Steel shot for pheasants

[BobT]

In the general hunting forum the question was asked about what size steel shot is best for pheasants and I couldn't remember the article I had read about this. Well, I finally found it.

I'm posting just some quoted information here but if you want to see the entire article go to the DNR HSOforum, publications, fish and wildlife today - archives, back issues, Sept/Oct 2001 and click the link to the article, "Study Finds Top Steel Load for WPA Pheasants."

Quote:

The 1-ounce No. 2 steel load is superior for taking pheasants, when compared to 1-ounce 4s and 6s. Fours and 6s both performed adequately at shorter distances, but did not provide any advantage over No. 2 steel....

...Hunters should not, however, assume that No. 2 steel is the best choice for other upland birds like sharp-tailed grouse or partridge. These birds are smaller than pheasants, and while 2s would certainly provide adequate penetration, the lower pellet count when compared to 4s and 6s might not produce adequate pattern density to ensure multiple hits.

[123fish]

The rooster I dumped this evening can vouch for the effectiveness of No.2 steel.

[pureinsanity]

I always use #2 when using steel for small game

[CRAZYEYES]

When I have to use steel I've been using the winchester drylock. They are 3 inch mag 1 and 1/4 ouce # 4's. I used to use the winchester expert or Kent fastseel but those drylocks seem to pack a little extra punch and I have seen too many birds run off when shot with the steel. I have grouse hunted a few places where non tox was required and used the cheaper # 6's. they seem fine on grouse.

[kosterguide]

i have shot lots of roosters using steel. and in the early seasons i have for the last 15 years used 3inch 6 1 1/4 once. now in the later part of the season i use 1 7/8 magnum number 4s i have never felt the need to go to number 2s, find the right choke and use mags and you can reach your target, the roosters i dropped this past weekend were not very close at all and i brought them down with 6s so i guess in my opinion 2s are a little over board

[Prairie Hunter]

I really like Kent #3 but #2 are about the same thing. Mostly in my head but I like #3 over the #2.

[CJH]

Used 4's in the past and am trying 3's this year. (had one too many cripples with them)

[Snag]

There was a study a few years ago that came to the conclusion that #2 steel is the best. You may be able to google it. Different distances and chokes didn't matter much if I recall it correctly.

[fishroger]

didnt hve any problem with # 2 steel. Use # 4 lead when I can, But on public land steel is fine.

[SledNeck]

is steel shot manditory for pheasants in MN now?

[CodyDawg]

No it is not. Thank goodness.

[Neighbor_guy]

is steel shot manditory for pheasants in MN now?

It is in WPA's. Some WMA's require it too.

I choose to shoot steel just because I like to keep it consistant, and I dont want to worry about having to remember what I "need" to be shooting. I have used #4, #3, and #2. They all seam to work.

[CodyDawg]

I have used #4 steel and it was awful. I have used #2 steel and it was just a bit better. I shoot a lot of birds every year with lead and they just plain work.

[raymondk]

No only on federal land

[duckhook101]

I just returned from taking a two day limit of roosters using 3", 1 1/8 oz., #6 HeviSteel through an IC choke and HAMMERING them out to 50 yds. First time I had used these and was very impressed.

[goblueM]

i like kent #2, use it for ducks and pheasants

[Ray1]

I also like 3" #2 steel 1 1/4oz for the puplic lands.