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What is the best dove load......
Posted: Sat Aug 04, 2007 3:40 pm
by grnhed
I know we have some guys on here who really know shooting....my question....I am shooting my 20 guage this year on opening day, what oz. shot do I want, and how many drams of powder, or what fps, etc do i need? I dont need high brass, but i want something that will at least cycle, and can shoot a dove past 30 yards with a 20 guage. Ill take anyones 2 cents...

Posted: Sat Aug 04, 2007 3:48 pm
by goosebruce
remington heavy dove 7.5's.
Posted: Sat Aug 04, 2007 4:39 pm
by qckmstr
i prefer remington 1 1/4 # 9's but they're bout 12 bucks a box. anyone know where you can get them cheaper around jackson ?
Posted: Sat Aug 04, 2007 5:48 pm
by fivemile
I am sure you know this, but the heavier the load, the slower the shot.
I have some 1 oz. shot, Estate heavy game loads, # 7 1/2, 2 1/2 drams, 1165 fps, but I don't like them as well as the 7/8 oz. Federal that Wal-Mart has for $3.00 every year. They are around 1250 fps.
Posted: Sat Aug 04, 2007 6:32 pm
by Dutch Dog
You won't be getting them for $3 per box this year.
Best dove load I've ever shot is the Remington Shur-Shot Heavy Dove Loads. They are the ones in the Green/Orange box. Usually @ $5 per box.

Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2007 1:21 pm
by brandon327
would you use 7 1/2 or 8 shot in those remington sureshot in a 20 gauge? They had those at bass pro for 4.19 a box.
Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2007 1:47 pm
by Dutch Dog
Last year I used the #8's in a 20 ga and did just fine.
http://www.ducksouth.com/phpbb/viewtopi ... light=done
Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2007 2:03 pm
by Ducks be us
Winchester 3.5" #3's, or...whatever #7.5 or #8's are on sale. Later in the season Ill use some old #6 pheasant loads I need to get rid of...better for the long shots

Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2007 2:28 pm
by GordonGekko
number 8's....7/8 of an oz will be fine out to 35 yards with enough choke.... the bigger issue will be hitting birds reliably past 30 yards.... i like 'em in close...don't have to walk far to pick 'em up....
Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2007 5:27 pm
by Wildfowler
I've been shooting these for going on 20 years now:
http://www.winchester.com/products/cata ... 6&gauge=12
They used to be called super pigeon if I'm not mistaken..... This year they're about 6 dollars per box.
Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2007 7:10 am
by crow
heck, it doesn't matter if they're $10 a box. I only need one box for a limit when i shoot!
Riiiiiight! I do keep Winchester and Remington in business during dove season!
crow
Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2007 7:29 am
by deltadukman
My personal favorites are Sellier and Bellot high brass #9's. If I can find them.
Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2007 8:33 am
by cwink
My Dad's 28 Guage Reloads.. You know the kind you have to hammer into the barrell to get them in and then wear your welders mask to keep from flame from burning your retnas....

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 12:26 pm
by Gelly
Winchester AA #8 or #9 target loads...keep the hulls for reloader buddies.
Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 12:44 pm
by MSDuckmen
Reloads are best. Never found a factory round that matches the shot string for dove.
1 1/8 number nines in front of 17.5 grains of Red Dot. I could not begin to tell you how effective they are and we normally have a weekend gathering of friends that load nearly 5000 for opening week between the group.