3" shells for Pheasant

[Ugly Dogs]

I have never used 3" shells for pheasant hunting. I was just wondering for those that do, why? Do you notice a big difference? Pheasant seem to me to be the easiest bird to kill, especially at the start of the season. I can maybe see it the late season when the birds are spooky and the shots get longer.

I always use Federal high velocity 2 3/4" #4 and they all ways worked good for me. I tried a box of Prairie storm but didn't notice a big difference.

(I didn't want to hijack the thread about shells, just wanted to hear about others experience)

 

[bigcatpike]

I have some good ole' goose loads from the 1980s that are 3 inch 1 7/8 oz loads of BB, 2, or 4 shot. I imagine these would do a good job on pheasants at long distance with a full choke.

 

[Kurtr]

I use what ever are handy they are not hard to kill. So mostly 2 3/4 2 shot steel

 

[svnmag]

BigCatPike, (pic from FBO):

 

[savage270]

The only time I use 3" shells for pheasants is if I am hunting WPA's and steel shot is required. I've had great success with the Prairie Storm and that's all I buy any more.

 

[LOV2HNT]

BCP (pic from FBO):

Ouch!

 

[svnmag]

I thought I posted this last night but can't find it: IMHO, like turkey, pheasants are not made of iron. Any quality "high brass" has plenty of "power". I prefer a full choke for pheasant. Let a close flusher get out there a ways before touching off. Aim the gun like a rifle and put the bead right up it's ass. For crossers, try to concentrate on the head only or (if safe!) actually take the time to re-position your whole body to facilitate the aforementioned bead in the ass technique. I have some of those hellfire Fed 2 3/4s ( 1 3/8oz @ 1450) and they are indeed effective on the bird AND shoulder but kill no more dead than a plain Jane Win Super X or Rem Express 1 1/4. IMHE. If you're not used to a FC imagine a 50ft shot string.

 

[eyexer]

I shoot 3" in the 20ga. but 2-3/4 in the 12 when I have to use that. Shot a nice limit this morning

 

[svnmag]

L2, This is why I'll never mock shooting glasses.

 

[Nanky]

For my 12 ga I shoot Winchester 2 3/4 6 shot in my first barrel, then the same but a 4 shot in the second. Not too much of a need to go to 3" shells other then if I'm shooting steel or my 20 ga.

 

[johnr]

I'm assuming they cost more? I have never purchased any.

 

[Tommyboy]

I have always shot 2-3/4" 6 shot. Only use steel when hunting WMA's and that is usually 4 shot. I never have given thought to using 3" for roosters. Sometimes there is nothing left of the breasts with 2-3/4" 6 shot.

 

[Kickemup]

I use what ever I have in the truck. Most of the time it is 3inch 2 shot steel. Sometimes a BB even makes it in the gun.

 

[svnmag]

I'm assuming they cost more? I have never purchased any.

Clean whores, baby mags or 3in?

 

[arrowdem]

i shoot all my upland game with a 20 gauge over under and all i shoot is 2 3/4 usually for roosters i'll shoot 5-6 load and i never have a problem knocking down birds stone dead i would rather shoot a gun i comfortably shoulder and can get on birds with than use a bigger load

 

[svnmag]

I have always shot 2-3/4" 6 shot. Only use steel when hunting WMA's and that is usually 4 shot. I never have given thought to using 3" for roosters. Sometimes there is nothing left of the breasts with 2-3/4" 6 shot.

Try not to shoot so fast...I know of what you say.

 

[SDMF]

PLEASE someone say that 3" shells have "more power".

 

[Kurtr]

PLEASE someone say that 3" shells have "more power".

Not being an expert i thought they just had more shot?

 

[guywhofishes]

3" shells have "more power" :;:smokin

- - - Updated - - -

you're welcome

 

[svnmag]

Felt the need to add something, don't know if it will make a difference; anyways, I actually TRY to put the bead on the back of it's head. This may make a difference as I've actually held on the inside of the wing (both sides) and destroyed it. My two FC's are "bead on the head WV squirrel-worthy".