Mixing shells for more range in a single barrel

wapsijim

wapsijim

New member
I've hunted pheasants over the years with O/Us and SxSs where I had a choice of two chokes, more open for close shots, tighter for longer shots. Now this year I'm going to be using a Benelli Semi-Auto 12 Ga. I patterned a few shots on paper Saturday at the range I usually shoot (35 yards + - ) and IC looked really good with a 1 3/8 load of 6's. Mod looked a little tight, like it would tear up a bird too much. My question is, using a single choke like IC or LM, wouldn't shooting a lighter load, 1 1/8 oz, followed up by a 1 3/8 oz load tend to extend "better" patterns similar to using two different chokes as in an O/U?

Anyone actually do this (other than the first time you load your gun on the first day of the season...)

I'll get some more paper and see for myself this weekend. I do have a pointing dog so most shots should be closer (if she does her job)...
 
Stick with IC

I have used No. 5 shot in 12 ga. with IC or Skeet for years. I shoot at about the same distance as you do. I don't generally take long shots. Patten loading with different shells isn't worth it. The situations in the field are just too varied to be sure you will be needing a longer range shell after your first shot or two. I think IC will work well for you.

Lock and Load! :D
 
I regularly do it waterfowling, but not much for upland. With the price of waterfowl loads, I will often make the first shot steel and follow it with hevi-shot or some other tungsten blend for the second and third shot. Nice thing about duck and goose hunting is that you are sitting still and have time to rearrange the shells after shooting.

I think it would be a pain to jack with shells in an autoloader while you were walking, but I'm sure there are people who do it.

The only time I mess with shells while upland hunting is if we encounter quail while pheasant hunting, I will switch to lighter loads. But it's a wholesale switch... All shells would 7.5s, not 7.5s backed up with 5s.

I don't see why it wouldn't work though. I just can't see myself achieving that level of efficiency while keeping track of the dog and trying not to trip and fall on my face. :rolleyes:
 
wapsijim said:
My question is, using a single choke like IC or LM, wouldn't shooting a lighter load, 1 1/8 oz, followed up by a 1 3/8 oz load tend to extend "better" patterns similar to using two different chokes as in an O/U?
Click to expand...


It will definitely sweeten the pattern, which would make it better at longer ranges. Problem is if you shoot the bird with the first shot, now you have the heavier load ready to rock on the first shot of the next flush unless you unload the gun and redo your shell preferences. For me personally, that's too much to mess with, but if it doesn't bother you then go for it.

I might just split the difference and just use 1 1/4 oz loads for everything, changing shot size as the birds become wary or if the wind is really blowing and even then I might keep a box of heavy 4's around. In a single barrel gun a Light modified choke is really an ideal choke and good split between an IC and a Modified. To me it's a great all around choke not only for hunting but Sporting clays as well. Course everything is pure speculation until you pattern them.
 
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I have never tried to load different shells in the magazine to try and accomplish a better pattern or more range. With 2nd or 3rd shots. It just seems too confusing to me worrying about which shells I have where. :confused: And then what about the times a rooster pops close, you shoot it and then a 2nd one gets up a the same distance?? My recommendation is to shoot one good load of 1 1/4 or 1 3/8 oz. of #5 or #6 shot.

I personally shoot a Sweet Sixteen choked IC. I use 1 1/8 oz. loads of #6 shot from opening day to the end of the season. I usually kill more birds than anyone else and this includes many at 40-45 yds.
 
thank you all for your advice and experience. Time to shoot some paper with different loads, chokes and ranges... Maybe by another box of shells and a choke tube! I used LM (SKT2) in one of my old guns I sold, didn't like the gun but did like the choke.
;)
 
You are really "splitting hairs" in comparing IC and LM. There is only .005" difference in constriction. And the amount of constriction can vary, to a small degree, by manufacture. Then take into consideration that every gun may pattern a little difference, not to mention that Federals might pattern different than Fiocchi's. The only way you will know is to pattern the loads in your gun.

Basically, you can't go wrong with either IC or LM. Good luck, and let us know the results if you do some pattern testing with each choke.

If you don't shoot straight it won't matter what choke or load you have in your gun. :D
 
"If you don't shoot straight it won't matter what choke or load you have in your gun."

that's why I don't use a Full choke!!!

thanks again
 
I tried doing something similar with my sxs guns. It was a PITA. I spent time loading specific shells from certain pockets, etc., rather than concentrating on hunting and keeping an eye on my dog.

