Top bird hunting, shooting. Part 2. (2024)

Table of Contents
Insertion What I do FAQs
  • by Rasmus boström
  • 3 min read
  • 2 Comments

Top bird hunting, shooting. Part 2. (1)

Insertion

As mentioned in the previous article (top bird hunting, ammunition part 1) you can choose in the middle of a dot of for example 150 m, with 6.5 55 or 308 win and be sure that you are quite accurate at a distance up to 180 m below provided that you use your head a little and compensate by holding low if the hold is closer or over if the hold becomes longer than the firing distance on top bird hunting. In my world, it is too limiting when I conduct top bird hunting and I want to be able to extend the distance significantly more than 180 m. Sometimes the top bird sits in the middle of a clear-cut without protection that I can use to get close.

The second option available is to use the ammunition manufacturer's information, which is usually available on their website. These indicate the trajectory of the ammunition caliber you purchased. But is not particularly reliable in my opinion, at least not for top bird hunting. Often the speed specified according to the manufacturer is lower in reality, which affects the hit position at longer distances.

What I do

There are mainly 2 things that will affect where the bullet hits, at least at normal top bird hunting distances which rarely exceed 400 m.

  1. The bullet's BC (ballistic coefficient) the more streamlined the bullet is, the less air resistance and wind will affect it, (however, the bullet needs to emit energy in the animal, which a hole tip usually does by opening up and being useful for top bird hunting).
  2. Ball speed. The burning time of the powder (read speed) is often affected by the outside temperature, so if possible you should test shoot in top bird hunting temperatures, or at least near the right temperature. Different gunpowder is differently sensitive to temperatures, but it is not entirely uncommon for 0.5-0.7 m / s change in speed per degree Celsius.


In order for everything to be correct, I usually need to measure the bullet's exit velocity at the mouth with a chronograph and the distance between the center of the barrel to the center of the binocular sight on my particular weapon. With this information, you can either on the ammunition manufacturer's website or via shooting apps get reliable information that SHOULD be accurate in the field. However, you always need to verify the data before embarking on a top bird hunt. If you use a shooting app such as a shooter, it also wants a rifle pitch on your barrel and preferably the length of the bullet to be satisfied.

I usually push in in the middle of 100 m and then screw on the binoculars' target funnels based on the data I received. Then I test shoot at 200 m, 300 m and 400 m. If you have done the preparatory work well and everything is correct, you should be able to expect many accurate years ahead. Most ammunition manufacturers have working basic data on the bullets and with the right exit speed and binocular sight height, this is usually true when test shooting also before top bird hunting.

Field verification is the key to success.

Top bird hunting, shooting. Part 2. (2)

Shooting distance 100 m, red dot approx. 1.5 cm in diameter. Test shooting at 300 m. A little crosswind that moves the bullet, but just right in height.

Top bird hunting, shooting. Part 2. (3)

Speed is smooth and important to check, at selected temperature and ammunition with chronograph.

Top bird hunting, shooting. Part 2. (4)

The height of the binocular sight from the center of the barrel to the center at binocular sight.

2 Responses

Top bird hunting, shooting. Part 2. (5)

Roland

November 09, 2023

Du nämner en skytteapp shooter. Var hittar man den?

Top bird hunting, shooting. Part 2. (6)

Hans-Fabian Leo

February 14, 2023

bara att fundera att (försöka) skjuta en tjäder på 400 m säger allt för mig.
Underbart vid skyttebanan men inte på levande djur.
Har ingenting att göra med jakt för mig.

Leave a comment (all fields required)

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Top bird hunting, shooting. Part 2. (2024)

FAQs

What is the best 12 gauge shot for quail? ›

From experience, steel 3's and 4's in 12 or 20 gauges seem to do the job quite well on pheasants and steel 6's or 7's are good for quail and woodco*ck hunting. Extra speed in steel loads is generally necessary to impart greater striking force on the game being shot because steel is lighter than lead.

