texashuntingforum.com logo
Main Menu
Advertisement
Affiliates
Advertisement
Newest Members
TraeMartin, Beatixre, MooseSteed, Trappernewt, casyoo
71987 Registered Users
Top Posters(All Time)
dogcatcher 110,788
bill oxner 91,416
SnakeWrangler 65,416
stxranchman 60,296
Gravytrain 46,950
RKHarm24 44,585
rifleman 44,461
Stub 43,768
Forum Statistics
Forums46
Topics536,995
Posts9,719,275
Members86,987
Most Online25,604
Feb 12th, 2024
Print Thread
Shotgun hunting questions #8678040 08/31/22 05:24 PM
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,538
P
patriot07 Offline OP
Extreme Tracker
OP Offline
Extreme Tracker
P
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,538
I don't understand shotgun factory ammo choices. New to hunting. Most shotguns shoot at least 3" loads. And the dove loads are all described as "heavy" or "field" vs lower power "target" loads. Also there is high brass vs low brass and other differences I just don't understand. So I have a few questions:

Why doesn't WM or Academy carry 3" or 3.5" loads for dove with more pellets or powder?
When a load says "heavy", is that referring to the amount of pellets or something else?
What is the functional purpose of "high brass" versus "low brass"?

Thanks in advance

Re: Shotgun hunting questions [Re: patriot07] #8678048 08/31/22 05:33 PM
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 610
N
nesikabay Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
N
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 610
With a 3 or 3.5 load you wont have a dove to eat

Re: Shotgun hunting questions [Re: patriot07] #8678050 08/31/22 05:35 PM
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 610
N
nesikabay Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
N
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 610
get some 1 1/8 7.5 at 1250 to 1300 you will be fine. if your good get 1 oz

Re: Shotgun hunting questions [Re: patriot07] #8678055 08/31/22 05:38 PM
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 610
N
nesikabay Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
N
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 610
chech out shotgunworld.com that will help

Re: Shotgun hunting questions [Re: nesikabay] #8678069 08/31/22 05:54 PM
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,538
P
patriot07 Offline OP
Extreme Tracker
OP Offline
Extreme Tracker
P
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,538
Originally Posted by nesikabay
get some 1 1/8 7.5 at 1250 to 1300 you will be fine. if your good get 1 oz

I got 2 boxes - one was 1 1/8, other was 1 1/4. Both 7.5 shot, I think one was around 1220 fps and one was around 1300.

What is high brass vs low brass? Understand the brass is taller in high brass, but what is the functional difference? And what does "heavy" mean?

Re: Shotgun hunting questions [Re: patriot07] #8678082 08/31/22 06:17 PM
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,907
C
ChadTRG42 Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
C
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,907
What is high brass vs low brass? High brass has more powder in the round. Low brass has less powder in the round. Heavy usually refers to the shot inside the case. Generally bigger or more shot compared to other similar rounds.

You will want to shoot 2 3/4" shells for dove. 3" or 3 1/2" would have heavy recoil and destroy the bird. A simple 2 3/4" shell with 7.5 or 8 shot works fine for dove.


[Linked Image]
Custom and Precision Ammunition!!
https://DallasReloads.com/
Type 01 and Type 06 FFL
Re: Shotgun hunting questions [Re: patriot07] #8678112 08/31/22 06:53 PM
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,687
S
SherpaPhil Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
S
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,687
There is no longer a functional difference between high brass and low brass. It used to be that high brass had more powder and the brass was for strength. That is no longer necessary as you can put bigger powder loads in modern low brass shells. Today, it is just marketing to designate a heavier load from a lighter one.

Re: Shotgun hunting questions [Re: patriot07] #8678156 08/31/22 08:00 PM
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,071
H
HandyMan91 Online Content
Veteran Tracker
Online Content
Veteran Tracker
H
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,071
Have to ask since y'all are in the subject, wtf is dram eq?


Originally Posted by Biscuit
The only thing flat earthers have to fear is sphere itself

Re: Shotgun hunting questions [Re: HandyMan91] #8678189 08/31/22 08:34 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
kmon11 Online Shocked
junior
Online Shocked
junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
Originally Posted by HandyMan91
Have to ask since y'all are in the subject, wtf is dram eq?


