Shot Size For Doves

**Luker** · 26-02-2022, 22:24

Originally Posted by driepootx

In No. 6, can you find any in 24-28gr. Shooting 34gr loads when the rockies are really flying will pound you quite a bit.

A few years back there were 21gr No.7/7,5's around that were punted as a ladies clay round. Worked fine on the pigeons and your shoulder.

I used them mainly for hunting ducks. Recoil has never bothered me in the shoulder area although I battled with an injured hand after I fell
off an embankment about 2 years ago. After many irritating visits to specialists and physios I decided to modify the wrist of my over under.
I shoot better now than I have ever shot in my whole life.

**Springer** · 26-02-2022, 22:35

6's are not better than 7's for pigeon. Just find a lighter load if you want to get really technical. But pick your birds better.

**BBCT** · 26-02-2022, 23:15

First off let me say that the more different people you ask, the more different answers you will get. Aspects such as amount of choke on the gun and the shooter's particular style and personal skill level & experience will also affect the opinions they give you.

For pigeons I just use the same 7.5/28gram ammo that I use for clays because I buy it in bulk and I've always got some in the safe. If I did a lot of pigeon shooting I would probably buy something like 8's or 9's, maybe in a 32gram load. Smaller pellets but more of them. My opinion is that any pellets bigger than 7.5 is overkill on pigeons. I've seen guys that know what they're doing reliably drop egyptian geese using no 6's ("It's easy, just lead on the head not the body", they say!) so I can't see that anyone would need 6's for pigeons.

Having given my opinion, the best advice is probably to use whatever you like using and rather concentrate on things like leading by the correct amount because the birds can't tell the difference between the shot sizes. After a bit of experimentation you'll find the combination that works best for you.

**pre 64** · 27-02-2022, 10:38

The cheapest shotgun ammo around is 28gr 7's or 7.5's which is pretty much the standard load for clay targets. This load is also perfect for Rockies/pigeons/doves and will be the most cost efficient especially if you are gonna burn your way through a case or two a day.
As far as choke selection is concerned,it pretty much depends on how the birds are flying on a particular day. If you have a fixed choke gun,use it, it really matters little.

**krieger** · 01-03-2022, 03:32

In Texas pretty much everyone uses 7 for doves or 6 if you can't find 7s.

I am waiting for spring turkey hunting season in 2 weeks. Its the last hunting season for anything until September.

**Alf** · 01-03-2022, 21:58

Thanks guys, the gun is a semi auto with cylinder bore. I am buying a case of 28 gram no 7’s and will load a couple 100 no 8’s which is the shot I have available and see how it goes.

**FFourie** · 02-03-2022, 10:04

Originally Posted by Alf

Thanks guys, the gun is a semi auto with cylinder bore. I am buying a case of 28 gram no 7’s and will load a couple 100 no 8’s which is the shot I have available and see how it goes.

A tip from someone who has been embarrassed by rockies often: If you missed with the first shot, the second has even less chance of hitting.🤣