Shot size

From Sydney, Australia, 1679 posts

I posted this on the general gun forum but i though i might post this on here as it will get seen by more people and i know some of you guys have shotguns as well as air guns.

So heres what i posted;

Im going shooting on the weekend and im going to be using my shotgun along with other guns. I think #6 will be good for rabbits but my dad thinks #4. I no if in any doubt choose the bigger size, but will #6 do?.

What are you thoughts. previous experinces ect?

Thanks heaps.

From Leicestershire, 868 posts

size 6 or 6.5 with 1/4 (modified) choke. I've found that using this at sensible ranges (35 ish yards) you get good kills without damaging the meat as the shot barely makes it through the fur, its the shock that kills them not the penetration. If you use size 4's you will just have more lead that's deeply penetrated and caused huge bruising and smashed internals that leak nasty stuff. Dont use a tight choke either, normally i use improved cylinder (just less than 1/4) for bolt and shoot as you get reasonable killing range without to much damage.

From Mankato, MN, 4129 posts

3.5" 12 bore 00 buck full choke....and vapoorise the little turkeys. But I hear those rabbits are a little tough so make sure you bring a 30-06 as back up incase you get a wounded one that tries to attack you.

From Sweden, 999 posts

Hold on, you mean a 16lb bowling ball would be a good all round shot size!

From Mankato, MN, 4129 posts

works for me......little on expensive side but they're reusable.....

From Sydney, Australia, 1679 posts

Originally posted by 045madmatt on 2 Jul 2007 8:44 AM
size 6 or 6.5 with 1/4 (modified) choke. I've found that using this at sensible ranges (35 ish yards) you get good kills without damaging the meat as the shot barely makes it through the fur, its the shock that kills them not the penetration. If you use size 4's you will just have more lead that's deeply penetrated and caused huge bruising and smashed internals that leak nasty stuff. Dont use a tight choke either, normally i use improved cylinder (just less than 1/4) for bolt and shoot as you get reasonable killing range without to much damage.

Thanks Mat i thoughts 6s will do.

Do they make 6 1/2? i thought they only made 7 1/2?

Thanks alot.

From Ipswich, 3298 posts

I personally use 6 's for most things i.e. rabbits, pidgeons etc. However when I'm after crows or foxes I will be using 5's and 4's for crows and 9 piece for the foxes

From Sydney, Australia, 1679 posts

9 pecies being 000 buck?

From Leicestershire, 868 posts

think its just oo guage (9x9mm in a 2 3/4 cart)), Ive used them but there pretty poor at ranges beyond 25 yards even on full choke as they spred to much but the energy they carry is massive, I patterned some once and i jest you not they went straight through 2 sections of inch ply back to back and still kicked up a storm of brickdust when they hit the wall behind . No wonder the police use them

From Ipswich, 3298 posts

I get nice and close on a pickup truck and give em both barrels, Double tap from a shotgun using 9 piece, nothing can survive that!