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Dove/Squirrel/Rabbit with 20g 7.5 "Target Loads" ?
Posted on 9/2/20 at 6:35 pm
Posted on 9/2/20 at 6:35 pm
If that's all I can find... can I still do it, is it effective, is it ethical, is it legal?
10
Posted on 9/2/20 at 6:43 pm to deeprig9
Yup, for doves I think that is almost optimal, squirrel and rabbit it will be fine, would prefer 6 shot high brass but would use whatever I had
Posted on 9/2/20 at 6:44 pm to deeprig9
You talking 7/8 oz. loads? I'd say there have been small mountains of dove, squirrels and rabbits killed with them-especially dove.
I don’t disagree with other posters, though-a little more load for squirrels and rabbits would be preferred.
I don’t disagree with other posters, though-a little more load for squirrels and rabbits would be preferred.
This post was edited on 9/2/20 at 7:38 pm
Posted on 9/2/20 at 7:09 pm to deeprig9
1. Yes for dove.
2. Rabbits are a strange animal. They seem to be easy to kill for their size. I don't recall ever having one do anything but instantly die. I don't think 7.5s are ideal for rabbit. But I'd use them if that's all I had, and without too much reservation.
3. Squirrels are the opposite of rabbit. They are tanks for their size, and can absolutely take some abuse. I do not recommend 7.5s for squirrel. I've tried it, and 7.5s do not have enough energy or penetration to get the job done.
2. Rabbits are a strange animal. They seem to be easy to kill for their size. I don't recall ever having one do anything but instantly die. I don't think 7.5s are ideal for rabbit. But I'd use them if that's all I had, and without too much reservation.
3. Squirrels are the opposite of rabbit. They are tanks for their size, and can absolutely take some abuse. I do not recommend 7.5s for squirrel. I've tried it, and 7.5s do not have enough energy or penetration to get the job done.
Posted on 9/2/20 at 7:18 pm to deeprig9
Its legal everywhere I've ever hunted, but as mentioned the 7.5 target loads might be a little light for squirrels. I'm usually shooting 4 or 6 shot high brass.
Posted on 9/2/20 at 7:51 pm to The Last Coco
if high in pines or thick vines better use 6s
Posted on 9/2/20 at 8:53 pm to deeprig9
Weird, I’ve ALWAYS used 7.5 shot for doves, squirrels and rabbits. I hunt doves and squirrels with a 7.5 shot 12ga, but I exclusively hunt rabbits with my 20 with 7.5 shot. I buy the el cheapo 100 box from Walmart for all my non waterfowl shells. I’ve never had a problem and I wouldn’t hesitate using my 20ga for doves and squirrels too, it’s just my 12ga is a benelli and my 20 is a tristar. But I tend to shoot rabbits so close that my 12 would blow them away so I had to buy a 20ga.
Posted on 9/2/20 at 8:57 pm to deeprig9
Dove definitely. Have killed plenty of squirrels and rabbits with 7.5, but 6’s are optimal. I’d shoot 6’s all day for squirrels. Especially early in the year
Posted on 9/2/20 at 9:18 pm to deeprig9
IMO, your choke matters more than the shot size.
I like an open or light improved for early season doves with 7 1/2 at 1 1/4 drams. Might be a little overkill, but its more that my gun doesn't cycle light loads well. You can probably do okay with what's been suggested if your gun cycles light loads well.
Rabbit, I bump up to hi brass 7 1/2's jumping them with an improved choke. Behind beagles, I switch to improved/modified with hi brass 6's.
Squirrels are tough little critters. I use hi brass 6's or even 5's (later in the season) with a modified choke. Just be selective with your shots. That darn #5 shot is almost impossible to find IME, but my Dad had about 15 boxes of it when he passed. I'm slowly shooting it up, like he'd want me to.
I like an open or light improved for early season doves with 7 1/2 at 1 1/4 drams. Might be a little overkill, but its more that my gun doesn't cycle light loads well. You can probably do okay with what's been suggested if your gun cycles light loads well.
Rabbit, I bump up to hi brass 7 1/2's jumping them with an improved choke. Behind beagles, I switch to improved/modified with hi brass 6's.
Squirrels are tough little critters. I use hi brass 6's or even 5's (later in the season) with a modified choke. Just be selective with your shots. That darn #5 shot is almost impossible to find IME, but my Dad had about 15 boxes of it when he passed. I'm slowly shooting it up, like he'd want me to.
This post was edited on 9/2/20 at 9:25 pm
Posted on 9/3/20 at 1:12 pm to CatSquirrel
quote:
That darn #5 shot is almost impossible to find IME, but my Dad
Actually I found alot more #5 last night online than #6. Foundry Outdoors had some, just search ammoseek and it's out there, in 20ga that is.
Posted on 9/3/20 at 2:39 pm to deeprig9
OP, you are way over thinking this.
Posted on 9/3/20 at 3:24 pm to terriblegreen
Im new.
If a box says target load and another says game load I have to ask the question.
If a box says target load and another says game load I have to ask the question.
This post was edited on 9/3/20 at 3:26 pm
Posted on 9/3/20 at 3:32 pm to deeprig9
I use 8 shot in 16 ga for rabbits.
Posted on 9/3/20 at 5:59 pm to deeprig9
yes its fine just tighten the choke up for the squirrels
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