questions about my modified choke 870 express magnum and small game hunting

[bhhacker]

I just got a remington 870 express magnum and was doing some patterning with targets and Im just absolutely painting a full 100 yard target paper.


I have never hunted squirrel with a shotgun but was looking to and I have to say, i probably would not be making shots further than 50 feet anyways.


I have read that you are to shoot for the head but this pattern while insuring ill hit the broad side of a barn P) will fill the critter with pellets right?


So far Ive used 7 1/2 shot and also 6 and both have filled up the target.


If i shoot at small game less than 50 feet away am i just going to blow it into hamburger meat? I am not looking to make one of those varmint videos, I just want to put food on the table.

 

[matrem]

# 6 or # 5 shot is ideal for squirrels from 50'.
It will not turn it into burger at all.
I prefer 5s over 6s as most 5s seem to exit even large fox squirrels.

 

[MCgunner]

Above shot suggestion is great. I have a box of 5s for my 20 gauge, but I much prefer to whack 'em with a .22 pistol or rifle.

 

[buck460XVR]

Yep, stick with the larger shot. Less of it, better chance of it passin' thru and easier to see before you bite on it and break a tooth. If your squirrels are still and you know where you shotgun shoots, instead of aiming directly at the squirrel and centering your pattern on the body, hold in front of the head and that way the majority of the shot will stay in the front half of the animal, with the densest part of the pattern hitting the head area.

 

[bhhacker]

Thanks for your responses all!


I have another question for you. What is the closeest you can shoot small game with the 5 or 6 shot?


If i come up on something 10 feel away and shoot will that devestate the meat?

 

[matrem]

If you're expecting a 10' shot, a head shot with a .22 would be advised.

 

[Art Eatman]

I'd definitely hold off to the side at ten or fifteen yards, to catch the edge of the pattern.

Leadburger ain't whatcha call edible.

 

[Patocazador]

Buy a replacement improved-cylinder choke tube and pattern the gun with it. It will give a wider, less dense pattern that will be adequate for dove, quail, snipe out to 35 yards and not blow everything away closer up. You can usually buy one for less than $20.
Use #6 for squirrels and rabbits and #7 1/2 for birds.

 

[rcmodel]

At 10', aim only for the head.

Your pattern will not be much larger then the head at that close a distance.

rc