Pheasant Loads

[Grouseman]

I have a little 16 ga. PHILLY Fox. I had the stock bent up years ago. It fits me perfectly. What kind of pheasants loads do you guys use? I have tried the RST's #4 and #5' and they don't the job on late season Roosters. Has anyone used the Boss ammo, etc?

[Jeff S]

Sorry, I use RST #7’s.

[Grouseman]

Jeff, Are you hunting wild birds out west with 7's ?

[Jeff S]

Yes, in South Dakota. However, we hunt the first week of the season, in corn, and usually the birds are reasonably close. I have my best success with my 20 ga. Sterly or a 16.

[Grouseman]

Jeff, Yes first week in season is much different vs. late season when most of your shots start at 35-40 yards.

[Jeff S]

I’ll bet they are.

[zacharysmith]

Boss shells are very stout. Not recommending them in any old small wristed guns. They make great shells but not in a vintage fox with old wood. Never mind they are 2 3/4". Unfortunately, it might be time to choke up a bit and get out the modern auto loader.

[DarylC]

#7's will do the job at 35-40 yds. but you will need a tight choke. Any bird beyond that range is a crippled bird if it flushes in front of a shooter who is not proficient with his gun. Patterns kill birds and if you can't see their head to put your shot charge there, let him live another day. A close working dog will make all the difference.

[loggy]

Daryl, Great advice that you seldom see. I have been using 7/8 oz of RST #6 in a full choked sixteen gauge gun this season. I’ve killed a couple of birds with head shots. I also haven’t had any cripples. I do not shoot much any more but do have the gift of sixty five years of memory muscle. A good hunter will know his limits. John

[Grouseman]

Full choke would help. I will check other Foxes for mod and full chokes. Recently bought a brass brush form Connecticut and used Oil on it, it cleaned like crazy.