Ammo advice

[Fin2Feather]

I'm planning one more west Kansas run for pheasants before season's end. I'm typically a 16ga guy, but I thought a 12 might be more appropriate on those late season roosters. I have a nice early A 12 that I'd like to shoot. I looked at the RST site but they don't have an available load that seems just right: I'm thinking 2-1/2"-ers in 5 shot, but everything they have available is a little slower FPS than I think I want. Any experience/suggestions, etc.? Thanks...

[fox-admin]

Pattern density and shot placement are way more important than velocity from my experience. Many believe lower velocity patterns better. I never go larger 6 shot for wild pheasants. Most crippling is a result of a poor shot not shot size.

[Fin2Feather]

My typical pheasant load is 16ga, 1oz at under 1200fps; they do quite well. I don't know if you've ever hunted wild Kansas pheasants in January but if not I can tell you they're a bit of a "different animal". Longer shots, many on going away birds. It's obvious that shot placement is important; it always is, but you often don't get the chance to place your shot as well as you'd like in this kind of hunting. In my 12 I'm thinking 1-1/8oz of 5's at around 1200fps would be just about right on these birds. I haven't found anything close in a 2-1/2" shell though. Thought someone might have some ideas.

[Jim Cloninger]

Hi Phil, If your 16 is in good condition, I recomend Kent Tungston Matrix 1 1/4 oz. #5's. My favorite on real wild pheasants like you are talking about.
Jim

[Mike of the Mountain]

Why 2 1/2"? Gun has to be VERY early to need 2 1/2" shells. 2 5/8" chamber can shoot 2 3/4".

[Fin2Feather]

Mike, just have always shot the 2-1/2" RST's in my old guns, but good point. Guess I need to look at some lighter load 2-3/4".

[Jim Cloninger]

Phil, If you don't want to use your 16 Ga., I recommend Kent Tungston Matrix 1 1/4 oz. #5's in 12 Ga.
Jim

[Fin2Feather]

Jim, they're a little stiffer than I prefer to shoot in my old guns, but thanks.