Occasionally, if Im feeling particularly stealthy (or need a dose of humility) Ill tote a scoped .22 air rifle into the woods. Also the Binelli is lighter and I really do like the way it shoots and handles. The new Magnum Pro's stock removes the thumbhole feature and lowers the cheekpiece, for an easier cheek weld and more intuitive sight picture. Try Float Hunting Squirrels for Excitement. Other gear includes binoculars, to identify that suspicious-looking bump on a limb, and a squirrel call. The H018G-410R model has a rear and raised front sight, and while that leads to better accuracy with a centerfire or rimfire rifle load, it can cause you to shoot high with shotshells depending on how the gun fits. His 28 gauge pump would accompany him oncompetition hunts. But the fox squirrles here in West TN are at least twice as big. In early season, all that foliage hides you just as it hides the squirrel. | A Complete Guide, Can You Hunt Elk From a Tree Saddle? Tighter patterns are a requirement because squirrels are surprisingly tough. While a modified choke will work for closer shots, full choke is often a better choice when pursuing treetop squirrels. Squirrels have a relatively short attention span when spooked. 12 gauge, high brass, 6 shot will role a fox squirrel through the leaves and knock a grey out of the top of the tallest oak!! This is because rabbits have a tendency to hide in thick brush. Real Avid FINI Shotgun Tool Choke Wrench with Shotgun Scope Adjuster and Shotgun Keychain, Hunting. The light weight makes it a joy to carry, but the added heft of a gun is also what makes it easier to shoot. Use 10-20 gauge shotgun using shot size "BB" to #3 Buckshot during daylight. If you want to use it to kill squirrels, you can try sabot slugs. Forget using #10. Rifled slugs, on the other hand, feature spiral grooves in the body of the projectile for improved accuracy. "I had one dog that was gun-shy so I started out hunting her with a .22 or 20 gauge shotgun. Those 3.5" shells seem to be a bit much for squirrels. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tackle, noodling, tips, tricks, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more! A 12 gauge can have as much recoil as a 300 Winchester magnum. When using buckshot you can hunt coyotes, raccoons, opossums, and all varmints. Thats how a surprise is suppose to work. I would consider 7 to small, I would go with 4 or 5 sized shot for squirrels. If the shells are high base (1 1/4 oz), they cost a bit more. In Stock & Ready to ship, Bulk Ammo for Shotgun is available. I will just add that if using a 12 gauge with choke tubes, choke appropriately for where you hunt. I ended up shooting a squirrel with my grouse loads (Win AA 1145 fps 1 1/8 #8). Published Oct 6, 2020 9:22 PM. And, like the .17HMR, can destroy a lot meat if your aim is off a bit. of shot @ 1330 fps. 2023 VERY RARE ORIGINAL OAK AND LEATHER CASE FOR A 36 INCH BARREL 8 GAUGE SHOTGUN WITH ORIGINAL WESTLEY $250. Sentimental firearms are truly a blessing. If you are still hunting #6 hi-power,if you are hunting with a dog use #6 LOW BRASS. These slugs are the most powerful ammunition for a 12-gauge shotgun. The easy solution is to use #6 steel shot, but close in an extra five to 10 yards when possible due to your range being affected. However, those arguments are flimsy. I can attest to the fact that light pellets even at close range will not go through squirrel hide (its pretty tough). What are some good 12 gauge shells for squirrel hunting? Airgun Ground Squirrel Hunting! If you want to up the challenge, grab a rifle. I mostly use a 20-gauge with a modified choke, shooting number 6 shot. The very best times to be in the woods is right after a shower or the morning after a day or two of heavy rain. Check Price on Amazon. What stops me from choosing a shotgun over a rifle? My elitist preferences aside, the shotgun is always the top option for early-season precisely for the reasons already mentioned fast-moving squirrels in dense foliage. Shotguns are probably the first firearm the outdoor community uses to introduce children into the sport of hunting, besides the .22 rifle. Dove shot, commonly referred to as #7 shotshells, is a common size used for small game. But youre getting the best of both worldsa shotgun load for closer shots and a rimfire in case you have to take a longer poke at a squirrel. Jan 24, 2023 Antique Cast Iron & Bronze Model Cannon $75. You dont want the recoil to shy them away from the opportunity to hunt. A 12- or 20-gauge shotgun shooting number 6 or 7 shot works best for longer ranges. Where I live, some places the shotgun is the only gun allowed for hunting. The air rifle is a close-range weapon (25 yards or less), and head shots are a requirement. When you are shooting your.32 caliber squirrel rifle, it is important to know exactly what bullet mold you should use. When it comes to buying a hunting rifle, the first question that arises is what power scope should I buy? AE22 - Check out the SWA 20 Gauge Air Shotgun (FD-8P, FD-15T, FD-27L) . You can use a shotgun, rimfire rifle, PCP, or air rifle. Use of dogs is prohibited when hunting under Special Permit provisions. You likely noticed that there was no mention of the .410 in this shotgun discussion. This article will also touch on the difference between dove shot and birdshot, and why the size matters. