Is 1/4 Choke Ok for Crow decoying and shooting hares ?

[roughshooter29]

Dear All,

 

Happy Easter from a very wet Surrey, here is a question from an occasional Pigeon shooter.

 

I shoot an old Browning Auto 5 with a quarter choke which I have only ever used for pigeons. I have recently been asked to help out Crow decoying and also invited to a Hare shoot in Europe. I am no Digweed but the Pigeons seem to fall fairly dead when I connect with them over the Deeks whilst I am using Eley Hb Pigeon loads in 6's with 1 & 1/8 loads (32grams new money).

 

My question is, is a Quarter choke enough for Crows at up to 40 yards, and also running hares ? Also I assume I would have to increase shot size for hares to maybe a 5 or 4 ?

 

I appreciate Choke been done to death here but my question is fairly specific.

 

Any thoughts appreciated.

 

Kind Regards Craig.

Edited April 3, 2015 by roughshooter29

[dougall]

1/4 absolutely fine.

for hares I would keep within 35 yards and go to 32g+ 4s.

[Scully]

I'd prefer something tighter for hares personally, but within range and with 32grm 4's I'd be happy enough. Do you know if the hares are driven or walked up?

[roughshooter29]

I believe they can be either walked up or Driven Hares and the distances can vary but as I said I am no world class shooter so try to take realistic ( for me) shots on the pigeons I have shot.

 

Regards Craig.

[dodeer]

No problem. Use 36-42 g 4 is my advice for Hares

[roughshooter29]

Number 4 between 32-42 grms for hares and keep it under 40 yards. That's fine as the old Auto 5 is a bit hit and miss cycling anything under 32 grms even when set for light loads. I read somewhere that if you increase shot weight it will slightly compensate for the wider choke as you are putting more shot in the air.

 

At 32 grms it never fails to cycle and I did try a few old 36 grm carts once at a pattern plate with it set for heavy loads. It cycled those no problem with no real increase in recoil so cheers guys you have put my silly fears to rest. I take it 5 or 6's are Ok for the Crows.

 

Thanks for your thoughts Gents.

 

Again Happy Easter and warm barrels,

Craig.

[Caravanman]

5 and 6 are grand for crows. I use 5.5 mostly.

[evo]

5 and 6 are grand for crows. I use 5.5 mostly.

+ 1

[motty]

Number 4 between 32-42 grms for hares and keep it under 40 yards. That's fine as the old Auto 5 is a bit hit and miss cycling anything under 32 grms even when set for light loads. I read somewhere that if you increase shot weight it will slightly compensate for the wider choke as you are putting more shot in the air.

 

At 32 grms it never fails to cycle and I did try a few old 36 grm carts once at a pattern plate with it set for heavy loads. It cycled those no problem with no real increase in recoil so cheers guys you have put my silly fears to rest. I take it 5 or 6's are Ok for the Crows.

 

Thanks for your thoughts Gents.

 

Again Happy Easter and warm barrels,

Craig.

Don't rule out a 7 or 7.5 for crows or pigeons.