7-1/2 Versus 8 Shot in 12 Gauge

Do you have a preference between 7-1/2 versus 8 shot? I've noticed stores stocking more 7-1/2 shot last year or two. Is this a trend?

7.5.......1 1/4 oz. heavy!!!!!!

For what?

Im guessing he means for Dove.

I like 7.5 slightly more on long shots but you can tighten up the choke and get the same result with 8s

For me, the preference is :
Dove = #7.5 Heavy Game with LM , Quail = #8 1 oz Field loads with IC. Quail where I might run into a pheasant = 7.5 Heavy Game load with LM or M, but I've got to remind myself to give quail a little extra room and pass on any pheasant that is not really close.

I like #8 11/8 oz for doves. Approx 400 BB's in that load. I need all the help I can get.

Dove

X2

Really depends on how far your average shots will be made at. I usually make far shots, #6 & #7.5 shot is what I prefer, with #7.5 being my most preferred. When I was using #8 shot, I was getting too many wounded birds and I was having to dispatch them by hand. If you have birds in your face or you tend to make close shots, I am sure #8 shot is fine. My semi-auto shotgun I use has a 28-inch barrel and I shoot modified chokes.

7.5's seem to have a little more range and punch, plus cut thru the wind a little better. Not a huge difference, but that is my choice.

6 in one hand, half a dozen in the other.

I can’t tell the difference

If I want to shoot an open choke out to 35 yards, 8’s.
If i plan to shoot I tighter choke to stretch effectiveness beyond 35 yards, 7 1/2’s.

Nobody’s good enough to tell a difference

More bb’s with #8. But wind may affect them a little more. If no wind, try some #9’s.

There’s a reason they still make a half size, dove!

1 oz #8 = 1 1/8 oz #7.5 on pellet count

If an 8 can break a clay pigeon at 35 yards it can down a dove. I don't really care between the two but I do use 8s for sporting clays

I use 6, what am i thinking?

I'm not saying you can't kill high flying white wings with #8, but I've seen a lot of feathers poof while they fly or sail off. With a tighter choke and #6 that isn't a big problem. Hit 'em anywhere and that load will bring them down. I'd rather miss completely than get a few feathers. My problem is that I never know when they're gonna show up. When they do, they're usually passing thru at edge of comfortable range. I keep a box of #6s and IM choke for my OU handy just in case.

Ideally for mourning doves I'd shoot the IC barrel with #8 and Mod with #7.5, but I'm not particular about it so I end up with one or the other. As long as the Shiner is cold and I've got some shade I'm not gonna overthink it too much.

Stores seem to have increased the number 7.5s on the shelves for a couple of reasons. 7.5s are the preferred size by mana sporting clays shooters vs. 8s for skeet. I’ve found some of the new “biodegradable” clays can be tougher to break cleanly in certain conditions.

I haven’t bought anything smaller than 7.5s in about 6 years.

#7s for white wings

#7-1/2 shot for me. Used to love shooting those Remington Express long range shells until the price skyrocketed about 10 years ago or so.

At an average of 1.5 birds per box, I go with what's cheapest

I like #6 for late season dove, and wild quail that flush way out in front.

More pellets with the 8's. I've killed doves @ 50yards where only a couple of 8's hit- seem okay. IMHO I think I've hit more with the 8's than 7 1/2's- which I used to use.

Early in the season, you'll find me with high base 9's.

8's in the .410 and 28. Whatever I happen to have in 20 and 12.

1 oz of #8 has the same pellet count as 1 1/8 of #7.5.

I prefer 7.5 though and 8 for skeet.

I prefer 7.5, but rolling with 8 this year because that's whats in inventory.

1-1/8oz 7-1/2

7/8 oz of 7 1/2 around 1200 fps out of a twenty is my preference for dove. If shooting store bought, it is usually Remington. I like the way their one piece hull reloads.

The main reason I posted was because I noticed stores stocking more 7-1/2 shot, interesting. I haven't been to many stores this year though.

The vast majority of the dove we shoot are white wings flying high on a flyway to crop fields. I swear by #6’s for the birds we shout but will shoot 7 & 1/2’s if I have to

I shoot a 20 or 16 for dove but I buy 7 1/2’s by the case and shoot anything that flys with them. 8’s make very little difference if they’re cheaper than 7 1/2’s.

7's for whitewings, 7.5 or 8's whatever I have for dove. Usually 7.5's unless they are out though.

I usually can’t even tell the difference

me either

I miss with both equally well.

I heard that.

I miss best with #6 so that is what I generally hunt with.

X2 More dropped birds

You really need to balance 3 things. The load weight, shot size, and FPS. If feet per second is 1200 or higher I shoot 1 1/8 of #8. If FPS is 1100 to 1200 I shoot 1 1/8 of #7.5. In late season the white wings tend to fly higher so I switch to high brass 1 1/4 of #6 at 1400 FPS. The #6 late season loads are expensive, but if you wear a thin shirt you won't shoot more than a box per hunt.

I knew someone would post, this and county every bb thats packed in. those shells! way too much time on your hands
there!

Bottom line, very little difference between the two! just shoot'em, doves dont care!




hunt safe....

#7.5 will travel a bit further for longer shots than a #8 size.

AA 7.5 shot. Burns clean and that’s what my gun likes best.

#6 tears up the breast too much, so I roll with 7.5s. Only use 8 shot when it’s the only thing available.

Thanks for bringing this up.

I was in the field yesterday for opening day. I had 10 opportunities and fired more than 20 shots, and Ive brought a few dove down.
including one that was feeding on the ground by my decoy.

However, when I went to retrieve, all would jump and fly away.
I couldnt understand what was going on.

I was shooting against these steady 20 knot winds with dove coming in at 30-40 yards.
I was using these Winchester 12 gauge rounds, 8 shot size, 1 oz.
I using a modified choke.

When shooting hours were over, I talked to another hunter who got himself 6 doves. He told me 8s never work for him and he suggested 6s.

Im still irritated of all the opportunities I had, and didnt get to bring home anything.