What's your preference for Pheasant? I prefer 6's but was thinking about trying some 4's. I will be using a Benelli M2 for the 1st time this year and open to input on chokes.
Re: Pheasant Choke and Shot No. - 12/08/0911:55 PM
I shoot a Winchester O/U in 20 gauge. No choice on the chokes - they're fixed Mod and Full. For loads I like a high brass #6. This past weekend I fired 6 shots at 5 pheasants and got all 5. The only one that required a follow up shot was a wild flusher that came up about 25 yards out. The first shot from the Modified barrel dropped his right wing and the second shot from the Full folded him. The other 4 all folded dead with one shot from the Modified.
Re: Pheasant Choke and Shot No. - 12/09/0902:56 AM
# 5's and a skeet early. improved cylinder later. Only under the worst of wild flushing circumstances would I use a modified. 5's are the best compromise between knock-down power and pattern density. Good luck and remember to zig-zag!
Re: Pheasant Choke and Shot No. - 12/09/0903:57 AM
I do best with improved cylinder early and a light modified choke late season. I shoot #5s all season with excellent killing power with Browing Gold autoloaders.
Re: Pheasant Choke and Shot No. - 12/10/0902:09 PM
I shoot 7.5 early in season and 5 late in season. I also hunt behind a lab that does a great job at getting the birds that are downed wounded and dead. Good luck and happy hunting, lots of birds in the panhadle this year
Re: Pheasant Choke and Shot No. - 12/10/0906:25 PM
I like to mail order my ammo. Gives me so many more choices and I can shop for the best price/shipping combination. Of these Midway has fairly fast shipping. Able too as they are a Texas company. Rogers less selection, but some good prices at times. And of course Bass Pro and Cabelas will have ammo online that they do not have in stock at the store. You can order Cabelas online and have it shipping to the store to avoid shipping and avoid a possible waisted trip for something not in stock.
Re: Pheasant Choke and Shot No. - 12/11/0903:33 PM
I've been running express long range for my first 2, and 1 3/8 oz kent's for my last 3 this year, with more than a couple of mix-ups along the way. I can't tell any difference, except the price. They've been fried-chicken dead with both.
Re: Pheasant Choke and Shot No. - 12/23/0903:13 PM
Meet it in the middle with #5. Try the Golden Pheasant loads by Fiocci. I buy a case of 2 3/4" and 3". I have used all three #4, #5, & #6. I perfer staying with the #5.
I use an IC on first day, if birds are getting up close. Then switch to Mod. for longer shots as the birds change.