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Joe Genzel is a senior editor at Outdoor Life. A good all-around choice is a 20-, 16-, or 12-gauge. What size 12 gauge shell should be used for home defense? . I use 5 or 6's for early season to try and punch through the leaves. Especially if you want a head shot. I was unable to shoulder the shotgun correctly, consequently I received a large bruise on my bicep. Some folks say Mod. Its light enough to tote comfortably for miles, throws plenty of pellets, is easy on the shoulder, and you can find loads everywhere. The best squirrel hunting shotgun is one with a narrower bore diameter, a 20-gauge or a .410 bore (just for the record, there are no 22 caliber or 22 gauge . When I was in college, I used all types of ammo- Low brass sixes, 4 and 5 shot, pretty much whatever my dad had to spare. And while squirrels will die with a .17 pellet to the brain, the extra heft of the .22 adds a measure of assurance. It was lightweight, handled with speed and had the power the .410 lacked. I might even leave the red dot on it. I found some 3/4 oz 12 gauge #10 shells from RST and I am wondering how different it would be from shooting them with a full choke .410 loaded with 3/4 oz. It has the required power for squirrels while cutting the ounces that the 12 gauge adds on. I love the 410 bore with a load of #6 in 2 1/2 or 3 inch shells. There is pretty much nothing you can do with a rifle, but with a shotgun you have a chance. Among adult hunters, the 12-gauge shotgun is the most popular for squirrels, but a .410 would be a better choice for a child, a young teen, or a small adult. The uplands call for boots with more support. While the larger pellets may not put as much shot in the meat as number five pellets, they are more effective at anchoring the animal. Just $1 per month . And, while I dont care much for .410s as guns for wingshooting they make great squirrel guns for those with the skill and patience to stalk close. all the time. Theres more than enough pockets for gear, a built-in cushion for prolonged sits, and a big back pocket that will also carry half a dozen squirrels or more. Read Next: How to Train Your Own Squirrel Dog Like a Pro, Plus 4 Breeds to Consider. AE22 - Check out the SWA 20 Gauge Air Shotgun (FD-8P, FD-15T, FD-27L) provided by AirgunProShop. Lately Ive had a few people question the safety of firing up into a tree with a 22 rifle. The gun locks up tight with the lever running straight down the tang. ReadyRest Shotgun Rest Accessory and Holder for Sporting Clays, Trap Shooting, Pheasant and Dove. Seven and half is usually what is marketed for squirrel hunters. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg. Most modern 28s that are reliable can be pricey. (There, I said it, hunting squirrels with a shotgun takes patience and skill. Winter squirrels are less picky, but youll still find some in their autumn haunts searching for loot they buried when food was everywhere. Here are some examples of common uses for shotguns: Most hunters use 7 1/2 or 8 shot. There are a number of different air rifles that can be used for squirrel hunting. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 1.nt at night with 10-12 gauge shotgun and Hu shot size #4 fine to "T". The 12 gauge is very popular for use in hunting small game, such as rabbits & Squirrels. What is the recoil of a 12 gauge shotgun. Stoeger Coach Gun Coach guns wee iconic of the Wild West, but they also make a great option for squirrel hunters. