I need to get more range out of my shots. I have been missing a lot of opportunities because they are just out of my range. Anyone have any suggestions?

I have been using some cheap shells from Academy; the Monarch 12 ga, 1oz, 8 shot. I went and bought some 1 1/8 ounce, 8 shot and 7.5 shot Remington Heavy Dove that I haven't tried yet. I have a Mossberg Maverick 88 with a Modified choke.

Go to a tighter choke tube. Modified is a good general purpose choke for dove. I run an IC. If you went to a Full choke, that would get you a little extra range. But after 40+ yards, it's too far for most any dove shots anyway.

Yea and if you hit them close with a full choke there won't be anything left. I agree, modified for your distance and IC for the closer birds.

I use an improved modified choke. It works great on dove.

Ok, what about shells? I am thinking about getting some Rio game load 1 1/4 oz, 7.5 shot. Its $4 dollars more than the cheap stuff. Is it worth it?

Never shot the RIO stuff. I'm still using what's left of a case of Winchester AA 1 1/8 oz loads with No 8 from last year. I noticed today the local Ace Hardware store in Midlothian had some (I think it was RIO) heavy dove loads for $5.99 bx

I like Rio High Brass Texas Game Loads with 1 1/4 oz. of lead and 7.5 shot because you get better shot coverage and the shot carries a bit further. On average one oz. of 7.5 holds 350 pellets. So that extra 1/4 oz. give you another ~85 pellets to increase your odds. Don't go cheap on shells because you only get so many chances at birds. Doesn't make sense to go cheap on ammo when you spend time and money for a good hunting experience.

I prefer higher velocity to more pellets. Ive had much better luck with 1 oz and 1 1/8 oz loads.

If Im missing with a modified at longer ranges its becausr im behind them not because of my shell choice.

I've yet to see someone shoot Rio and Remington Heavy dove and prefer the Rio. Remington heavy dove loads all the way. That said knowing how to shoot is much more important than the shell/load your shooting. This early in the season I/C is generally the better choke but do what you gotta do. if your shots are longer then go to a modified or imp/mod choke.

I shoot an over and under with IC on top for first shot and then full in the lower. I switch it on solo birds at longer range to the bottom full choke barrell. I've found its a nice combo.

The correct answer is... I'm a smart @##. The correct answer is get a mojo, if they are to far, let them circle, if they move on let them. Get a mojo and select your shots. At the end of the day you will limit quicker.

Sounds to me like you need to get a spot closer to where the birds are crossing.

Its a huge field and they cross all along the length of the field. I have learned just to stay put and wait until they come to me like you said okietex. I do have a mojo but when they are out of range they don't seem to be interested in it at all. I only witnessed one dove fly from a long way to come check out my mojo. It was kind of amazing actually. I just want to get more opportunities with longer range shots.

7.5 shot is your best dove load for range. 8's lose velocity and can't handle a long range shot. Improved modified choke (extended is best) is what I shoot when they are running farther out. Modified is good also but i definitely make batter long rang shots with IM and I can still get a good medium range pattern. However if they are real close I will destroy the bird.. I use trulock chokes. The birds at my place this year did not fly like opening day birds. They were high and fast and not interested in my mojos.

I don't have a lease or land so my dove hunting has been public, not many opportunities and some long shots. I've been using 1 1/8 of steel 5's, ~~ 275 pellets, anything 40 yds ish comes down fine. Downrange energy is probably similar steel 5 to lead 7.5, but I only have the option for steel so that's what I roll with. Plus it will be my teal load tomorrow

http://www.randywakeman.com/shotgunhunting.htm

Great resource for shotgunning information.

Try shooting 6s. And a modified choke. I had the same problem years ago and this solved it. You can hear the 6s smack the bird. Last week I hunted the very corner of my property cause the birds were in the field next door. They would fly over a big tree right in the corner of my property. I dropped all of mine inside our gate. My hunting buddy's kept trying to hunt there with me and were dropping them all over the place. They were shooting imp cylinder with 8s and 7.5s.

Don't be scared of less BBs. It only takes one to knock m down.

1.25oz of 7.5s is a cone of death through a skeet choke for a fer piece. Serious medicine.

1.25oz of 6s through LM will kill a dove farther than mere mortals are effective at hitting them.

In both cases you will want nice hard high antimony shot. Over the years I've found 1.125oz Winn AA super handicap loads to be a nicely balanced load. Hard shot makes a difference.

Ditto

You don't say what distance "my range" is. Go to Briley.com and review their choke charts. I'm guessing 'range' isn't the problem.

P_102

You don't need more range capabilities. You need less range. Pick up your dove chair and move 10 yards. Same shells, move, kill more birds.