the hull I'm using. BUT I reload duplex loads of 7.5 and 5s. Half and half, 1200/1250 fps. OMG, it is a fabulous mix. I use it on partridge, grouse, and pheasants all year long.

 

[Rack Daniels]

Definitely looking forward to seeing what is most common shot size… lol

 

[Nick87]

I like 7 shot personally (no not 7.5) if you can find them. Remington extra long range express game loads. Not easy to find around here though. They hit harder than any other factory load I've used.

 

[WildWill]

Upland besides pheasant means quail or dove for me. My favorite load is #7 shot for those birds. I'll add I almost always am using steel shot as I hunt a lot of wetlands where it's required.

 

[Nick87]

I dont even know if they still make those actually. Need to do some looking.

 

[Birdbander]

I use #7 Winchester Xpert steel in 20ga for dove, quail, woodcock, & ruffed grouse from the start of season to the end. I do switch to #6 same brand when hunting blues.

 

[Birdbander]

Definitely looking forward to seeing what is most common shot size… lol
View attachment 408464

Maybe let 'em get a little farther