Advice on Dove Loads

[9guy]

Ok guys, never been dove hunting before, but I'm going this weekend...

I got a box of Winchester Super Speed Game Load 6 Shot.

Do you think these will be good for dove hunting?

My Dad recommended 6 shot for dove. Any input?

 

[UniversalFrost]

What gauge are you using?

I personally prefer a 20 or 16, but have taken the 12 gauge out on occassions. I personally prefer 7 1/2 or 8 ( 6 is more for pheasant or prairie chicken) with an improved or modified choke in a single barrel semi auto (1187) or pump. If using a double barrel I like to go with full and modified. The doves are real aerial acrobats that will require a quick follow up shot if you miss (and you will) on the first shot. They are really good practice on accurate shotgunning. Another thing if this is you first time bring 2 or 3 boxes of shells with you (probabbly will go through 2 boxes for sure ).

Happy hunting.

 

[maas]

7 1/2's are the best all around game round. there good from dove to pheasant.

 

[hossdaniels]

#8's will work fine, so will 7 1/2's. they aint hard to kill, just hard to hit.

 

[Tahoe]

7 1/2s or 8s for me.

 

[quack fiend]

if you really want to pound 'em, hi-brass 1 1/4 oz. 9's: 731 pellets! try a box first, though, some people (pump and benelli-shooters) hate the recoil

 

[duckmart]

Just got back from openning day (Imperial Valley CA.). Used Remington 7/8 oz. 7 1/2's in 20 ga. muz vel 1275 fps. first shot impcl follow up mod. was very sucessful with that set up. Love that 20 ga. for dove hunting.

 

[Dave McC]

My default load has 7 1/2s in it. 6s work, but smaller pellets have denser patterns.

Dove are hard to hit, but easy to kill. Get 3 pellets in the goodies and it's yours.

 

[skeeter1]

For doves or woodcock, #7-1/2 or #8 are probably just right. After all, that's what you use for trapshooting, which is meant to mimmick upland bird hunting.

For larger game (pheasants, ducks, rabbits,etc.) I prefer either #4, #5, or maybe #6. For geese I go for #2s. These are all standard 2-3/4" loads in 12-gauge.

 

[DOCSpanky]

Always make sure and check your local game laws as well. Some places dictate the largest shot you can use to #6, but I have seen #7.5 mandated as well. Checking takes a few minutes, explaining to the Game warden and the ticket or worse if he is a jerk can get really expensive.

DOC