good shotgun load for quail, pheasant and chukar

What would be a good load for all 3 of the upland birds. I've shot quail with #8s and phesant with #4s or 6s. in 2 3/4. but now I have a Mossberg 935 and it'll shoot upto 3 1/2s. should I stick with lead shot or is there regulations that now require steel shot. Thanks for your advice.....Jerry

No new regulations; stick with lead.

If you think you are going to get into pheasant, I'd go w/ 6's, as it will take care of any of the birds you are after.

I agree, if you are hunting where you might get into Pheasants or Chuckers, use #6. Maybe even high brass #6

6 with IC

Gotta agree with the 3 previous posters.

Depends on the hunt? Is this a place they release the birds and you enjoy the hunt over some good dogs enjoying the day? If it is that and not wild birds then the shots will generally be closer and 7 1/2 shot will work fine. Have taken pheasants cleanly at 35 yards with 20 and 28 gauges using 7 1/2 dove loads, and they work fine on quail and chucker from my experience.

I like #6 or #7 1/2 with a mod choke.

If you hunt some federal lands may be required to use steel shot. I know in South Dakota you are required to use steel on any federal land.

6 will work okay in most situations. If pen raised, I'd go with 7 1/2 highs or magnums (for pheasant that get out a ways or flush a little wild, which few pen raised birds seem to do though)

This.
Couldn't agree more.
And even if it is wild birds but they're flushing within 35 yards, which is often.

Hi Slow,

These are overkill, but will certainly work on those smaller birds, - Kent Ultimate Fast Lead- K122UFL42 - 12G 2 3/4″ 4 1/4 drams 1420 FPS 1 1/2 oz. of 4, 5 or 6 shot.

They are devastating on pheasants in my experience both on a tower shoot or conventional hunting.

Regards,