Dram was the unit of measure for volume of black powder loaded in shells when it was still in use. Dram eq. is a measure of measure representing smokeless powder used to yield the same velocity with that amount of shot as that amount of black powder would produce. I do not know why it is still used these days other than tradition. Why not just have the shot load and velocity which is on most shotgun shell boxes these days so Dram eq is redundant and not needed IMO.


lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true
Mainstream news might be fun to watch
Re: Shotgun hunting questions [Re: ChadTRG42] #8678194 08/31/22 08:42 PM
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,538
P
patriot07 Offline OP
Extreme Tracker
OP Offline
Extreme Tracker
P
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,538
Originally Posted by ChadTRG42
What is high brass vs low brass? High brass has more powder in the round. Low brass has less powder in the round. Heavy usually refers to the shot inside the case. Generally bigger or more shot compared to other similar rounds.

You will want to shoot 2 3/4" shells for dove. 3" or 3 1/2" would have heavy recoil and destroy the bird. A simple 2 3/4" shell with 7.5 or 8 shot works fine for dove.

Thanks!

Re: Shotgun hunting questions [Re: SherpaPhil] #8678210 08/31/22 09:00 PM
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,832
T
Texan Til I Die Online Content
Extreme Tracker
Online Content
Extreme Tracker
T
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,832
Originally Posted by SherpaPhil
There is no longer a functional difference between high brass and low brass. It used to be that high brass had more powder and the brass was for strength. That is no longer necessary as you can put bigger powder loads in modern low brass shells. Today, it is just marketing to designate a heavier load from a lighter one.

Yep. Good example is the Winchester AA Sporting shells, which is what I use for dove. Low brass but moves the 1 1/8 oz of shot at 1300 fps. I also like them because they seem to have less recoil than most other 1300 fps loads.


Silver spurs and gold tequila
keep me hanging on.
Pretty girls and old cantinas
give me shelter from the storm.
Re: Shotgun hunting questions [Re: kmon11] #8678211 08/31/22 09:00 PM
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,071
H
HandyMan91 Online Content
Veteran Tracker
Online Content
Veteran Tracker
H
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,071
Originally Posted by kmon11
Originally Posted by HandyMan91
Have to ask since y'all are in the subject, wtf is dram eq?


Dram was the unit of measure for volume of black powder loaded in shells when it was still in use. Dram eq. is a measure of measure representing smokeless powder used to yield the same velocity with that amount of shot as that amount of black powder would produce. I do not know why it is still used these days other than tradition. Why not just have the shot load and velocity which is on most shotgun shell boxes these days so Dram eq is redundant and not needed IMO.


Thank you sir


Originally Posted by Biscuit
The only thing flat earthers have to fear is sphere itself

Re: Shotgun hunting questions [Re: patriot07] #8678223 08/31/22 09:23 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 301
S
Scoutdog Offline
Bird Dog
Offline
Bird Dog
S
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 301
The link below should answer most of your questions

What You Should Know About Shotgun Shells


A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
Re: Shotgun hunting questions [Re: patriot07] #8678273 08/31/22 10:25 PM
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,306
D
DLALLDER Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
D
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,306
What is the functional purpose of "high brass" versus "low brass"?


Many years ago when a LOT of people could not read, a visual indication of the power of a shotgun was the BRASS. High BRASS indicated the more powerful load and low BRASS the lesser power shell.

BTW with a very good dove hunt using 3 or 3.5 shells, you will NEVER want to dove hunt again.





Re: Shotgun hunting questions [Re: DLALLDER] #8678393 09/01/22 01:28 AM
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,158
J
Judd Online Confused
#1 Creedmoor Fan
Online Confused
#1 Creedmoor Fan
J
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,158
Originally Posted by DLALLDER
What is the functional purpose of "high brass" versus "low brass"?


Many years ago when a LOT of people could not read, a visual indication of the power of a shotgun was the BRASS. High BRASS indicated the more powerful load and low BRASS the lesser power shell.

BTW with a very good dove hunt using 3 or 3.5 shells, you will NEVER want to dove hunt again.


rofl it wasn’t a reading issue, it is a paper versus plastic issue wink

Plastic was a game changer for shotgun hulls and eliminated the reason to need high brass.


Originally Posted by Phil Robertson
Don't let your ears hear what your eyes didn't see, and don't let your mouth say what your heart doesn't feel
Re: Shotgun hunting questions [Re: patriot07] #8678435 09/01/22 02:45 AM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 301
S
Scoutdog Offline
Bird Dog
Offline
Bird Dog
S
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 301
Yep, high brass was needed in paper shells for black powder loads. Black power tends to create pin holes in paper hulls from the burning powder. High brass mitigated that issue and paper hulls lasted longer.


