Tomm Posted December 25, 2014 Report Share Posted December 25, 2014 Hi there, not used to shotguns as I mainly shoot rifles but I was invited on a couple of pheasant days at the end of the season so thAught I would get a nice shotgun. Anyway I ended up with a silver pigeon 20b. I have been shooting hull high pheasant 28gr 5 and have been getting on ok on the clay tower. When I told one of the people I am going on the driven day with about my gun choice they seemed to think I was going to struggle on the day because 40-50 yards is too far for a 20 and I would have to use a 12 if I wanted to hit the high birds. I was a bit disappointed because I love the feel of the 20 and was starting to shoot quie well with it. Should I get a 12 or is the 20 ok for day up to 50 yard pheasants? Thanks all!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulus Posted December 25, 2014 Report Share Posted December 25, 2014 a 28gr load is just that whether that be 12g or 20g Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prawn Posted December 25, 2014 Report Share Posted December 25, 2014 As long as you had a bit of choke in the gun, 1/2 or 3/4 i really do think you will be fine with using a 20 bore as long as you do your part, the gun wont let you down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomm Posted December 25, 2014 Author Report Share Posted December 25, 2014 So if I got some 32gr carts I would be throwing the same amount of lead as a 12? Also will the pellets hold as much energy as a 12? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sitsinhedges Posted December 25, 2014 Report Share Posted December 25, 2014 Are they really 50 yards away? That would be challenging for anyone let alone a beginner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomm Posted December 25, 2014 Author Report Share Posted December 25, 2014 He said they get birds between 40 and 50 yards on some of the drives, want to give myself the best chance, Iv been shooting clays from a 35m tower for practise, thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bunnykiller Posted December 25, 2014 Report Share Posted December 25, 2014 Hi Tom, I use a 20g for all my game shooting. 28g6s before the new year and 30g5s after. I feel after the new year only the best flyers are left, this is the reason for the bigger load. I have never had a problem bringing down 45y pheasants bud. Shaun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underdog Posted December 25, 2014 Report Share Posted December 25, 2014 I seriously can not believe I am reading this, it must be a wind up. U. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TwoJackRussells Posted December 25, 2014 Report Share Posted December 25, 2014 whoever told you that a 20 isnt up to Driven Pheasant shooting is talking rubbish! Step your carts up a bit 32g of 5 is perfect and its job done! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salop Matt Posted December 25, 2014 Report Share Posted December 25, 2014 They are chatting cobblers! Your gun and cartridge choice sound fine, Jellousy I suspect! Ignor them, I would happily use a 20bore on any game and 28gram 5's or 6's would be purfect ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomm Posted December 25, 2014 Author Report Share Posted December 25, 2014 So there is no more shot from the same size cartridge weather from a 20 or a 12? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old farrier Posted December 25, 2014 Report Share Posted December 25, 2014 I seriously can not believe I am reading this, it must be a wind up. U. +1 Just go shoot your gun enjoy the day All the best Of Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuzzypigeon Posted December 25, 2014 Report Share Posted December 25, 2014 (edited) Just carry on using your ounce of 5's and it will do the same as any 12b Edited December 25, 2014 by fuzzypigeon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HW682 Posted December 25, 2014 Report Share Posted December 25, 2014 So there is no more shot from the same size cartridge weather from a 20 or a 12? 32gram (for example) is 32gram of lead whether it is 12b or 20b Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sitsinhedges Posted December 25, 2014 Report Share Posted December 25, 2014 I found heavy loads, ie 32gram, in 20 gauge would generally be much slower than say 28grams when chrono'ed. I think they need to be in this smaller gauge to keep within pressure limits. Bear in mind that even a 28gram load is considered quite heavy in a 20 gauge. Personally I think that 28grams of 5 or 6 with a suitable choke is a great load that will certainly outperform most of us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mossy835 Posted December 25, 2014 Report Share Posted December 25, 2014 (edited) i was useing chamber mates,in my 12 gauge,with 20 gauge carts and shooting pigeons in the woods and bring down hight birds.have fun with your 20 gauge, Edited December 25, 2014 by mossy835 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Konnie Posted December 25, 2014 Report Share Posted December 25, 2014 32g through a 20b is a heavy load if it makes you flinch (you may not notice you are ) you will not shoot as well.28g of 5's will do the job 50yrds is a long way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captincaveman Posted December 25, 2014 Report Share Posted December 25, 2014 You have to be more accurate with a 20, would make you a better shot than those telling you otherwise. Shoot and enjoy, plenty of firepower in a 20. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motty Posted December 25, 2014 Report Share Posted December 25, 2014 You have to be more accurate with a 20, would make you a better shot than those telling you otherwise. Shoot and enjoy, plenty of firepower in a 20. Are you sure? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackpowder Posted December 25, 2014 Report Share Posted December 25, 2014 (edited) I shoot 20g for driven pheasant through a 12bore. When its is pointed in the right direction this load brings down some high birds. Your 20 bore will be much tighter choked than my vintage 12 so no problem with high driven birds, ignore the prophets of doom. Blackpowder Edited December 25, 2014 by Blackpowder Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjlfishing Posted December 25, 2014 Report Share Posted December 25, 2014 I've shot 20 bore for years and Ive just sold it as I found a heavier 12 with long barrels is a better tool for high driven pheasants the twenty is great for walked up / snap shooting but a heavy 12 bore trap style gun is the thing for high birds with 32 to 42 gram cartridges depending on how high you want to shoot that said a good 28 gram 20 bore load put in the right place will kill 40 yard pheasants Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KFC Posted December 25, 2014 Report Share Posted December 25, 2014 My shoot captain uses a 20b 28gr 5 for all his game shooting and he puts alot of 12g guns to shame so crack on and enjoy the day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geordieh Posted December 25, 2014 Report Share Posted December 25, 2014 You have to be more accurate with a 20, would make you a better shot than those telling you otherwise. Shoot and enjoy, plenty of firepower in a 20. Why if it is pointing in the wrong place you miss 12 or 20g Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blasterjudd Posted December 26, 2014 Report Share Posted December 26, 2014 (edited) I've got both 12g and 20g guns they both shoot high birds it's where you point the lead that matters most, just don't get sucked into the dos and don't if you enjoy a 20g then use it as lots do ! Use 28g 5 or 6 shot and u will be fine A nice light 20g is ideal if you have a lot of walking to do....... Edited December 26, 2014 by blasterjudd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underdog Posted December 26, 2014 Report Share Posted December 26, 2014 What he has to think of is, just how many pellets does it take to down a bird?! Thinking a 12g is better for high birds is folly. Heavy barrels may help some with their swing but that is nothing to do with the gauge! That is everything to do with shooter discipline and very often linked to looking for an excuse! U. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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