What size shot for a fox?

[BenHammer]

On the land iv got permission on there are some foxes which need taking out, I only have an O/U and I know I can shoot foxes with it. Just wondering what the best cartridge to use would be? I know many people have there own views on it but I'd like to get a rough idea before I buy some. What size shot and weight do you thinks best?

 

Thanks for any help

[bigadam]

Bb to 30yard I am just trying to find a good group from bigger shot at greater range

[Beretta28g]

Depends on range, and your ability, on snared foxes ive used 9's before at close range.

 

Personally id get either 1's or 3's youd get a better pattern than BB's IMHO.

[Frenchieboy]

I use AlphaMax 3" BBs for fox through my over and under. They do a descent job and rarely ned a follow op shot out to about 30 yards. That is not to say that they are the best to use, just what I find suitable for my needs!

[B B]

AAA is a clean killer on foxes and despite the low pellet count compared to BB holds together out of most full chokes better in my opinion.

[henry d]

Anything over BB in a twelve is not going to pattern well and will overpenetrate at close ranges, stick to 1`s, 2`s or 3`s in lead. If you are feeling flush try patterning some 3`s + in hevi shot, though the best cartridges I have found are Winchester XXX mags and the buffered remingtons who`s name I forget ATM.

 

What chambers does your gun have?

Edited April 15, 2013 by henry d

[BenHammer]

Thanks for all the replies. It's 3" chambered and is steel shot proofed

[henry d]

@ £1-50 a pop they aren`t cheap but these are the babies http://www.justcartridges.com/pdf/winchester.pdf

 

US 4`s equate to UK 3`s and they are buffered copper plated and pattern well, the 3 1/2" carts in US 2`s are even better

[00buck]

You can use. BB. AAA. or SSG. 32 or 34g is ok

[al4x]

Anything over BB in a twelve is not going to pattern well and will overpenetrate at close ranges, stick to 1`s, 2`s or 3`s in lead. If you are feeling flush try patterning some 3`s + in hevi shot, though the best cartridges I have found are Winchester XXX mags and the buffered remingtons who`s name I forget ATM.

 

What chambers does your gun have?

Seconded a decent load of anything from 1's to 4's is ideal at 30 yards 6's will do the job even so don't get hung up with huge shot, they get less accurate with distance and can ricochet nastily if you shoot in trees

[matone]

3`s.

[SakoQuad]

3" Magnum, 50grm of No 3's out to 35 - 40 yrds rarely need a second shot. (which is just as well 'cos they cost a bob or two and kick like b*****y!)

[Paul223]

My preference is anything between 3s to bb out to 30 may be 35 yards

[00buck]

I would not go smaller then no 1 shot. If you want a clean kill

[B B]

I would not go smaller then no 1 shot. If you want a clean kill

 

I would not go smaller then no 1 shot. If you want a clean kill

I agree!

[00buck]

I use SSG in the woods in thick cover if they get hit by 1 pellet they go down

No need for 3inch ammo or 42g loads

Steel shot would be ok I would think but go up a size

[henry d]

I use SSG in the woods in thick cover if they get hit by 1 pellet they go down Not if you hit them in the foot or jaw

No need for 3inch ammo or 42g loads

Steel shot would be ok I would think but go up a size

[jeffd]

SSG designed for soft skin dangerous game at very very close range ie for a charging lion or leopard. , fox's to 30 yard shot size 3 is perfect. further than that get a rifle.

[B B]

I use SSG in the woods in thick cover if they get hit by 1 pellet they go down

No need for 3inch ammo or 42g loads

Steel shot would be ok I would think but go up a size

Steel :unsure: T minimum, and over 1550fps. :blink:

[craig hill]

Gamebore buffalo 42g 3, 2.75"

[stu nesling]

42g/3's or 1's.....spot on in the woods or in the open.