Understanding Pellet Dimensions and Impact
The sun dips towards the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. The air is still warm, and the fields hum with the anticipation of a late summer dove hunt. You shoulder your trusty 20 gauge, ready for the swift, erratic flight of the mourning dove. But before you even squeeze the trigger, a crucial decision looms: what shot size will give you the best chance of filling your bag?
Dove hunting, a beloved tradition across the United States, is a sport that rewards precision and preparation. While luck certainly plays a role, selecting the right shot size for your 20-gauge shotgun is a cornerstone of success. This guide delves deep into the factors that influence your decision, offering clear recommendations to help you maximize your effectiveness in the field. We’ll explore the characteristics of various shot sizes, the impact of range, and the importance of patterning your shotgun to create the perfect combination for a productive hunt.
To understand the best shot size, we must first grasp the fundamentals of shot sizes. The size is determined by a numerical designation: the smaller the number, the larger the pellet. For dove hunting with a 20-gauge, you’ll typically encounter shot sizes ranging from #7.5 to #9. Each size offers a different balance of pellet count, range, and energy at impact.
Pellet Count
Shot size directly influences the number of pellets contained in a shotshell. Smaller shot, like #9, packs more pellets per shell than larger shot, like #7.5. A higher pellet count creates a denser pattern, meaning there are more chances of a pellet striking the dove, especially important for consistently hitting these fast-flying birds.
Range
The size of the individual pellets affects the range they can effectively travel. Larger pellets retain their velocity and energy over a greater distance. This means larger shot can be more effective for longer shots. However, the trade-off is fewer pellets per shell, which can mean a less dense pattern.
Energy at Impact
Larger pellets carry more kinetic energy. When a pellet strikes a dove, this energy is what delivers a clean kill. While more energy per pellet is desirable, the dense pattern resulting from smaller shot can often compensate for slightly lower energy per pellet at typical dove hunting distances.
Pattern density and penetration are the two most critical factors for successful dove hunting. A dense pattern ensures that a good number of pellets will hit the target, while sufficient penetration is crucial to ensure a clean, ethical kill. The key is striking a balance. Too many pellets without adequate energy, or too much energy without a dense enough pattern, can both lead to lost birds and frustration.
Important Considerations When Selecting Your Ammunition
Choosing the best shot size isn’t simply about grabbing a box of shells and heading to the field. A number of factors should influence your decision. The most crucial of these are related to how you expect to hunt, your experience, and the equipment you have.
Distance to Target
The distance you typically expect to shoot dove influences your shot size choice. Doves are often hunted at varying distances, so the range must be considered when choosing the ammunition.
Short-Range Shooting
If you’re primarily shooting doves within 20-30 yards, a smaller shot size might be ideal because the dense pattern can compensate for any slight loss of range.
Mid-Range Shooting
Most dove hunting takes place in the 30-40 yard range. This is where you’ll likely find the sweet spot for your ammunition.
Long-Range Shooting
If you expect shots beyond 40 yards, you may need to consider larger shot sizes. However, remember that even with a larger shot size, long-range shots are notoriously difficult, and shot selection must be complemented by a keen understanding of lead and a well-patterned shotgun.
Dove Behavior
Doves are fast and maneuverable. Their erratic flight paths can make them a challenging target. Consider the expected flight of the doves in your hunting area. Doves flying straight away present a different challenge from doves quartering or coming directly toward the hunter. The ability to rapidly track and lead the bird is crucial, and the shot size must also suit this need.
Shooting Ability and Style
Are you an experienced hunter, or a beginner? If you are new to hunting or a bit less experienced, a denser pattern of smaller pellets may be more forgiving. As you gain experience, you might find that you can consistently hit doves with larger pellets and wider-ranging patterns. Consistent practice is essential for all shooters. A good way to build skill is to focus on your “mount,” how you raise the shotgun to your shoulder. Ensure a smooth, consistent and repetitive mount.
Choke Type
Chokes are the part of the shotgun that constricts the shot pattern at the muzzle, impacting the spread and the range. Different chokes are designed to deliver different pattern densities at certain ranges. The choke you use should complement your chosen shot size and the expected distances you’ll be shooting.
Improved Cylinder Choke
These chokes open patterns. Ideal for close-range shooting, such as in wooded areas.
Modified Choke
These chokes offer a balance of pattern density and range, and are the workhorse chokes for dove hunting.
Full Choke
These chokes provide tight patterns and are excellent for long-range shots.
Recommended Shot Sizes for Dove Hunting with a Twenty Gauge
Now, let’s delve into the specific shot sizes and their suitability for dove hunting with a 20-gauge.
Sevens and a Half Shot
This shot size, represented as #7.5, provides a great combination of pellet count and impact energy.
Advantages
#7.5 shot offers a high pellet count, leading to dense patterns and a high probability of multiple hits.
Ideal Distances
The #7.5 is effective at ranges up to 35 yards.
Limitations
At longer ranges, the pattern may become less effective as pellets begin to lose velocity.
Eights Shot
This option, commonly known as #8 shot, is a popular and versatile choice.
Advantages
#8 shot strikes an excellent balance between pellet count, range, and energy at impact. This is often called the “all-around” choice.
Recommended Distances
Perfect for mid-range shots, generally within 40 yards.
Situations Where it Excels
Excellent for most dove hunting scenarios, it provides enough pellet count to ensure hits and enough range to handle the typical distances.
Nines Shot
With this shot size, represented as #9, hunters often enjoy dense and consistently tight shot patterns.
Advantages
High pellet count maximizes chances of a successful hit, resulting in tighter patterns.
Best Uses
Works well for close to mid-range shots. Especially effective in situations where fast, reactive shooting is required.
Potential Drawbacks
Might be less effective in windy conditions, as the smaller pellets can be more easily blown off course.
Additional Tips for Maximizing your Hunting Success
The right shot size is only one piece of the puzzle. Several other factors contribute significantly to your success in the dove field.
Pattern Testing
Patterning your shotgun is essential. Take the time to test your gun with different loads, chokes, and distances. This will help you determine which combinations produce the most effective pattern for your gun, and give you confidence in your effective range. A good pattern will deliver an even distribution of pellets at your expected shooting distances.
Leading the Target
Lead is crucial. Doves fly fast, so you must anticipate their movement and swing the gun ahead of them. Practice, practice, practice! Develop your ability to estimate lead correctly.
Safety First
Always observe safe gun handling procedures. Be aware of your surroundings and other hunters in the area.
Practice Makes Perfect
The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become with your shotgun and the better your shooting will be.
Choosing the best shot size for dove hunting is a nuanced decision. It requires considering your specific hunting conditions, your shooting ability, and the behavior of the birds themselves. By carefully weighing these factors, and by putting in time to learn your gun and your loads, you’ll dramatically improve your chances of a successful and enjoyable dove hunt.
Remember, the information above provides a general framework for choosing a shot size. Individual results can vary, so the best way to determine the best shot size is to experiment on the range and in the field.
Happy hunting!
