dpile1 Posted April 11, 2009 Report Share Posted April 11, 2009 Hi, I'm relatively new to the wonderful world of shotguns. I've had a FAC and a SGC for quite a while now but I've only just bought my first shotgun. Now its a 12g and it's lovely. However, I'm having a little bit of trouble working out what size shots are suitable for different quarry. I'd be using my shotgun for everything except Deer. I.e. rabbits, crows, ducks, pigeons and possibly Fox at extraordinarly close range etc etc Has anyone got a list explaining what the different sizes mean and their application? Thanks for any help, Darren Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
libs Posted April 11, 2009 Report Share Posted April 11, 2009 (edited) 7-8 for clays, 5-6 for game. As for load sizes thats up to you really. but anything between 21g - 28g for clays and 30-36g for game. As for the duck you will need non-toxic shot which is lighter and therefore you will need bigger shot sizes, less than 4 seems to be the norm. Have a look at BASC and if you are a member ring them and have a good chat about the topic, the guys there are alway happy to help. EDIT: just to mention fox.... Something around the AAA BB or #1 size will do the job under 35 or so yards. Edited April 11, 2009 by libs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpile1 Posted April 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 11, 2009 7-8 for clays, 5-6 for game. As for load sizes thats up to you really. but anything between 21g - 28g for clays and 30-36g for game. As for the duck you will need non-toxic shot which is lighter and therefore you will need bigger shot sizes, less than 4 seems to be the norm. Have a look at BASC and if you are a member ring them and have a good chat about the topic, the guys there are alway happy to help. Thank you very much for your help. I assume that by load, you mean the weight and therefore the quantity of shot? Darren Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest topshot_2k Posted April 11, 2009 Report Share Posted April 11, 2009 For wildfowl 32g+: ducks - #3shot (if using steel) or #4/#5 for other non toxic shot Geese - #1shot (if using steel) or #2/#3 for other non toxic shot *DON'T use more than half choke for steel though* Game,rabbits, pigeon etc: 28g or more of #5 or #6 shot Clays: 28g or less of #7.5 or #8 shot For foxing at close range #3 shot or bigger will be fine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest topshot_2k Posted April 11, 2009 Report Share Posted April 11, 2009 Thank you very much for your help. I assume that by load, you mean the weight and therefore the quantity of shot? Darren Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpile1 Posted April 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 11, 2009 For wildfowl 32g+: ducks - #3shot (if using steel) or #4/#5 for other non toxic shot Geese - #1shot (if using steel) or #2/#3 for other non toxic shot *DON'T use more than half choke for steel though* Game,rabbits, pigeon etc: 28g or more of #5 or #6 shot Clays: 28g or less of #7.5 or #8 shot For foxing at close range #3 shot or bigger will be fine Thanks very much for all your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy. Posted April 11, 2009 Report Share Posted April 11, 2009 (edited) Once again: The bible of shooting Do not set foot outside your front door with a gun to shoot live quarry before reading it cover to cover. I read it ten times over before I ever owned a shotgun. Edited April 11, 2009 by harfordwmj Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferret Master Posted April 11, 2009 Report Share Posted April 11, 2009 Just so we can advise accordingly... what's your guns chamber length and what is it proofed to? FM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpile1 Posted April 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 11, 2009 Just so we can advise accordingly... what's your guns chamber length and what is it proofed to? FM 28" barrels but I'm not sure what it's proofed to. I'll have a look when I get back home. Seriously, thanks for all your help chaps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferret Master Posted April 11, 2009 Report Share Posted April 11, 2009 Noooo length of the chambers... this means the maximum length cartridge (when fired) that the gun can fire. FM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpile1 Posted April 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 11, 2009 Noooo length of the chambers... this means the maximum length cartridge (when fired) that the gun can fire. FM Oops. Chamber is 2 3/4" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
libs Posted April 11, 2009 Report Share Posted April 11, 2009 Thats standard, so anything that doesnt say 'magnum' or 3" all over the box will do you. With time you will find out what you feel comfortable with but all that you need to know RE: shot sizes has been said above! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpile1 Posted April 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 11, 2009 (edited) Just so we can advise accordingly... what's your guns chamber length and what is it proofed to? FM It's also got 1200Kp/cm marked on the barrel which I assume is the proof house's test pressure. Thats standard, so anything that doesnt say 'magnum' or 3" all over the box will do you. With time you will find out what you feel comfortable with but all that you need to know RE: shot sizes has been said above! Thanks for that. I'm well used to rifles and such but the more 'technical' aspects of shotguns are all totally new to me. Thanks again. Darren Edited April 11, 2009 by dpile1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goldfish Posted April 11, 2009 Report Share Posted April 11, 2009 Darren Just ask, there is never a silly question just a fool who never asked. We all have to start somewhere. All the best Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferret Master Posted April 11, 2009 Report Share Posted April 11, 2009 (edited) DarrenJust ask, there is never a silly question just a fool who never asked. We all have to start somewhere. All the best Agreed, far better that than blowing your gun up. A realistic maximum that you want to be looking at is 42g or so, that is the highest weight load I have fired out of a 2 3/4'' 12 bore chamber. These were for foxes and squirrel dreys. FM Edited April 11, 2009 by Ferret Master Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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