Twelve is probably the most popular gauge used for squirrels, mainly because its the most popular shotgun gauge. Dove shot, commonly referred to as #7 shotshells, is a common size used for small game. I shot trap with a guy who saw them in Vietnam and he said they were the most bloodthirsty little sobs over there. I've killed squirrels with 12, 16, and 20 gauge shotguns. As with the. Yes, a 12 gauge is a popular choice for squirrel hunting because of its versatility and effectiveness. Those 3.5" shells seem to be a bit much for squirrels. Yeah I know Ive got it pretty bad. Johnny's Reloading BenchAn idiot and his reloading press My affiliate links and donation options are on my Author Page. What size 12 gauge shell should be used for home defense? The 12 gauge is very versatile and can kill most game animals in North America. My favorite load for 12 gauge used to be (use 20 gauge or .410 now) Remington Express Long Range 1 1/4 ounces of #5 shot. Thats how a surprise is suppose to work. One pellet of 00 buck has almost as much energy as 9mm a popular self-defense handgun caliber. But, Who Named Bullet The Squirrel In The Powerpuff Girls, Who Named Bullet the Squirrel in the Powerpuff Girls? Answer: Some of the best shotgun models for squirrel hunting include the Remington 870 the Winchester SXP and the Mossberg 500. These, What Size Moa Is Ideal For Squirrel Hunting? It has little finish remaining, but possesses beautiful Damascus barrels with bores that are bright and free of pitting. Forget using #10. 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. For me a 20 gauge with high brass #4 shot works well. Its an awesome-shooting gas gun at a respectable price point ($655). But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. The .17 HMR and .17 M2 offer whisker-splitting accuracy out to 100 yards if long-range rodents are your thing. This can hurt a small frame shooter and make for a not-so-fun shooting experience. The first round of skeet I ever shot the .410 autoloader on, I could not miss. If possible, approach with the sun at your back. If really long range use full. Yeah the low brass six and seven shot is what I have been useing. 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. I would unscrew the turkey choke from my 20 gauge 870, put in a Modified and shoot field loads of 5 or 6 shot. Got it in a multi item trade and really don't need it. Required fields are marked *, By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. The best part about the advent of production TSS shotshells is more gun companies are making .410s. Just $1 per month , A sub-gauge shotgun is ideal for chasing grays and fox squirrels this fall, By I was unable to shoulder the shotgun correctly, consequently I received a large bruise on my bicep. Then I go on a squirrel hunt and cook some squirrel and dumplings. Buckshot are big round lead balls that carry a lot of energy. That particular model was offered in 20-gauge with a 26-inch barrel and shortened stock. 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!! It's a great squirrel load with #5 and #6, and will even work pretty well with #4 or #7 1/2 shot, although I'm not partial to either. The downside to buckshot is that it has a limited range of about 50 yards. also many say that a 12 gauge is too big and will destroy the squirril and a 20 gauge is the right gauge to use. I like both, main reason is my single shot 20 gauge was my first gun and it was my great grandfathers. But squirrel hunting often lends to shooting a stationary target, especially with a dog (squirrels tend to remain still high up in the tree, at least for a few moments, though some will branch hop immediately). If close shots, choke improved cylinder or even skeet. I tried 2 1/2 shells, once.did not like them at all. It has a 26" barrel on it and I use the full choke. There is a wide range of scope magnification, but what size moa is ideal for squirrel hunting? Been using a side by side double barrel choked modified and full. 22 caliber can be deadly, quiet, and extremely accurate! The most common shot sizes for squirrel hunting are 7.5, 8, and 9. If the shells are high base (1 1/4 oz), they cost a bit more. The 20 gauge boomed and the squirrel thumped to the ground nearly at my feet. The bullet will travel from 1.5" below the, What Is The Best Air Gun For Squirrel Hunting, What is the Best Air Gun For Squirrel Hunting? This is because rabbits have a tendency to hide in thick brush. Answer: Some of the best shotgun choke tubes for squirrel hunting include the Remington Rem Choke the Winchester Win Choke and the Mossberg Accu-Choke. That made three for the morning to accompany four already in the freezer. Also, the larger shot might tear up the birds too much. Some good 12 gauge shells for squirrel hunting include the Remington Nitro Turkey, Winchester Super-X, and Federal Premium Vital-Shok. SKU:FA7803754. a 12-gauge bore is wider than that of a 20-gauge shotgun. Rifled slugs, on the other hand, feature spiral grooves in the body of the projectile for improved accuracy. The flakes came from a dense weave of pine needles but one with open branches on either side. 