doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com SXS Pheasant Loads

I am sure the debate has gone down numerous times on this forum, but I can't get the search engine to work so I'll table it again. I have been a believer in heavy loads for pheasant primarily based on a bigger is better basis. Most recently it has been the Fiochi GPX in 5s. It was with interest that I saw recent advice to one of my postings suggesting that I don't need to use (and shouldn't use) loads like that in my SXSs. After some preliminary research on loads I came across an individual that espoused the use of a "balanced load" or a "square load" where the column width is as high as the width. This is based on minimizing shot deformation with a focused pattern resulting. My past thinking was nickel/copper plating to accomplish the same thing and deliver more down-range energy. The recommendation was 1oz 3 dram loads with good antimony content; in other words high end target loads. It piqued my interest enough to do some more research and offer it up for the sage advice of my BBS consultants. What say you?

Last year, I used a 1 oz #5 shot 1150 fps load on wild early season phez in SD. It worked well. I didn't feel I needed more velocity or shot. BTW, that load recoils like a standard 20g.

The standard (non HV) Golden Pheasant Loads in #5 16 gauge work great for me and my SxS.

Here's some good threads discussing payload and shot size for wild birds:
http://www.16ga.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=186&start=15
http://www.16ga.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=945
http://www.16ga.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=192
http://www.16ga.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2067

Didn't wish to add the 'skunk squirtin' match' that these questions lead to over on SS BB.

I also went back through these threads to put together a rough 'poll' as to shot size and 16g loads used for pheasants. Everybody pretty much agreed ANY load will kill a pheasant if you can shoot them in the head, the problem is the late season and going away bird AND everybody agreed you need to adjust the load to the circumstances. Most everybody also agreed that wild pheasants are such a prize (gift) that we are obligated to use loads that will reliable kill them dead in the air.

mod11rem- 1 1/8 4s
Dr 16g- 6s
16GG- 1 oz 6s to 1 3/8 4s
Larry Brown liked B&P 7s and 6s and Kent Upland
TJC- 1 1/8 Super-X and esp. Fiocchi GP in 6s
SquareLoad- 5s
Cedar 16-5s
brdhnt- GPs 5s
Longwalker- 1 1/8 5s
jparkers- 1 oz 6 to 1 3/8 4s
Wolfchief- 1oz 6
JC Morella- 1 oz 5s and 6s
NE- 1 oz 71/2 and 6
kb- 5s

The low life philistines I hunt with in S. Dakota all shoot SBEs or Montefeltros and the outfitter almost demands they use Federal Premium Wing Shok 1 and 1/4 oz 4s to avoid lost birds-and indeed the birds are dead when they hit the ground. I can't handle that recoil and have used the 12g 1 and 1/8 oz load but wish they'd make it in 5s.

RDD,
I used a 20g for much of my hunt this year in SD early season. I was shooting a 391 with 1oz #5 factory Remington Nitro Phez loads. These shells clobber them. You might try moving down to a 20g where you can find the load you're looking for.

Oh Chuck...
How could I hunt with my 16s if I 'moved down' to a 20??
No matter how discouraging it is that Sportsman's Warehouse down the street carries every possible permutation of 20 in every shot size while the 16s are only 1 1/8 and 1 1/4 4s, 6s, and 7 1/2s ;(

Kent Ultimate (lead)
1 oz #6 shot ( diamond shot)
1200fps
10,000 psi
light recoil, reloadable cheddite case
I ordered mine from Ballistic Products

Thanks Keith-Just last week I e-mailed Kent regarding the pressures of that load. Very few of the makers or sellers publish pressure data for their 16 loadings and I'm waiting to hear back from Federal (Game Shok), Westly Richards, Eley (Grand Prix and VIP), ARMUSA (Hi Vel), and Polywad (Spred-R.) So far I've got data on Gamebore Traditional Game, B&P F2 Classic, RST, and the Bismuth UGL16 and will start a thread once I know more.

Whats the matter with the 1 1/4 of #6s? Or even the 1 1/8?

I've hunted [wild] pheasants in all kinds of cover that presents most shot scenarios and can't remember losing a bird because it wasn't hit 'hard enough' or with 'big enough' shot. Primarily I use a 12 ga. SW with 65mm S&B #6's or B&P Gold 65mm #6's (diamond shot as I recall, not that it matters?). I believe that Euro #6 shot would be considered #7 in the US. These shells are easy on my old gun and probably on me as well. In 20 ga. I do use 3" shells if available and b/c my Superposed handles them, but go with regular #6 shot. The birds aren't crippled and if a hun presents a shot I don't have to worry about obliterating it with a bigger heavier load. In my opinion, the pheasant is not a tough bird to kill if you hit it.

Respectfully,
jmc