Shot size and rabbit hunting

I'd go with the 4s if steel. Doesn't take many to down a rabbit and the 4s will be easier to pick out before you break a tooth.

I normally use 6's, but I think I'd go with the 4's for steel. Just like papaG said, it makes it easier to pick out any shot

The basic rule of thumb with steel is to go up 2 sizes larger than lead. I'd normally think #6 lead ideal, so #4's in steel should be a good choice.

Ditch the steel for rabbits. Lead works better.

7s will work. It seems I got more range from 4s or 5s though.

When my father and I used to do rabbits we used six shot because it was easy to find during cleaning. I don't use steel for anything because teeth are not really permanent if you don't get all of the shot out. I know this for a fact.

jmr40 said:

The basic rule of thumb with steel is to go up 2 sizes larger than lead. I'd normally think #6 lead ideal, so #4's in steel should be a good choice.

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No 6's were always my choice in lead. So, I agree with this.

How about .22LR?

Having shot a hundred or so rabbits dead with a .17 caliber pellet rifle ( OK it was a 1200 fps feinwerkbau ) I would say you'd be fine with a 22lr.

4's, 5's or 6's for Bugs. Steel isn't required, unless your local fish and game or whatever it's called there says it is.

Rabbits are in abundance at right at sundown in areas where they congregate. Mornings not so much..

Rabbits are in abundance at right at sundown in areas where they congregate. Mornings not so much.. Done shot me a LOT of rabbits.

#6 for little Bunnies, #5 for big Rabbits and Slugs for Bugs Bunny 'cause that is one Waskly Wabbit

I used to run 4's all of the time, of course I was using a shotgun with a cut down barrel and no choke

JudgeHolden10 said:

That may be the reason why we only jumped four. Unfortunately, they were all on the other side of the line. 'Twas a beautiful morning to be walking the fields, though. We had sunny skies and mid-30s temperatures, so I'm not complaining.

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Glad you had fun. I assume somebody had some shooting. Rabbits are much affected by the weather. Sometimes you almost have to physically kick them to jump them (they sit so tight). Other times, they jump out 30 yds ahead of you and dogs the only practical way to successfully hunt them. Used to absolutely love rabbit hunting with good beagles. Just like to watch the dogs work.

I would pick up a box of #6's (lead) my self if you are going to be stomping the fields, brush, and briars. We hunted with dogs most of the time. I stopped caring about the score and began just carrying a 22 rifle. Did pretty well actually with it in comparison with a shotgun.

I had no idea rabbit hunting was as you described. I hunt ruffed grouse and pheasant..... Rabbit sounds fun.

I thought they were pests that need to be controlled.

Only the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch shall suffice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8QaslKkRzQ

They can be a bit pesty if you have a garden. Jack rabbits are considered a pest. The rabbit hoards I have read about in Australia were truly pests.

There is an image to keep one awake nights......The Rabbit Hordes of Oz.....

brrrrrr.


-kBob

i like a double barrel for rabbits, a 20ga browning with 1 0z #4,s in the mod barrel and 1-1/8 #6,s in the full barrel. if close the #4 pattern is big enough to kill, but not fill the rabbit full of shot and the #6,s in the full barrel will take care of the longer shot with a fuller pattern. eastbank.

kBob said:

There is an image to keep one awake nights......The Rabbit Hordes of Oz.....

brrrrrr.


-kBob

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Germany was just as bad when I was stationed there. At sundown the landscape looked like fleas on a dog with so many of the things hopping around. I did my best to help fix the problem and thankfully never got caught.