what size steel shot for pheasants

[NELS-BELLS]

I just purchased a used 20 gauge for my 14 year old daughter. I hunt mostly state land for pheasants. It is a 2 3/4 auto with interchangeable chokes.

What size steel shot and choke tube would you recomend for her?

Nels

[DuckDog]

modified with number 2 or 3 steel shot

[Dave S]

modified with number 2 or 3 steel shot

I agree with both. The mod choke will actually be a full with steel shot. This will give your daughter a little extra range if she doesn't have a quick target acquisition.

[Leaddog]

The rule of thumb was 2 sizes larger than lead. For me that's usually 4 - a lot more shot in a 4 than a 2. Also, it helped me to keep the FPS close for both lead and steel

[BobT]

There was a thread about a year ago that posted some interesting information from a DNR? study that was done regarding the killing percentage and other factors regarding the use of steel shot.

If I remember correctly the end result was that for pheasant kill percentage #2 shot in 2-3/4" 12ga. was found to be generally most effective. Don't recall if 20ga. was tested though.

I wish I could find that thread but I haven't yet.

[NELS-BELLS]

Thanks for the info. I didn't realize that there was that big of a difference between lead and steel.

On state land, can you use any of the other types of non-toxic shot?

Nels

[BobT]

I think I found it!

Since it is more related to pheasant hunting rather than hunting in general, I'll start a thread in the pheasant-grouse-dove-partridge forum. Check it out.

[carpshooterdeluxe]

Thanks for the info. I didn't realize that there was that big of a difference between lead and steel.

On state land, can you use any of the other types of non-toxic shot?

Nels

you can use any of the non toxics approved for waterfowl. bismuth, tungsten matrix, xtended range hi density, wingmaster hd, hevi-shot, etc.