ok, i just got back from pheasant hunting. got up a cock and a hen missed both shots. we think the got clipped due to the way the landed and ran but never got them back up. now i'm using a full choke w/4 shot steel and my buddy was using a modified w/4 shot lead & steel. is patterns seemed to be a little bigger. does any one know the sizing of choke patterns. at 10-15 yards i appear to be throwing out a 8-11 inche pattern. i know i need more practice because last weekend i got a bird at about 13 yards. i just what to use the best set up (round and choke) and i dont now if what im using any good?
shotgun chokes
- Thread starter tiko_joe
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rcmodel
Member in memoriam
If they are getting up close due to cold weather or dogs pointing them, you need an Improved Cylinder, or at most, a Modified.
If they are running and flushing way out there you need a modified or full.
In any case you will have the best success with 1 1/4 oz of #5 or #6 lead shot.
Most folks are way over-choked with todays shot-cup shells, and a full choke guns shoots like a rifle. You will kill far more birds with an IC, or at the most Modified choke.
The ones you do manage to hit centered at 15 to 30 yards with a full choke will be hamburger meat and unfit to eat.
rcmodel
If they are running and flushing way out there you need a modified or full.
In any case you will have the best success with 1 1/4 oz of #5 or #6 lead shot.
Most folks are way over-choked with todays shot-cup shells, and a full choke guns shoots like a rifle. You will kill far more birds with an IC, or at the most Modified choke.
The ones you do manage to hit centered at 15 to 30 yards with a full choke will be hamburger meat and unfit to eat.
rcmodel
Bartkowski
Member
I use an IC choke if I plan on shooting under 25 yards for rabbit and other small game. A full choke is generally used for turkey not pheasants. I like to use 2 3/4" shell with 1 1/8 or 1 1/4 oz. of 5 or 6 shot for my small game and would probably use #5 for pheasant.
RNB65
Member
There's only one way to find out -- setup a pattern board and see for yourself what your pattern looks like. You're not going to learn anything by guessing. Sheets of paper will tell you all you need to know.
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