Ammunition & Choke Suggestions
 |
The
combination of specialized ammunition and graduated choke tubes make the
shotgun a remarkably versatile tool. But, while we all know that
ammunition and choke should be compatible, the variables can nonetheless
make the right choice confusing. While the following chart will not
serve as the final authority on the shot and choke selection, it should
answer some questions and serve as a useful guide.
|
|
Game |
Suggested Shot Size | Suggested Chokes | What Experienced Shot Gunners say.... |
| Ducks | BB, 1, 2, 3 |
Modified -- for pass shooting Improved Cylinder -- over decoys |
Use BB shot for long range and pass shooting. For normal range -- No. 1 or No. 2 shot while some hunters use No. 3 shot for closer range shooting over decoys |
| Geese | T, BBB, BB, 1* | Modified |
Goose hunters need wallop so they use the big loads with large shot. Many hunters prefer No. 1 shot for a denser pattern at shorter ranges over decoys. |
| Pheasants | 5, 6, 71/2 | Improved Cylinder -- for close cover Modified or Full -- for long cornfield shots |
For cornfield shooting where long shots are usual - better use No. 5. On normal rise over dogs and for all around use, No. 6 is the favorite. |
| Grouse or Partridge | 5, 6, 71/2, 8 |
Improved Cylinder or Modified - - for brush work Full -- for open ranges |
On the smaller birds such as ruffed grouse or Hungarian Partridge, use the smaller shot. The big western grouse (sage, sooty, and blue) call for heavier loads and large shot. |
| Quail | 71/2, 8, 9 |
Cylinder
Improved Cylinder Modified |
For early season shooting on bobwhites when feathers are light, some hunters use No. 9 shot. Later they switch to No. 7.5 or 8. On the running or wild flushing type of quail, such as the Gambel's , larger shot is sometimes used. |
| Doves and Pigeons | 6, 71/2, 8, 9 |
Modified Improved Cylinder |
Use lighter loads and No. 7.5 or No. 8 shot on mourning doves at normal ranges -- for longer ranges use the heavy loads and No. 6 or No. 7.5. Use the same load on band tailed pigeons and white wings. |
| Turkey | BB, 2, 4, 5, 6, 71/2 | Full or Modified |
Choice of shot size depends on the range. If you're a good caller, No. 6 or No. 7.5 shot makes a clean kill. BBs, No.2s, 4s, 5s, are best for long shots. |
| Trap | 71/2, 8 | Full or Modified |
In most cases, No. 7.5 is used for trap. Check the official rulebook. |
| Skeet | 8, 9 |
Skeet Choke Improved Cylinder |
In most cases, No. 9 is used for skeet. Check the official rulebook. |
| Sporting Clays | 71/2, 8, 9 | Any choke (Depends on practice desired) |
For targets at close range use a more open choke, at longer distances tighten the chokes. |
 |