Choke tube for steel (Dove Hunting)

[Mule3006Elk]

A little early but I'm going to a state which requires nontoxic shot for doves.
I know with lead shot IC and Mod are commonly used for doves. Some like cylinder some like LM. Varies early/late seasn.

Steel shot patterns tighter than lead.

Does this mean a cylinder choke (steel) is similar to IC with lead shot AND IC (steel) similar to Mod with lead shot?

Trying to wrap my head around steel shot.

I will be going to the range to pattern the different chokes. I want to understand what to expect.

I'll be shooting a 20 gauge semi-auto. Going with #6 and #7.5.

Thanks

 

[willfrye027]

Personally I just shoot my modified choke for all wingshooting and waterfowl. Never had an issue but I’m curious what your results are. In theory it groups tighter but I haven’t felt a difference on game.

 

[Jim1187]

The patterning tighter is more noticeable with larger steel like you would use for waterfowl. I'd probably run either IC or Mod like I do everything else wingshooting depending on likelihood of shots inside 25 yards vs beyond.

 

[Shotshill]

My guess is youre headed my direction which is in the golden state. We have to use lead free now for everything. I used my IC choke and went to 6s...
The 7-8s just performed to marginally. I may spend the $$ and go with tungsten... Good luck and enjoy your hunt.

 

[Newtosavage]

I started using steel for dove many years ago. There is enough lead out there on the ground for the birds to pick up already. What I discovered is that the extra speed of steel was improving my hit ratio. I didn't need as much lead. So I just kept shooting it since.

I use the most open chokes I have because steel holds it's pattern better than lead.

 

[Billy Goat]

With 6's I doubt you will want to go tighter than mod. I'd try a skeet or light mod, .005-.015 constriction. Limit your shot distance.

 

[Mule3006Elk]

My guess is youre headed my direction which is in the golden state. We have to use lead free now for everything. I used my IC choke and went to 6s...
The 7-8s just performed to marginally. I may spend the $$ and go with tungsten... Good luck and enjoy your hunt.

Good detective work. Ha!

 

[Mule3006Elk]

With 6's I doubt you will want to go tighter than mod. I'd try a skeet or light mod, .005-.015 constriction. Limit your shot distance.

For steel I have a cylinder, IC, Mod. I'll probably pattern with cylinder and IC. I picked up a few boxes of Federal Upland Steel #6 and #7.5. I don't have skeet or LM. If needed I can pick those up but I'm hoping to get decent patterns with cylinder or IC.

Pattern 30 or 40 yards? Not sure for dove. 30" circle and see how many pellets in the circle and the pattern. Should be interesting.

 

[Mule3006Elk]

With 6's I doubt you will want to go tighter than mod. I'd try a skeet or light mod, .005-.015 constriction. Limit your shot distance.

Thank you. I'll have to try cylinder or IC. I don't have skeet or LM chokes. If I'm having issues with cylinder or IC I will look at those. My hunting partner said most shots will be < 30 yards.

 

[Billy Goat]

For steel I have a cylinder, IC, Mod. I'll probably pattern with cylinder and IC. I picked up a few boxes of Federal Upland Steel #6 and #7.5. I don't have skeet or LM. If needed I can pick those up but I'm hoping to get decent patterns with cylinder or IC.

Pattern 30 or 40 yards? Not sure for dove. 30" circle and see how many pellets in the circle and the pattern. Should be interesting.

Rule of thumb is to pattern at the distance you intend to hunt and you want 70% (30" circle) patterns at that distance. I'd try for 70% at 30 yards. If you get a lower percentage pattern but it's really even at 30 yards it might still be what you want, it would just make 30 your max, would make 20-25 a lot easier.