What Choke and shot size? Chukar/Quail

[IdahoElk]

I'm using Improved cylinder and 6 or 7 1/2 copper plated in my 20 ga. seems to be working, what are you guys using?

 

[GSPHUNTER]

I prefer #6. I find it has more knock down energy for the longer shots. !2 gauge over under Red Label Improved/modified. I also use my 20 gauge RL.

 

[dmoto]

Light modified choke and Federal Hi Bird #6 for gambel's and scaled quail.

 

[dtrkyman]

I roll with 7.5 on Quaill, Mod. or IC. They are DOA when i do my part. No experience with Chukar but do prefer 6s for grouse.

 

[bnsafe]

If I'm hunting over dog's Winchester AA number 9 skeet load. Either skeet or improved cylinder

 

[chizelhead]

12 gauge
Quail: IC 7,8 low base
Chukar: M,F 5,6 high base if depends on wind and how spooky they are

 

[KenLee]

IC w 7.5s

 

[Blockcaver]

Chukar, 1 oz #6 in 20 ga with IC and Mod chokes.

Quail, 7/8 or 1 oz of #7-1/2 (or #6) with IC and Mod in 20 ga.

Sometimes use the 16 ga with the same shot size and chokes.

Last two years it’s mainly the 28 ga auto with a Mod choke for chukar and Sharptail grouse with a 7/8 oz reload of #6 shot. Would have shot California quail with the same combo but didn’t get into any on the two days we hunted them, combo with Huns and chukars. Was a poor bird year there.

 

[Wrench]

Over the dog, 8's in the loose tube and 6's in the tighter one for chucks... both 8-7.5's for quali. I have a bunch of SxS guns so chokes vary a bit. Most are IC/mod.

 

[Bull_n_heat]

My poor shooting at chukar is completely independent of the loads I choose, unfortunately. However, I like a modified or even full choke if they are being flighty to hopefully extend my range

 

[Smenning]

Modified, 7.5 first shot 6’s for second and third shot.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

Usually, quail will see me using 28ga 3/4oz of #8's with a Skeet and IC choke. Chukar usually 28ga 3/4oz of #7.5's with a IC and Modified choke.
Every now and then I'll break out the 20ga using the same choke and loads but with 7/8oz.

 

[MtnDunn]

For quail, I like #7.5 shot, 1oz loads in 20ga. For whatever reason, 1oz loads are harder to find, but I much prefer them. As for Chokes, IC & Modified paired together if I'm shooting an over-under. If I'm shooting a semi-auto, I almost always run an IC for most everything. I'll go to a modified if I'm hunting spooky pheasants that like to bust way out in front of the dog.

 

[S.Clancy]

I just shoot #5 for all upland birds. Perfect combo of knockdown power out to 50 yds and pellet density. I pattern my loads for my Franchi Affinity 12ga, modified choke (it's an extended choke I can't remember which brand, but I've had it for 10 years). I'll be shooting some roosters this weekend and some chukar in UT in 2 weeks.

 

[MarlinsDad]

Quail/pheasant/chukar I like #6 through ic/mod, they’re a tougher bird to me. Grouse #7.5 skt/ic usually up close and personal. Dove #7.5 or 8 mod/full if they don’t want to decoy that full choke helps reach out there a bit when pass shooting. If they’re really being shy the full with #6 will reach out and connect, great for big shoots on large fields. I run a 20ga for everything but ducks, I’ll be trying the 28 this year on upland.

 

[DogZilla15]

Lots of variables. Two different birds, two different needs.

The best quail loads I've used were the 1 oz 7 1/2, 12 gauge WW/AA's @ 1350 fps. Impact velocity makes a big difference. Choke depends on whatever you can hit with. One ounce loads tend to pattern fairly tight.

Chukar are bigger and depending on how well they hold, makes a big difference on what load a person uses. My standard Chukar load isn't what most would consider ideal. I never patterned it, (but I will) think it was pretty bad. Sure killed a lot of birds. 1 1/8 oz number 7 @ 1565 fps. Browning invector plus improved modified choke. If I were start from scratch with a new load. it's be your basic 1 1/4 oz of 6's @ 1330 fps.. I would take the time to shoot it at paper.

 

[Blackstorm]

Quail I use a 28 w # 8 or 9's on Cyl or IC
Pheasant 12 ga w #5 Winchester Super Pheasant w/ Carlson Sporting clays choke