16GA.-What shotshell for pheasant?

S

shortwave

New member
Hello all.Wondering what is best brand, lead shotsize, high or low brass to use on pheasant out of 16ga. over-under with modified and full choke barrels. Thanks for your responses.
 
I haven't loaded any 16's in a while but I like 1 1/8 oz. #5. Sorry don't remember the powder or wad. fed. hulls. easy to tell they're 16 purple.
 
My brother told me there is a shooting forum with a bunch of members totally dedicated to enjoying the 16 ga.
Do a little searching,I bet you will find them.
 
In that old model 90 you will want to use what does not hurt the barrels - i.e. low brass. Also, #6 is way plenty for shot size - even for those spooky late season buck ringnecks.
 
I've always used #6 with good results. Whatever brand was cheapest.

Let's look at some interesting data.

12ga, 2 3.4" shell, #6 shot, 1 oz at ~1250fps
16ga, 2 3/4" shell, #6 shot, 1 oz at ~1250fps
20ga, 2 3.4" shell, #6 shot, 1 oz at ~1250fps
12ga shot string = ::::::::::::
16ga shot string = ::::::::::::::::
20ga shot string = ::::::::::::::::::::

Very simplified, but something to keep in mind.

Pops
 
Thanks guys for your response`s. I`ll use low brass #6`S and visit the 16ga. website. I was shooting some Fed. 7 1/2 low brass last week and couldn`t hit the side of an airplane. Switched to Rem. 7`s and didn`t miss a bird.:confused:. Going again in a couple weeks and I`ll try Rem 6`s. Thanks Again!
 
Here is a little food for thought.Was a time the only scattergun I owned was a Win 97 Riot gun.So,when I was invited to pheasant hunt,I used it.It was a cylinder bore.I figured I just did not have a tool for long shots,so I was less concerned about pellet energy at long range,and more concerned about pattern density at modest ranges.I bought heavy 1 1/4 oz loads of 7 1/2 and was happy with the results.

These days,I use a 12 Berreta O/U and I can change tubes.Most of the time,I use 1 1/4 to 1 3/8 oz of 5's on pheasants( Skeet 1 and mod,usually)

If you are tightening up a small,dense pattern,and shoot precisely,5's will probably give you best distance.If you are shooting skeet or improved cylinder,get them a little closer with 6's.If they are holding point and you get to flush them, Skeet or IC and 7 1/2's works.
Balance choke,pattern density vs pellet energy,and range.(And,what your shotgun will pattern)
 
I have a Winchester Model 1897 in 16 gauge with a full choke. I have taken Geese and quail with it. I don't use it much these days in favor of my Remington 1100 but it still works just fine...
 
Went to the 16ga. website HiBC and Waterengineer refered me to. These folks are dedicated 16ga. warriors. If you want to know about that ga. you`ll find it there. Thanks guys. P.S. TFL is still best all around gun site around:D. Don`t want to get TFL staff upset;).
 
Stevens 77

The first new gun I ever bought was a Stevens Model 77E... 16 gauge pump. (I still have it today).

I generally use 7-1/2 shot for all small game. I don't use the lo-brass shells cause they won't eject... get stuck in the barrel.
 
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