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Forums10
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Most Online1,344 Apr 29th, 2024
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 84
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 84 |
For years I have used size 6 lead shot at 1200 fps to great effect on pheasants. But now here in Kalifornia we are ordered to switch over to non-toxic shot for all game birds except on private "game farms". What do you folks suggest? Thanks...
GaryO
NRA
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,554 Likes: 184
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,554 Likes: 184 |
Subtract 2 for shot size and go up two for velocity
So #4 Steel at 1400 fps
Mike
USAF RET 1971-95
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,715 Likes: 114
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,715 Likes: 114 |
High speed steel two's work well for me on ducks and geese; ought to work fine for pheasants...Geo
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,800 Likes: 567
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,800 Likes: 567 |
Look into Bismuth if you can. You don't shoots cases of shells hunting so the cost per shell should not break you. Bismuth 5 or 4's should work well and are kind to old doubles.
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,383 Likes: 2
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,383 Likes: 2 |
For years I have used size 6 lead shot at 1200 fps to great effect on pheasants. But now here in Kalifornia we are ordered to switch over to non-toxic shot for all game birds except on private "game farms". What do you folks suggest? Thanks... As suggested above it can be done stylishly with #4 steel through modern Browning Citori or Beretta 6xx series over/unders.
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,441 Likes: 221
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,441 Likes: 221 |
I like KY Jon's suggestion. I can't imagne shooting steel out of my sxs's. Never had to use non-tox here in Michigan but if I did, it would be the "kinder" stuff. Karl
Last edited by Karl Graebner; 03/04/17 07:33 PM.
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 122 Likes: 9
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 122 Likes: 9 |
I started using the rule of thumb to go down 2 shot sizes (from 6 go 4). They weren't dead in the air like they were with lead, went to steel 3's. That was the ticket for me. For what it's worth, there is a report on steel shot that many game departments post done by Tom Roster and it suggests 2's for average game shots. That would seem too patchy to me, pattern-wise. But obviously, waterfowlers do OK with 2's. I use a skeet choke for pheasants over pointing dogs. Most (maybe all) of our public grounds in WA where pheasants are supplemented require non-toxic shot now. Wish lead were still legal but I just bought a Benelli Ultralight and persevered. Not a double but it handles well, I shoot it fine, and I don't care what I run through it.
Bruce
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 624 Likes: 3
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 624 Likes: 3 |
Tom Roster did a study on pheasants (and also ducks) leathality with steel. He determined that, for roosters, the appropriate steel was size no. 2. I have used #4 steel and it was inadequate at 30 yards. #2 shot was preferred for ducks as well. The point was, what killed the birds dead most often...
In other experience I have killed smaller geese and cranes with #3, #2, BB, and T steel. The #3 was relatively poor at any distance, breaking wings but not penetrating body cavity on a straight incoming shot. I choose BB's most often.
Have fun!
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,441 Likes: 39
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,441 Likes: 39 |
I am also stuck in CA and not happy about the lead ban. I have killed one pheasant with steel as an incidental target on a duck hunt. Load was Faststeel 3", 1-1/8oz #3 at about 30 yards, and that parrot was deader than most of the ones I have shot with lead. Not ideal, but it worked pretty well. I only have one SxS that I would be willing to use with steel, so I'll either use a Citori or 686 with steel, or HeviShot for the other SxSs. I have not had positive experiences with bismuth, but I did pick up a flat of 16ga when I stumbled into it, and I have a small stash of 20s that I have been hoarding.
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 654 Likes: 8
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 654 Likes: 8 |
I've done all my wild pheasant hunting with steel for nearly 25 years. When they are holding well, I'll use #4 in the first barrel and #2 in the second. When they are flushing at long range, I'll load #2 in both barrels. Kills 'em dead, even with a 20 ga.
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