shot size on 20 and 28 gauge

[BigMiss]

In 20ga - 7/8 to 1 1/8 oz bismuth 4's. 1oz to 1 1/4oz lead 4's or 5's. I've killed a lot of birds this year with 7/8oz Boss 3/5 loads, and 1 1/4oz lead 4's have been long range hammers.

 

[MTGunner]

28 gauge, 3/4 ounce #6 steel is getting it done for me. O/U 28 gauge with IC bottom, mod upper bbl. Haven’t lost a bird thus far. Helps to have good dogs. MTG

 

[Jack321]

I shoot my 28ga SBE3 with Fiocchi 3in 1-1/16oz plated #5s or the Winchester 3" 1-1/8oz plated #5s

Basically a 20ga load.

 

[Dale264]

I shoot 20ga fairly often on Iowa roosters.

Non-tox Boss Bismuth 3" copper plated#5 1-1/8oz. I haven't used either new copper shot but have heard good reports. Kinda spendy but way better than steel.

My go to 20ga lead load is Fiocci Golden Pheasant 3" nickel plated #5 1 1/44oz. 203GP5

 

[LONE HUNTER]

Curious what nontoxic shot size you guys run in 20's and 28's for wild pheasant. I read somewhere that the 3" 1 1/16 loads could create pressure issues on smaller bore shotguns. I'm a noob at hunting pheasant but know my 12 gauges very well for waterfowl and geese.

Just use waterfowl loads with #3 steel for the 20 gauge (I've shot ducks with this out to 35 yards no problem). The 28, if you can find it bismuth in 5s would be good or 6s.

 

[jethrob]

#5 lead in the 20ga and #6 lead in 28ga are my maximum size in order to keep the pellet count up. I have used a few #4 in the 20ga when out of 5's. I find the larger shot is more lethal and doesnt mangle the feathers inot the bird like the smaller shot can.

 

[liv3mind]

I shoot 2-3/4 6 in 20 and 28 for squirrel and dove with good success

 

[huntingdad]

Wow #7 TSS seems like overkill! I have killed a semi load of Pheasant with lead 6s, many with 5s as well, over dogs so closer shots.

Steel 4s would be sufficient in non tox, 7 tss has enough energy to blow completely through a rooster at over 100 yds! I used 7s on sandhill cranes.

Hevi shot in #6 would be deadly.

Not sure on the status of Bismuth? 5s would do well.

Well, headed crane hunting on the 10th. My question is do you shoot 2 3/4 or 3” in 28 gauge? Or 20 gauge. Plan is to shoot my 28 gauge. I have several 3” bismuth boxes but really wanting to try the tss loads. Should he cranes over decoys.