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Theyre not dumb, and a squirrel on high alert is tough to kill. Available in 12-, 20-, and 28-gauge, plus .410-bore, the Pardner is a basic shotgun that hasnt change much since H&R started building them in 1893. News; Hunting In the firearms industry, manufacturers measure shotguns in gauges as opposed to calibers. A 12 gauge would be as high as I would go shotguns for squirrels. It has an effective range of 25 yards and is primarily useful for close-range hunting. AE22 - Let's check out the Evanix Sniper K .30 Caliber sent to us by New England Airgun . Use a muzzleloading or small caliber rifle dur-ing daylight. It has a 5+1 capacity and is chambered to 3 inches. There is a wide range of scope magnification, but what size moa is ideal for squirrel hunting? An exciting way to . Stalking with a .22 is my preferred method, but I was jonesing for squirrel meat in a bad way and the thick September forest canopy had stymied my efforts with the rifle. In the .22 calibers, the .22 WMR is the answer for 100-yard-plus squirrel sniping, but like the .17 HMR, it could easily be considered overkill. When hunting with my hunting party for turkey, predators, and squirrels, the Mossberg 940 Pro 12 gauge shotguns have emerged as my favorite long-range long-range option. Probably the best way to kill squirrels in mid-autumn is to sit in the same place all morning long. I found that for squirrel hunting it doesnt make a whole hell of a lot of difference, but if you plan to use the gun for wing shooting too, take that into consideration. Georgia Outdoor News is your best source for timely news about hunting, fishing and everything outdoors in the state . How many pellets are in a 12 gauge shell? The shotgun and ammo combined are heavy and cumbersome for my applications. Like you I also first used a 410. Anything bigger creates gaps in the shotgun patterns the birds might fly through. But buckshot works great on coyotes at close range. Can you hunt squirrel with a 177 pellet gun? Along with holding more pellets, a 12 gauge has more energy than a 20 gauge. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo, Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. One ounce of #5 shot and 70 grains of 2F black powder does the trick. #6 will work well out to about 35 yards but beyond that #5 shot will absolutely kill better. No hide and seek this time. The shot has to have enough energy to knock the animal off the tree limb. Placing the bead of the front sight at the base of the squirrel should bring said squirrel out of the tree everytime. Winter activity levels are regulated by weather and food more than lust. Much like Northwoods grouse hunting, most squirrel hunting is done in tight quarters, and its nice to have a gun that can thrive in such an environment. I'm using trap loads, #8 and having no problem. Time your movements with the squirrels and be aware of twigs or other obstacles on the ground that could alert the animals to your presence. All the stocks and fore-ends are made of AA-grade walnut, but the barrels and receivers come in blued, polished nickel and stainless steel (receiver only) finishes. Jan 21, 2013. Some hunters prefer to use birdshot 12 gauge shells for squirrel hunting because it is less lethal and can be more effective at close range. Who named Bullet the squirrel in the Powerpuff Girls? I have several ammo cans that have accumulated in my barn that I have no use for. What Size 12 Gauge Shells For Squirrel Hunting? It's a lightweight firearm with a modest recoil and is best used for upland and small game hunting. Its time to start giving squirrel hunting a little more love, By I bet you are a good enough shot for the 22. i never miss with my 22 garenteed :cool2: #6 in a 2 3/4" shell. New Hunter here. A shotgun slug can weigh as much as one ounce and carry as much as 3000 foot-pounds of energy. 12 gauge loads are also good for squirrels. Here is the recommended shot size for turkeys: Buckshot can be used for multiple things from hunting to self-defense. Modified is best for situations when you know you can get close to the squirrels, say, if the woods are damp after a shower or slightly breezy. Shotgun Gauges: Recommended Uses. If possible, approach with the sun at your back. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. It may be a better idea the hunt with a 22lr or 20 gauge for small game. You can buy the synthetic version for around $600. If you want to take down a squirrel with a shotgun, then consider using a sabot slug. Eastern, Midwestern, and Southern woods are home to both fox and gray squirrels. Which one is right? Federal Winchester Fiocchi Estate Remington Winchester 12 UCG12SI 20 UC12SI 6 UC20SI 7.5 UC123 8 UC202SI H121 H123 H125 H126 USA Gun Club Heavy Dove Skeet Target Trap Rabbit Squirrel Bird Shot Shotgun Ammo Ammunition Shell Shells - 12 GAUGE 12 GA 12GA 7.5 REMINGTON GUN CLUB TARGET 7.5 GC127 20232 - 25 ROUND BOX - ( DOVE, QUAIL, GROUSE, UPLAND . But often, even a shotgun blast just reveals more squirrels as they bark and maneuver to get a better view of whats going on. A few pellets wont necessarily kill or even stop them. Because it has more energy and pellet it is better for big game than a 12 gauge but worse for small game. I slip in just one, giving me a 20 and a .410 choice. You may be asking yourself what size 12 gauge shells to use for squirrel hunting.
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