Gun Dog Forum

What size shot and what chokes do you all use in a 20 ga over and under for pheasants ? Hunting with pointing dogs. Thanks

First barrel I/C, second Full. 1oz 6's

It is partially a function of your shooting style and, as an additional observation, you don't mention whether you're talking wild or preserve pheasants. My eyesight is not particularly great and it takes me a little longer to get on a bird than some others. On the other hand, I'm pretty decent at longer-range, so I shoot with tighter chokes in my first barrel than fishvic does. As a sub comment, if you're hunting wild birds, I don't think a 20 is your best choice. If preserve birds, probably still not best, but it would work. Hope you have a dog that's good on cripples and runners, though.

Ist barrel - Skeet
2nd barrel - Improved Cylinder

I use 1 oz. loads of high velocity 6's. I like the shells that are 1220 fps or faster. I get nickel plated shot when I can. I think it does a better job. Have killed plenty of birds with this setup.

Prior to owning an O/U I had an A-5 in 20 ga. that was choked IC. Same shells. Killed plenty of birds with it too.

I shoot birds over pointing dogs, so my shots are generally fairly close.

Never felt I needed more gun and I am at best a mediocre shot.

FWIW I often carry 7 1/2's in case the dogs point quail. I have killed more than a few pheasants with 7 1/2's because I forgot to switch the loads back, but the 71/2's usually put too many pellets into the bird for my liking.

Most all of my hunting these days is for stocked birds, but way back, the same high velocity 6's killed wild birds just fine.

RayG

Never shot a o/u.
I have shot 20 ga Beretta Auto loaders for years. So, only one choke. Usually M or IM and 3" 5s on Wild Pheasants and sharptails, Full 3" 4s or 5s on turkeys. Not as fast as I once was so shots get longer. IC and 2 1/2 7 1/2s 7/8 on woodland Grouse. I am not a gun person. I just try to use what works for me..........Cj

art hubbard wrote: ↑

Wed Nov 03, 2021 2:05 pm

What size shot and what chokes do you all use in a 20 ga over and under for pheasants ? Hunting with pointing dogs. Thanks

You can't go wrong if you go with IC/Mod chokes with 1 oz. of #6 shot.

M/IC. I always shoot the bottom barrel first. I use 7/8 oz 7 1/2s.

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