Wingmaster23
New member
I don't know too much about ballistics, but, is 5 shot the "happy medium" for pheasant load? Thanks
Just bought a case of Federal PF 12 ga. 1 1/4 oz. of #5 at 1,500 fps at Walmart for $129.
First post on this forum and I'm fairly new to hunting wild pheasant but I will post my experience anyway.
I've shot a lot of released birds here in Arkansas(the only kind of pheasant we have) with light mod chokes in my little 16sxs and 7.5 shot behind pointing dogs. Kills them like a hammer.
I've two seasons on SW Kansas birds and the first year I used Fiocchi NP no 5shot with great success at any reasonable range. Last year I switched to the same load with no.6 shot and could not tell any real difference on the big birds. As a plus the 6's gave me a little more pattern density for the quail we encountered. This Kansas hunting was done the second week of the season.
Later in the season with wilder birds I can see where the larger shot might be a help, but in MY gun with I'TS patterns I will take the 6's for a greater percentage on hits in the head/neck for a quick kill at reasonable ranges.
My 2cents,
Bob
What gauge will this be shot out OF?? WIND,TYPE OF BIRD,RANGE OF SHOT, all need 2 b taken in 2 account when picking shot size. As was stated b4 #5 is best all around but #4 r gr8 when saeson is in full swing or wind kicks up out west!
The difference in wind drift between 4s and 6s is about 1.1 inches at 40yards with around 15mph wind.