Posted By: Nick1
shot size for dove??? - 08/29/15 02:46 AM
new to dove hunting... got invited to a friends land on Tuesday to shoot some dove. So whats the most common shell for dove hunting? I'll be shooting my new 12g beretta a300. I was gonna get some 2 3/4 shells for sure but for dove, what size shot are yall using? was thinking 8's...keep in mind im a shotgun newbie too. Thanks for the advice.
Posted By: Guy
Re: shot size for dove??? - 08/29/15 03:06 AM
I always get 8, 7.5 works fine too for dove. I always grab 8 because that is best for clay shooting as well.
Posted By: Nick1
Re: shot size for dove??? - 08/29/15 03:16 AM
thanks...what choke should I use for dove???
Posted By: STEW
Re: shot size for dove??? - 08/29/15 03:16 AM
I have the A300 as well. I use 7.5 1 1/8 shell with Mod choke
Posted By: Guy
Re: shot size for dove??? - 08/29/15 03:18 AM
thanks...what choke should I use for dove???
I use IC all the time, don't take a shot more than 40 yards, preferably 30 yard max..
Posted By: bermise
Re: shot size for dove??? - 08/29/15 03:22 AM
Improved Cylinder, light modified & modified are good choices for dove. 7.5 or 8 shot.
Posted By: Team Hillbilly
Re: shot size for dove??? - 08/29/15 03:45 AM
7.5 or 8 either one should do it,but I like 9 for clays most of the time
Posted By: kry226
Re: shot size for dove??? - 08/29/15 04:10 AM
You should shoot whatever patterns best in your gun. I see a significant difference in killed bird numbers between 7.5s and 8s. I always buy 8s because they're on sale. But when I get to the field, I always kick myself for not picking up the 7.5s like I knew I should.
7.5 AAs through an IC choke.
Posted By: westexhunt
Re: shot size for dove??? - 08/29/15 04:15 AM
With the white wings and ring necks mixed in I prefer to shoot 1 1/8 oz 7.5 shot. Seem to get fewer fly offs.
Posted By: John Humbert
Re: shot size for dove??? - 08/29/15 05:22 AM
IMHO, shooting 9's just gets too many cripples or fly offs/long glides. They also make longer shots tougher. But I guess if you're a great shot and shoot clays all the times with 9's, and limit to close shots - then go for it. I stay away from them on actual birds.
I generally have a mix of 8's and 7.5's with me on the hunts. Since I usually go on guided hunts, I am not sure of the conditions. Some times they take us to spots where the birds are easily ambushed and the shots close. Then I grab a box of 8's. Other times, the setup turns out to be longer shots, on birds that are in the open/passing shots. Then I grab a box of 7.5's.
And yes, I have been known to grab a few 6's and put them in my pocket, just in case conditions indicate. Once, with our setup, after the initially flurry of birds, the birds changed the flight paths and were avoiding the hunters. They seemed to figure out how to stay just a little out of normal range out a ways in the field, moving fast. You really couldn't reposition on them. Most of the guys were missing them at that distance or just getting feathers. I remembered I had a box of 6's, and voila - started dropping more than my share at extreme ranges. Since then, I always keep a box of 6's in the truck - just in case.
Posted By: TXHOGSLAYER
Re: shot size for dove??? - 08/29/15 07:13 AM
I got 7.5 because that was all that I could find
Posted By: BigAL33
Re: shot size for dove??? - 08/29/15 10:46 AM
thanks...what choke should I use for dove???
For close shots use skeet, for longer pass shooting use modified
Posted By: LarryCopper
Re: shot size for dove??? - 08/29/15 12:57 PM
Hi flyin' white wings, yes. MOD or improved MOD choke for this.
Posted By: 4Weight
Re: shot size for dove??? - 08/29/15 05:47 PM
7.5 or 8 shot and skeet in my top barrel, improved in my lower.
Posted By: Nick1
Re: shot size for dove??? - 08/29/15 11:19 PM
is full camo required for dove??? It's hot outside?!
Posted By: SnakeWrangler
Re: shot size for dove??? - 08/29/15 11:25 PM
is full camo required for dove??? It's hot outside?!
Camo t-shirt (short sleeve)...blue jeans or shorts.....snake boots...... and a few cold beers for after you limit out!