Best Steel Shot Size

8

870-Lefty

Member
Is a 12 ga. 2&3/4" 1&1/8 or 1&1/4 oz. load of #4 steel effective on wild pheasants? I know #2 steel is supposed to be the best but I want a little better pattern density. I was thinking #3 steel would be good but I can't find any in a 2&3/4" load locally and most places on the internet have rediculous shipping charges.
 
4's can be effective if you don't take to long of shots. I use 4's in my 16 ga. with 15/16 oz. of shot and do just fine. In 12 ga. I do prefer 3's. I've had very good luck with Federal Premium Steel 2 3/4", 1 1/4 oz. of #3's.
 
Rooster Roaster said:
3's sound optimum, but I haven't tried them. That said, I have been 100% satisfied with Kent Fasteel 2's.
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Yeah, I like those too. I get a lot of heat for using them because they're a cheaper shell, but man, those things work for me for some reason:confused:. Pheasants and ducks.

For heaver late season loads I'll back Kent's up with Rem. Hyper-steel or Nitro. Those things do the job for those further shots.
 
The original lethality tests showed that #2 steel is optimal. At that time steel really sucked. I would imagine that fast steel 3s is best.
 
calamari said:
Excellent load and good for jumped ducks if you're inclined.
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I agree 100%. Having said that,

I have killed a lot of roosters with 1 1/8 oz of 6 steel and not just close shots (I hunt with a flusher). Having said that, late season, I go to 1 1/8 oz 4s and seldom lose a bird.
 
I think the #4s will do it. Pheasents are tough birds, but you aren't punching the tougher hide and feathers of a duck. Never had a cripple last year with #4s.


Have a Good 'Urn,
bones
 
The Federal Premium # 3's are perfect. That's what I use when mallards are a possibility.:thumbsup:
 
4's are good 3's are better. I'm not a big fan of #4's in the wind, but I think the extra speed gained by shooting 11/8 might change my mind.
 
BrowningCitori said:
I agree 100%. Having said that,

I have killed a lot of roosters with 1 1/8 oz of 6 steel and not just close shots (I hunt with a flusher). Having said that, late season, I go to 1 1/8 oz 4s and seldom lose a bird.
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I've shot a lot of mallards in flooded timber using 6s and it seemed marginal beyond 25-30 yards.
 
max yardage

I have a table by Dick Sapp 4/18/11 it states #6 steel at 1700fps max range is 25yds #3 steel at 1550 is 35yd. #2 steel at 1550 is 40yd bb steel at 1550fps max range is 55yds. With steel the more each pellet weights " = size" the further the max range PLUS less wind drift. As steel stunes vs penetration of lead your better off shooting the largest shot size your gun well handle. Also it takes fewer "larger shot" to stun so bigger is better with steel.
 
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wesslpointer said:
I have a table by Dick Sapp 4/18/11 it states #6 steel at 1700fps max range is 25yds #3 steel at 1550 is 35yd. #2 steel at 1550 is 40yd bb steel at 1550fps max range is 55yds. With steel the more each pellet weights " = size" the further the max range PLUS less wind drift. As steel stunes vs penetration of lead your better off shooting the largest shot size your gun well handle. Also it takes fewer "larger shot" to stun so bigger is better with steel.
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If it were that simple as bigger shot is better, they would only sell F size shot and since when does steel only stun? Are those not pellets that I find in the meat?

Tom Rosters Chart has lots of good info on it, including the number of pellets needed within a 30" circle to consistantly kill birds (one reason F and T are not the shot of choice for most hunting situations)

http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/hunting/TomRoster's2012NontoxicShotLethalityTable.pdf
 
Best size steel

I recommend you try both 2's and 3's on a pattern board at the distance you shoot your first shot. Let the pattern board settle the question. I think you are running unnecessary risks of cripples by using 4's. They all cost the same. Go with the proven killer.
 
personally i don't like to spend more money than i need to on shells. i've found that winchester xpert 3in 1 1/8 2 shot works well for me on ducks and pheasant. :cheers:
 
UncleBuck said:
I recommend you try both 2's and 3's on a pattern board at the distance you shoot your first shot. Let the pattern board settle the question. I think you are running unnecessary risks of cripples by using 4's. They all cost the same. Go with the proven killer.
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I can't argue with 3s if they pattern well. However, I would argue that 4s are proven killers, many a bird is hit in the head or neck due to pattern density. I doubt many of us spend enough time at the pattern board and/or know what to look for (myself included in the former). Shot what works for you.

I was just in Canada an watched a gentleman shoot several geese at 60-70yards with steel #2 out of a 20 gauge. I was impressed! :) Even though it is much further than I want to shoot.
 
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