Size 8 Shot for Quail?
- Thread starter Dave R
- Start date
size 8 shot is what I was taught to hunt quail with many many years ago. Dad & Grampa always used 8's for qual and 6's for squirrels/rabbits. When we started reloading and didn't want to keep two diffent sizes of shot around, we switched to 7.5's for everything.
As you said, a really close shot on quail is pretty hard on them with 7.5's.
As you said, a really close shot on quail is pretty hard on them with 7.5's.
You have it backwards. Larger number (size 8 va. size 6) means smaller pellets. So size 8 is smaller pellets than 7.5. Smaller pellets mean (many) more of them in the shell. So patterns tend be denser, and more pellets tend to hit a bird. But since they are smaller, each pellet has less energy, and each pellet penetrates less.
So I was asking if size 8 is too small for quail. Opinions say no.
oneounceload
Moderator
8's are fine, but you'll have more pellets to clean out - use a more open choke and let them get a little further away
ammo.crafter
New member
qual
Are you using a 12ga? If so, a lot of gun for a small creature. Try 20ga with 3/4 oz load and an open choke. That should do the trick. Don't really think 7 1/2 v 8 is going to make a great difference.
Are you using a 12ga? If so, a lot of gun for a small creature. Try 20ga with 3/4 oz load and an open choke. That should do the trick. Don't really think 7 1/2 v 8 is going to make a great difference.
oneounceload
Moderator
Now Zipster....of COURSE I only take and make head shots............
r i g h t.....................
I like a nice light load - 3/4 oz., in 20 gauge of 7-1/2 - work well for preserve birds with SK/IC chokes
r i g h t.....................
I like a nice light load - 3/4 oz., in 20 gauge of 7-1/2 - work well for preserve birds with SK/IC chokes
American clay target sports were first developed to sharpen the skills of wing shooters, and more specifically upland hunters. So, when it comes to selecting ammo for shooting upland birds (the ones approximately the size of clay targets), it should be no surprise that target loads perform well. When it comes to dove and quail, most clay shooters don't have to think twice about selecting ammo -- they just grab an assortment target loads in 7-1/2s to 9s in various gauges and head out. When they get to the where the birds are, then then make their gun/ammo selection based on the current conditions.
Some of the newer shooters may not be aware that not all shot shells are created equally. Those discount "field" and "dove and quail" loads may be attractively priced, but you need to know what you're getting. The quality of the shot and other components may be significantly inferior to those used in premium loads. I've seen discount loads opened up and the shot wasn't as uniform as reclaimed (the pre-shot stuff the gun club recycles). When you look at all the costs involved in a hunting trip, trying to save a few dollars in ammo costs is being penny wise and pound foolish. I much prefer quality reloads to discount hunting loads. And, for the cost conscious, the reloads are cheaper.
clemsonbloz
New member
I always liked 9 shot for quail.. Short shots, maxium pellets..
9's are hard to find in budget shells.. 8's are good and popular in the 100 shell packs..
9's are hard to find in budget shells.. 8's are good and popular in the 100 shell packs..
Less choke and let them get a little farther out. Smaller shot will only make the pattern more dense, resulting in more pellet strikes and even more damage. For wild birds I like 7/8 of an oz of 7.5s out of 12 or 20. For preserve birds I like 7.5's out of a .410. Sometimes less is more.
ammo.crafter
New member
quail
Yup; 7/8 with an open choke should work well with your 12ga.
Yup; 7/8 with an open choke should work well with your 12ga.