Looking for opinions about shot sizes.

[TDM]

#6 shot for squirrels is my choice.

 

[skwerleater]

4 to 6 will work well. I think the 4s carry up better on a longer shot

 

[Art Caputo]

I have used 4,5, 6, and 7 1/2’s with my open choked shotguns. #6 generally gives me the best balance of pattern density and penetration/killing power on squirrels, pheasants, and rabbits. Also, the larger shot sizes seem to drag more feathers/fur into the meat. I like 7 1/2’s for dove, grouse, and woodcock.

 

[Rfp10000]

A bit off topic , & I apologize but does Skychief work better with smaller shot ?
I tried #4 and #4 Buck with it at about 25 yards and it seemed to work well with the # 4 and less so with the buck .
Also the thick wads over shot had been soaked quite a while ago and left in a plastic bag so they were less drippy & thus less messy when handling them but still well saturated. As I said , with the smaller #4 the method seemed to work well .

 

[MTGUNNER]

#6 shot for squirrels is my choice.

I hate eating #6 lead pellets! I like to use # 4s because they seem to pass all the way through the squirrels.

 

[TDM]

I hate eating #6 lead pellets! I like to use # 4s because they seem to pass all the way through the squirrels.

You do have a point. My teeth probably couldn't take a bite of #6 now, I did miss a few every now and then.

 

[Zutt-man]

I’ll try to remember to report back in a month or two (waiting for my barrel to get choked). I’m planning on using 5’s to test my .58/24 to start.

In all of my unmentionables, I hunt with 4’s-6’s (turkeys, rabbits, squirrels and quail). The ONLY thing I use 7’s & 7.5’s for are dove loads

 

[senseisugarbear]

I use #5s for every thing .....I aim to just fringe the head with the edge of the pattern on Turkey, Pheasant, & Rabbits...I'm not ALLOWED to shoot Squirrels anymore....The WIFE got PI$$ED .....Says she's tired of buying new feeders............ Be Safe>>>>>>Wally

 

[bud in pa]

When I could afford them I bought #6 plated shot. They seemed tougher than regular shot.

 

[kemart17]

When I squirrel hunt with my 62/20 gauge Fowler, I like to use either #5 or #6. What’s the other sizes that would be good for squirrel, that you guys have used? I’ve not tried #7 yet, I have some and may try it on my next outing..

pattern wins the day. and 6 shot works great for me.