What is the best 12 gauge ammo for birds? ›

In 12 gauge, the Federal Game Load Upland Heavy Field #7.5 is an ideal choice. These shells employ the #7.5 brass-plated lead shot, a size between #7 and #8 with a pellet diameter of approximately 0.095 inches.

What is the best shot shell for a chukar? ›

A good compromise might be a 1 ¼-ounce load of size 7 ½ shot (in a 3-inch 20-gauge or 2 ¾-inch 12-gauge shell) for a first shot, followed by a similar-sized load of 6's for a second.

What shot size is good for quail? ›

To this day I still do not understand the need for 3 1/2-inch loads and one definitely does not need them for a 6-ounce bird—2 3/4 inch shells will suffice. Further, quail are fairly fragile birds, so shooting No. 6 or No. 8 shot has been proven effective.

Is a 12 gauge too much for quail? ›

Part of the reason the 12-gauge is so popular, is that it's so versatile. 1 1/8-ounce loads are perfect for breaking clays and hunting quail and doves.

What choke to use for quail 12 gauge? ›

If shooting a double of some sort, lean towards full and modified chokes in 20-gauge, or modified and improved cylinder in 16- or 12-gauge. If you are going with a pump or semi-auto, then a modified choke is a good compromise for varying flushing distances of scaled quail.

What size shot for quail and chukar? ›

In the early season when birds are holding tight and shots tend to be closer, #7½ is an option, but as the season goes on and the pressure mounts on the birds, you can move to the larger #6 shot.

What is the most common bird shot size? ›

Steel Shot Sizes

Steel shot is the most popular non-toxic shot for hunting waterfowl. For hunting ducks short range, #4, #3, or #2 non-toxic shot is recommended. For hunting long-range ducks, the larger #2, #1 or BB shot sizes are most common.

Which two shotgun shells are the best for hunting small fast close birds? ›

Choosing shotgun ammunition and shot size for dove

It takes only a few pellets to down doves. Hunters should concentrate on using smaller shot sizes that offer more pellets and create dense patterns, which are effective on fast-moving birds. Dove hunters should stick to smaller shot sizes such as No. 7 1/2, 8, or 9.

What is the best gun for hunting quail? ›

For hunting preserve quail (which typically hold better and don't fly as fast), my choice is a 28-gauge break-action shotgun choked Cylinder & Skeet. For wild quail, which fly faster and often are shot farther away, I would consider using a 20-gauge choked Skeet & Improved Cylinder.

What is the best shotgun barrel length for quail hunting? ›

' With a nimble, rapidly-accelerating bird like quail, 24 and 26 inch barrels are incredibly fast and also snag less in brambles and brush, but can easily be over-driven if the quarry isn't a particularly quick one.

What 20-gauge shells for quail? ›

I am often asked what size shot hunters need when hunting quail and pheasants. I need to know is what gauge of shotgun you are using. If you are using a 12 gauge or 20 gauge, I would recommend 7 ½ shot. If it is windy or the birds are getting up early, I would back it up with a 6 for a second shot.

What is the best gauge shotgun for quail? ›

But keep in mind that larger gauges will be more effective for killing, so the 28-gauge is best suited for scenarios where accuracy takes priority over knock-down power. Doves and quail are ideal for a 28.

What gauge is best for quail? ›

Most hunters are successful with Quail hunting using gauges from 28 to 12. The most popular gauge used, however, is the 16 gauge. This particular gauge helps give an adequate shot pattern, and is ideal for shooting quick birds on the fly and at medium ranges.

What do you shoot quail with? ›

Quail can be shot with various shotgun gauges, including . 410 bore, 28 gauge, 20 gauge, 16 gauge and 12 gauge. By far, the most popular gauges for quail are 20 and 12 gauges. The beginner would be better off purchasing a 12 gauge because it is more versatile.

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