Go out there with the gun and one load of your choice. Enjoy the hunting and companionship of fellow hunters and your dog. Quit worrying about maximizing your bird bag. You'll have more fun. ... And that is why you go hunting.

To paraphrase a friend: When you drove past the KFC on the way out of town, you threw out all logic, reason, and practicality.

Get rid of things that don't bring you pleasure and gravitate to those that do.
 
Roaniecowpony,

I like your KFC logic....it's way cheaper than all the costs and time involved in hunting but nowhere near the fun of building memories with friends, kids and now grandkids.

I did a bit of pattern shooting today and settled on one choke and one or two loads (early and late) for the season. Then took the pup into the field and pointed and kicked up seven pheasants in 45 minutes. That's what it's all about to me!
 
I kept "gravitating" toward what made me have more fun...side by sides, then small bore side by sides. 'went down to 20 ga, hunted pheasant, chukar and quail with them. Then, a friend pushed me to hunt more with a 410. He was a big 410 advocate. I had a side by side 410 that I had in the safe and hadn't used much. I started hunting quail and dove with it. Then I started hunting pheasant with it in South Dakota every year. Now I have a gaggle of 410 side by sides. My bag take is sometimes smaller, but I'm having more fun with them than I ever had with larger bores.
 
Mixing shells

wapsijim said:
Roaniecowpony,

I like your KFC logic....it's way cheaper than all the costs and time involved in hunting but nowhere near the fun of building memories with friends, kids and now grandkids.

I did a bit of pattern shooting today and settled on one choke and one or two loads (early and late) for the season. Then took the pup into the field and pointed and kicked up seven pheasants in 45 minutes. That's what it's all about to me!
Click to expand...

Well, what choke and loads did you settle on?
 
I settled on LM (lite mod) for the choke and 2 3/4 in. 1 1/4oz #5s 1220fps (federal game load) for early season and 2 3/4 in. 1 3/8oz #5 1250fps (Fiocchi GP) for later on. Both of these pattern well in my gun, just can't shoot them too close.
I'll probably use #4 or #3 steel where non-tox is required, but I don't think I hunt hardly anyplace where I need non-tox.

thanks for everyones input and expertise!!!
 
We could always go the Ted Nugent route as he did on a pheasant hunt video: Nothing but three inch shells and 8s; 12 ga. of course. You could even firm up with 3.5 inch shells and 7.5s. Choke-wise, these combos cry out for cylinder. Why take chances?? :eek: lol.

My usual set up:

1. improved cylinder and modified; modified and full late season or if windy.

2. No. 6s for first shot on the opener; no. 5s all shots and times.

3. Always shoot 1 1/4 oz. 2 3/4" shells.
 
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I'd imagine most people that have hunted much with autos have tried mixing shells at some point. In theory it sounds great but in the field it's just a pain in the arse.
 
I know this has already been settled, but my take on it......

1. Modified choke.
2. 1 3/8 of 5s. Typically golden pheasants. But if they're not available, anything close will work.
3. Go kill birds.

The end.

Any variability in 1 and 2 is fine, but it will only marginally change your success, if at all. But if half your fun is overthinking it, then have fun, that's what we are all here for.
 
When loading my autoloader, I will put a 4 in the magazine first as it would be the last round fired and the bird or birds would be further away. When things get hot and heavy, you loose track.
 
Roaniecowpony said:
I tried doing something similar with my sxs guns. It was a PITA. I spent time loading specific shells from certain pockets, etc., rather than concentrating on hunting and keeping an eye on my dog.

Go out there with the gun and one load of your choice. Enjoy the hunting and companionship of fellow hunters and your dog. Quit worrying about maximizing your bird bag. You'll have more fun. ... And that is why you go hunting.

To paraphrase a friend: When you drove past the KFC on the way out of town, you threw out all logic, reason, and practicality.

Get rid of things that don't bring you pleasure and gravitate to those that do.
Click to expand...

I think Roanie offers the best advice I've seen on this. It is too easy to get so much crap in your brain over all the possibilities of choke and shot size that it really can alter not only your shooting, but your enjoyment. After a few seasons of overthinking, I made it simple with IC/Mod in my double barrel guns and IC in my single barrel guns and that is working out just fine.
 
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