First time pheasant hunting - what's a good all-around load?
Just got my license and a used Beretta A300. Heading out with a buddy for pheasant this weekend in South Dakota. I've only shot clays before. The guy at the store showed me a bunch of different boxes - 6 shot, 7.5 shot, high brass, low brass, different velocities. It's a bit overwhelming. My gun has a modified choke in it right now.
1 Answer
Welcome to the addiction! For pheasant over pointing dogs, you're on the right track with that modified choke. I'd grab a box of Federal Premium 12 gauge 2-3/4" shells with #6 shot. They run about 1-1/4 oz at 1350 fps - plenty of punch for roosters at 20-35 yards without turning them to mush. The copper-plated shot helps with penetration through feathers. That load will handle most of what you'll see. What's the habitat like where you're hunting - more open fields or thicker cover?
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