West side Pheasant Release site ammo?

[CHSNGSTLHD]

Just looking for some of your guys thoughts on lead free ammo? I will probably get a lot of different opinions but that is good too

I am currently using winchester super x 2 3/4 1oz #6, but that's only because that is all I could find in lead free. it's working fine so far but wondering if I should be shooting #5's or maybe a different brand?

[dawei851]

I shoot a 20ga & I pheasant hunt w/Federal® Prairie Storm™ Flitestopper® Steel in #3 & 4 shot. It's amazing stuff.

[Sportfury]

I shoot Hevi-Metal 20 gauge #4's. 

[Bullkllr]

I've been using Winchester "Expert" steel in #4. Mine were leftovers from duck hunting several years ago. They were the cheapest steel I could find. Never did much care for them as duck loads, but on pheasants this year I think I've gone about 9 out of 10 on putting birds down. 2 or 3 took 2 shots.

At reasonable range I really don't think it matters much and I darn sure wouldn't spring for premium ammo for release areas. Before steel I used cheap #6 "game loads" and they killed 'em fine.

[singleshot12]

I like the 3 1/2 in. no 4 buck magnums Dead Coyote made by hevi-shot, puts em down up to a hundred yards away, even bleeds em out for ya! the pellets blow right through them so ya don't hafta worry about that either

[Stilly bay]

I like the 3 1/2 in. no 4 buck magnums Dead Coyote made by hevi-shot, puts em down up to a hundred yards away, even bleeds em out for ya! the pellets blow right through them so ya don't hafta worry about that either

I thought you just hit with your truck on the way in as they were running off the release site... no4 buck explains a lot.   

[singleshot12]

Nah I just run over their tail feathers in hopes of educating them off the roads. so far it's worked, and now you know why there are a few missing their tail feathers

[coachcw]

2 3/4 4's

[CP]

The cheapest I can find - right now I'm shooting Federal premium 2 3/4" 1 1/4 #2 @ 1375 fps - $99 a case less $25 rebate.  Good stuff

[MP123]

2 3/4" Kent Faststeel #3  I shoot them at pheasants and ducks too and they do the job just fine.

If #6 is working for you there's no need to change.  Most guys might say that was a bit small especially in steel shot but it really depends on how it patterns from your gun.  You can't argue with success! 

[CHSNGSTLHD]

Well, they worked again this morning, we got four roosters! The last one we shot hit the ground running, but the dog went in and retrieved it.  I am thinking about trying some 4's and 5's. I am hunting over a pointing dog (GSP) so most of my shots have been close. So it is probably not too big of deal.  Thanks for the info guys. Good luck!

[Backstrap]

The cheapest I can find - right now I'm shooting Federal premium 2 3/4" 1 1/4 #2 @ 1375 fps - $99 a case less $25 rebate.  Good stuff

Where did you find those? Thx.

[Stickerbush]

Prairie storm or black cloud #4  probably could go cheaper but I dont get too many shots so I might as well go top shelf

[JLS]

I use Winchester steel (the cheap stuff) 2 3/4 #4s.  I think they are 1 1/8 oz.  Improved cylinder choke.  None of the roosters I shot last week seemed to notice I was shooting cheap steel.

[Mr56Jeep]

Kent universal #4 in 20 gauge. It was $99\case at the Oregon Waterfowl Festival.  If I do my job, it seems to work just fine.