Shot sizes for different game.

[Phlip Crocker]

I'm sure this has been beat to death, brought back and rightly beat to death again, but I have to ask as I've been doing some research, but I'm interested in knowing what shot sizes does everyone use for different game. I.e. What she'll do you use for duck, rabbit, grouse, Ptarmigan. I am mainly interested in the grouse and Ptarmigan and rabbit as that is mainly what I would be hunting.

I have a few boxes of 7 1/2 light target load 2 3\4", a couple boxes of Black Cloud BB 3" plus a box of #4 high brass. Would the 7 1/2 be good for grouse or Ptarmigan?

[Phlip Crocker]

I should also mention they are all 12 gauge as I only have 1 shotgun at the moment.

[Billy Guest]

12 is great all around gauge , and yes, 7 1/2 target loads is a great choice for grouse/partridge and will drop them dead if shot within their appropriate distances...could probably step up to 6 shot for partridge(ptarmigan) because they will normally be shot at longer ranges, and the larger shot will obviously carry further and hit slightly harder.

[Peter Emberley]

I like # 6 for rabbits. It doesn't tear them up and puts more pellets on target. Same for as grouse. # 4 for turrs but cheap lead is hard to find. I picked up as much # 4 as I could and 10 cases of # 6.

Ducks I've tried everything and every shot size. # 3 seems to work very well on ducks.
I like Hevi Metal and Black Cloud high velocity 3" #3 1635 fps.

Geese I use 3.5", 2 Oz # 3 tungsten. It is very expensive at $75 + tax for 10 shells, but how often do we get a chance at a goose...

I have some Score Steel to try this year, I've heard good things about it...