A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
Re: Shotgun hunting questions [Re: patriot07] #8678767 09/01/22 04:44 PM
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,538
P
patriot07 Offline OP
Extreme Tracker
OP Offline
Extreme Tracker
P
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,538
Shot a couple, scared a bunch, had a really good time

Re: Shotgun hunting questions [Re: patriot07] #8678944 09/01/22 08:25 PM
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,766
P_102 Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,766
I’ve been known to provide “watch me and do as I do” lessons if a person has a really good dove patch!!


Do not trifle in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy and taste good with ketchup.
Re: Shotgun hunting questions [Re: nesikabay] #8680356 09/03/22 09:35 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,320
C
Couzin Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
C
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,320
Originally Posted by nesikabay
With a 3 or 3.5 load you wont have a dove to eat

^^^^^ THIS!!!


Only at the end do you realize the power of the Dark Side.
Re: Shotgun hunting questions [Re: patriot07] #8680373 09/03/22 10:32 PM
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,930
R
RLoving1 Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
R
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,930
From my experience people that shoot 3 or 3 1/2 shells at dove are such bad shots they are just wasting more money on ammo to miss! It's a little bird so adding ammo to the sky is waste of resources...1 pellet to head kills them so just learn to get proper lead and judge distance and shot string should do it's job. I shoot 7/8 in 20 gauge and if they are handy 1 oz in 12 gauge works. People kill dove with a 410 so proof amount of lead ain't a solution.


Brayden (Lazy L's Southern Comfort) you will be missed! You were more than a pet you were my reason to rise and return for many days! You were my rock!
12/26/03-10/25/13
Re: Shotgun hunting questions [Re: patriot07] #8680381 09/03/22 10:58 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
kmon11 Online Shocked
junior
Online Shocked
junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
Waste to use heavy shells for dove. I killed more with 1 1/8 #8 at 1050fps from the 12ga when I was using it than any other load. That was my skeet load and worked well for that. I would have gone 1oz loads but bought a couple seasons worth of skeet and trap leagues worth of components from an estate sale and did not bother to change it. Switched to 20ga for a few years not shoot a 28ga. Like said dove are not hard to kill just put one in the pattern within effective range and get ready to clean it and wrap in bacon and grill.


lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true
Mainstream news might be fun to watch
Re: Shotgun hunting questions [Re: patriot07] #8680407 09/03/22 11:48 PM
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,766
P_102 Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,766
Interesting, RLoving…would you please explain how you judge shot string? Thx.


Do not trifle in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy and taste good with ketchup.
Re: Shotgun hunting questions [Re: Judd] #8680408 09/03/22 11:52 PM
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 5,112
F
flintknapper Online Content
THF Trophy Hunter
Online Content
THF Trophy Hunter
F
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 5,112
Originally Posted by Judd
Originally Posted by DLALLDER
What is the functional purpose of "high brass" versus "low brass"?


Many years ago when a LOT of people could not read, a visual indication of the power of a shotgun was the BRASS. High BRASS indicated the more powerful load and low BRASS the lesser power shell.

BTW with a very good dove hunt using 3 or 3.5 shells, you will NEVER want to dove hunt again.


rofl it wasn’t a reading issue, it is a paper versus plastic issue wink

Plastic was a game changer for shotgun hulls and eliminated the reason to need high brass.


^^^^^
Actually in East Texas it probably did hold true...... (might still . wink


Spartans ask not...how many, but where!
Re: Shotgun hunting questions [Re: Couzin] #8680486 09/04/22 02:13 AM
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,538
P
patriot07 Offline OP
Extreme Tracker
OP Offline
Extreme Tracker
P
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,538
Originally Posted by Couzin
Originally Posted by nesikabay
With a 3 or 3.5 load you wont have a dove to eat

^^^^^ THIS!!!

Well why do they run a "heavy" 2 3/4 load when you could just run a 3" load instead?

Re: Shotgun hunting questions [Re: patriot07] #8701938 10/05/22 01:12 AM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,320
C
Couzin Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
C
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,320
"Heavy" is multiuse. It can be a larger load of shot (1-1/4oz, 1-3/8oz, etc), larger shot size (4, 5 etc), and larger powder charge (producing feet per second shots of 1250, 1350, 1400 fps). Heavy shotshells are generally usable for longer shots and hitting larger birds. In my opinion, just mine, the only reason to use a "heavy" 2-3/4" shell (in 7.5, 8, or 9 shot) would be for late season doves that have gotten gunshy and leave early. Pattern matters on either load (heavy or light) - too tight with a heavy load and two things will happen, a mushed bird and a sore shoulder after a few boxes of shells.


Only at the end do you realize the power of the Dark Side.
Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread

© 2004-2024 OUTDOOR SITES NETWORK all rights reserved USA and Worldwide
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3