hedd-wyn Posted February 2, 2012 Report Share Posted February 2, 2012 Hi all there's no doubt game birds at close range with a full or 3/4 chokes would 'over kill' and the bird and it probably couldn't be used for anything. But the question in the back of my mind is would it make any difference if you used lighter loads at close range, say 25-30 yards? What effect would this have? If any? What loads would be best? It's fairly obvious that the patterns will be much tighter at close range and that a gun with full and 3/4 is designed for longer shots, but say you were a good shot and would be able pull it off would the bird be useable? Reason I ask is that I would never pull the trigger on a game bird that I wouldn't use, nor would I shoot just just to kill (apart from vermin of course) Cheers Hedd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underdog Posted February 2, 2012 Report Share Posted February 2, 2012 In my experience I have used tight chokes at all distances and to be honest I have found nearly every bird useable. I find it looks more dramatic with feathers flying everywhere than it realy is. That of course depends on just how close it is! At one time if the bird was too close I would go for the head but not nowadays. Apart from all that, don't forget to pattern your shells, you may find a shell gives an open pattern despite the choking as a AYA Number 3 I had with full and 3/4 with Eley HB 61/2s! Shot more like 1/4 and 1/2! U. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albert 888 Posted February 2, 2012 Report Share Posted February 2, 2012 I allways used 32g 6,now using 30g 6.5 with 1/2 and 1/2 choke as most of my birds are close as being the only beating full gun with dogs on are shoot. Also use 20 bore Had a good look at the birds i had shot and not any damage to be concerned about all eaten. I like using the 30g 6.5 for snap shooting but would like to try with 1/4 and 1/4 chokes next season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dekers Posted February 2, 2012 Report Share Posted February 2, 2012 Any load will have an optimum performance/stopping power/distance on any type of quarry, that's why there are so many different carts and sizes. The fact is the quarry does not always persent at the optimum distance, so you just have to make the best call on the cart, and it's always best to be a bit over gunned than under gunned! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magman Posted February 2, 2012 Report Share Posted February 2, 2012 Have you never thought to let low birds fly solves your problem Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomhw100 Posted February 2, 2012 Report Share Posted February 2, 2012 Have you never thought to let low birds fly solves your problem you would of thought so wouldn't you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hedd-wyn Posted February 2, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2012 Have you never thought to let low birds fly solves your problem Yes of course It would seem like the obvious answer wouldn't it. But unfortunately this isn't always case at my permission, which is why I asked these specific questions. "But the question in the back of my mind is would it make any difference if you used lighter loads at close range, say 25-30 yards? What effect would this have? If any? What loads would be best?" It's fairly obvious that the patterns will be much tighter at close range and that a gun with full and 3/4 is designed for longer shots, but say you were a good shot and would be able pull it off would the bird be useable? I'm quite new and need to find out if there are any other options, all advice is appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albert 888 Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 Yes of course It would seem like the obvious answer wouldn't it. But unfortunately this isn't always case at my permission, which is why I asked these specific questions. "But the question in the back of my mind is would it make any difference if you used lighter loads at close range, say 25-30 yards? What effect would this have? If any? What loads would be best?" It's fairly obvious that the patterns will be much tighter at close range and that a gun with full and 3/4 is designed for longer shots, but say you were a good shot and would be able pull it off would the bird be useable? I'm quite new and need to find out if there are any other options, all advice is appreciated What chokes do you have in your gun. Are they full and 3/4. Just measured out 30 yards and its not too close have you got your yards and feet mixed up, 30-40ft is a average shot distance for me 50ft if im sure about it. 1/4 and 1/2 chokes are the norm for average shots.IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hedd-wyn Posted February 3, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 What chokes do you have in your gun. Are they full and 3/4. Just measured out 30 yards and its not too close have you got your yards and feet mixed up, 30-40ft is a average shot distance for me 50ft if im sure about it. 1/4 and 1/2 chokes are the norm for average shots.IMO. I agree. I do have a fixed choke full and 3/4 O/U, and also own a multi choke semi. But 'm not one to experiment with live quarry, this is why I make make such enquiries. I wanted to be sure before I go out and use it. I think from the advice that I have been given that I will pattern my shots with different ammo, then see how that turns out and will probably take images and post a further thread on it. On the other hand if I'm not satisfied i could always get y chokes opened. It would only cost me £30 a barrel. Thank you gents, will let you know how i get on. Enjoy the weekend Hedd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motty Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 What chokes do you have in your gun. Are they full and 3/4. Just measured out 30 yards and its not too close have you got your yards and feet mixed up, 30-40ft is a average shot distance for me 50ft if im sure about it. 1/4 and 1/2 chokes are the norm for average shots.IMO. I think YOU are getting mixed up. You do realise that 30ft is only 10 yards. Most things shot at that range will be blown to bits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sitsinhedges Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 I think YOU are getting mixed up. You do realise that 30ft is only 10 yards. Most things shot at that range will be blown to bits. I've shot a rabbits head clean off Dirty Harry style at 10yards using full choke in a 12gauge, it left the body unmarked and didn't bleed one drop of blood :blink: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomhw100 Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 I've shot a rabbits head clean off Dirty Harry style at 10yards using full choke in a 12gauge, it left the body unmarked and didn't bleed one drop of blood :blink: savage man! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sitsinhedges Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 savage man! Never did find the head :o Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomhw100 Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 Never did find the head :o Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albert 888 Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 I think YOU are getting mixed up. You do realise that 30ft is only 10 yards. Most things shot at that range will be blown to bits. I measured this last night at work 1yard = 3foot and thats about 1 m wich is 1 stride and paced it out. I could be mixed up. Would you call 30yards 90 foot a close shot?. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EdSolomons Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 I measured this last night at work 1yard = 3foot and thats about 1 m wich is 1 stride and paced it out. I could be mixed up. Would you call 30yards 90 foot a close shot?. Depends what on really; pheasant goose or duck- Yes, on the verge o not worth shooting at. Pigeon? No such thing as too close if your doing it for crop protection, but if I was out for an afternoon with the gun for a bit of sport and something floated over at 20 yards would I shoot it? No, unless I'm specifically there to keep birds off a crop I'd like to feel they atleast had a slim chance of an escape! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albert 888 Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 Depends what on really; pheasant goose or duck- Yes, on the verge o not worth shooting at. Pigeon? No such thing as too close if your doing it for crop protection, but if I was out for an afternoon with the gun for a bit of sport and something floated over at 20 yards would I shoot it? No, unless I'm specifically there to keep birds off a crop I'd like to feel they atleast had a slim chance of an escape! I hold my hand up im admiting im wrong. Just paced my yards out and marked up. 30-50 yards is what ranges i would be shooting at. I must have been too tired last night when i paced it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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