Rabbit

[Bigweed]

Got lots of rabbits, in a field where we keep horses, i need to get rid of - will a shotgun kill em at 50 yards (assuming i hit them of course) - is so what shot size recommended

Edited May 6, 2010 by Bigweed

[libs]

At that range chances are more won't die than will.

 

If you are out of options, use a load of #4 through a 1/2 choke or tighter, may not be edible but definitely dead.

[vampire]

Pcp in .177 flavour exactly what i used mine for around the horses killed plenty (rabbits not horses)

[Bigweed]

At that range chances are more won't die than will.

 

If you are out of options, use a load of #4 through a 1/2 choke or tighter, may not be edible but definitely dead.

 

 

Thanks - assume a none FAC air rifle at that range won't do either

[Bigweed]

Pcp in .177 flavour

 

 

Is that FAC or not

[UKPoacher]

A good sub 12 ft/lb .177 air rifle running at 10 ft/lb or over will allow you to kill bunnies at fift yards if your marksmanship is up to it. Head shot only, aim between the eye and ear.

[Dekers]

A good sub 12 ft/lb .177 air rifle running at 10 ft/lb or over will allow you to kill bunnies at fift yards if your marksmanship is up to it. Head shot only, aim between the eye and ear.

 

 

Everyone will have a view, and I'd say you are right at the limits with 10 -12 ft lb. User, power and accuracy need to be spot on for this! Probably too many variables for most to consider this generally!

Edited May 6, 2010 by Dekers

[Dekers]

Got lots of rabbits, in a field where we keep horses, i need to get rid of - will a shotgun kill em at 50 yards (assuming i hit them of course) - is so what shot size recommended

 

Many will have an opinion on this, mine is simple, I have knocked down plenty of bunnies at 60+ yards.

 

However, I would suggest 12g, 1/2 Choke, and a heavy 5 or 4 shot. As long as you point it in the right direction they will fall down at 50 yards!!

 

If you are not used to it try pattern plates, don't play on live quarry if you are not confident with your shooting!

[mick miller]

Give me a PM I'll pop over with a rimfire!

 

In all seriousness though I don't think a sub 12ftlb air rifle is the trick if you're shooting at 50 yds and over. In my limited experience you get far too many runners, that's why I upgraded to rimfires; it virtually guarantees the job gets done quickly, cleanly and efficiently. I'm in the process of buying a FAC air rifle for a paddocks and stables where I shoot as the ground can get too hard for the .22lr during the drier months (it's pretty much clay), the FAC air will drop them out to 60yds and still holds 12ftlb at that range.

 

I'd recommend FAC air or rimifre, there must be one of the PW'ers here that would come over and help you out?

[Bigweed]

Give me a PM I'll pop over with a rimfire!

 

In all seriousness though I don't think a sub 12ftlb air rifle is the trick if you're shooting at 50 yds and over. In my limited experience you get far too many runners, that's why I upgraded to rimfires; it virtually guarantees the job gets done quickly, cleanly and efficiently. I'm in the process of buying a FAC air rifle for a paddocks and stables where I shoot as the ground can get too hard for the .22lr during the drier months (it's pretty much clay), the FAC air will drop them out to 60yds and still holds 12ftlb at that range.

 

I'd recommend FAC air or rimifre, there must be one of the PW'ers here that would come over and help you out?

 

 

Problem is there's a main road about 20 yards behind where they tend to sit and no bank or anything

[mick miller]

Hmm, that does complicate things and I see why you're after shotgun advice, much safer to use in that situation. Otherwise, I'd suggest using sticks, that way you'd be firing into the ground. Trouble is with a rimfire you still run the risk of a ricochet and with sub 12ftlb air you'd struggle to get close enough without spooking them.

 

I wonder if you could use a hide of some sort to close the gap and use the shotty as you originally wanted to? Failing that get the ferts and nets in!

Edited May 7, 2010 by mick miller

[libs]

Problem is there's a main road about 20 yards behind where they tend to sit and no bank or anything

 

 

I hope you realise you can't shoot towards a road with a shotgun either, a #4 is around 3mm of lead and will upset a car door/driver more than an airgun pellet at about 50 yards I would guess.