Shotgun Shells for Upland

[wheels]

What brand and shot size does everybody use for their typical upland hunting?

I vary a bit on brands, but usually shoot 6 shot whether at sharptail or pheasant

[stinkycat]

I have almost always used 6 shot for sharpies and pheasant. I switched several years ago to Federal Premiums ... had a consistent shot pattern and fps was very good. Still miss the days when we loaded our own. Had great shells back then! Don't shoot enough now bother with re-loads any more.

12 guage, High Brass Federal #5's or #6's for me, unless shooting over a pointing dog. . . then you can get away with less. . . but not much less. Over a dog, you should be a better reaction shot and hit the bird sooner and closer in. No matter what, always pattern your gun with the ammo to be used in the field. Doing so will tell you alot about what has to be done to make things better.

[2Labs]

Originally Posted by Ziert

12 guage, High Brass Federal #5's or #6's for me, unless shooting over a pointing dog. . . then you can get away with less. . . but not much less. Over a dog, you should be a better reaction shot and hit the bird sooner and closer in. No matter what, always pattern your gun with the ammo to be used in the field. Doing so will tell you alot about what has to be done to make things better.

Me too.

I shoot a SxS which I love. I put 6's in my right (first shot) barrel and 5's in my left (second shot) barrel. I had used 4's but found that they wounded a lot of birds and didn't have enough pellets in the pattern at longer ranges.

I prefer Federals also. But I use Remingtons as well. Remington powder has been a little dirtier as per the last box I bought, but it has been a while since I bought new shells and I don't know if they use the same powder or not (when there is a sale I buy 6 or 8 boxes of each shot size and that lasts a while).

Patterning on paper is a VERY good idea, by the way. I do a LOT of it.

[BCLII]

Fiocchi #5&6 early season, #2&4 late season

[T Mac]

Originally Posted by wheels

What brand and shot size does everybody use for their typical upland hunting?

I vary a bit on brands, but usually shoot 6 shot whether at sharptail or pheasant

For me:
Upland birds (grouse/huns) I usually use 6s
Pheasants.. early season I use 5s and 4s.
Late in Pheasant season (longer shooting) I use strictly 4s.

I always use max dram high base (What was -once upon a time- called "Duck and Pheasant" loads)
Personally... I like Fed and R-P.

[DHotRod]

Fiocchi Golden Pheasant #5

[Smitty]

I generally use Fiocchi Golden Pheasant #5's early and switch to Federal Premium #4's later in the year for pheasants. If you're hunting them in North Central Iowa this year though you can probably save a lot of money by loading your own, cutting down to 50% power, and leaving the shot in the bag..... :-(

[ret461]

Just a thought! It is important to pattern your gun with the different mfg, and shot sizes. When you know your grouping, pattern it will help a lot. And just a coupkle of rounds will do it.

[Yellowbelly]

Been using a new load this year, in the past I have always used Federal Premium or Fiocchi Golden Pheasant, this year my supplier recommended Kent Fast Lead, and I have been very happy. Hard Hitting son of a guns and a few bucks less than the Federal and Fiocchi. I bought a case at $11.99 a box and with a 10% discount for buying a full case ($115.00 including tax). They are a plated lead around the 1500 feet per second speed and seem to burn as clean as the Fiocchi which is nice in an auto loader.