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. Why wouldn't you use a 12 ga. shotgun to squirrel hunt with? Choose the right shotgun loads for squirrel hunting. JavaScript is disabled. . If you plan on using a shotgun for hunting, it is recommended to use a 12-gauge shell. It just means a lot to me to hunt with it. Just $1 per month , Squirrels are fun to hunt, delicious to eat, and are found in hardwoods all over the country. Also the Binelli is lighter and I really do like the way it shoots and handles. One ounce of #5 shot and 70 grains of 2F black powder does the trick. I was fairly shocked, and had no idea this purchase was in the works. Look for gnawed mast hulls and shredded pine cones on the forest floor or scattered on a favorite feeding stump or rock. I found this to be a nice combination and makes for some fun hunts. And the perfect squirrel shotgun, in my opinion, is an automatic or pump 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. Slugs are used for hunting big game such as deer or elk. Plan your path to a tree thats closer to the squirrel and can also hide you as you use it for a gun rest. Then youve got to close the distance if need be. Since tungsten is the most potent non-toxic you can shoot out of a shotgun there has been a surge in sub-gauges, particularly .410 turkey shotguns. I like to get in real close and wait for a broad side head shot. Ive killed squirrels with 12, 16, and 20 gauge shotguns. When it comes to buying a hunting rifle, the first question that arises is what power scope should I buy? With all of the space and weight you'll ever need, it comes equipped with Mossy Oak Greenleaf's legendary finish. Certainly. Eric Hunter 5.22K subscribers Subscribe 279 12K views 1 year ago PENNSYLVANIA Please watch: "Squirrel Hunting Catch Clean Cook!". Alongside the last of summers okra and homemade biscuits, I looked forward to a plateful of peasant fare fit for a king. Sub-gauges are lighter (in most cases), making them easier to carry. I think if you run this combo and take good shots (as with any combo), you will find the .410 as lethal as anything out there. 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. Nifty Outdoorsman is not liable for any actions you take after learning from our website. In most cases they are only allowed to shoot at 12 ft lbs or . So a 12 gauge means that it takes 12 lead balls the diameter of the barrel to make a pound of lead. best bets, use the .22! Keeyaawww dat is a good question.I usually use #6 lead shot because its a little heavier dan #7 or 7 1/2 and seems to bring dem down pretty good. JavaScript is disabled. High brass #6 is my bushy tail load of choice for 12 ga. The seller is "curtsgunshop" and is located in this country: US. With a slug within 50 yards, it may be plenty to put it down and could still be the same beyond 50 yards because of the power of the 12 gauge shotgun. And while squirrels will die with a .17 pellet to the brain, the extra heft of the .22 adds a measure of assurance. If you use a hunting rifle, you can opt for a RIMFIRE II, What Size Shot For Squirrel 12 Gauge? Certainly they are the most popular. I can tell my ears are more sensitive as I age. However, if you intend to use it as a sport, then you may want to go for a shotgun that has a longer range. While they pulverize birds at close range, their pellets lose their energy when they are fired at a distance. Besides feeding sign, you can scan the limbs for warm-weather leaf nests and check out hollowed standing timber as well. If you are unsure that a 22 rifle fits your safety threshold, or your state doesnt allow rifles for small game hunting, the shotgun will be your best and only option. Especially if you want a head shot. The 3 #6 though..whole different league. Agitated chatters erupted not 30 yards up the hill. Check Price on Amazon. Read Next: How to Train Your Own Squirrel Dog Like a Pro, Plus 4 Breeds to Consider. At most with a shotgun you will experience the peppering effect. Pump, Semi-auto, Side by Side, Over and Under, Break Barrel (single shot) are just the ones that come to mind. . The DNR had to post signs written in Hmong to stop them from fishing in the pollution pockets. News; Hunting Never had an issue and with one shot the treerats fall. Country/Region of Manufacture: United States. Scopes designed for better low-light visibility are a plus since many shot opportunities will happen in the gloom before sunrise and right after sunset. Also, I would stick to #5 shot for squirrels. Airgun Ground Squirrel Hunting! So, depending on the distance I select the best one for the job. The damage done is no more from one gun to the other. 4. Here are some tips to get started. "There is only one quality worse than hardness of the heart and that is softness of the head." Probably the best way to kill squirrels in mid-autumn is to sit in the same place all morning long. I carried a 12 ga choked IC over the weekend while grouse hunting. Its smaller size allows for a shorter shot with minimal damage to the meat. It has a Turkish walnut finish on the stock and fore-end with a blued barrel that is threaded for five interchangeable chokes (Skeet, IC, LM, M, and F). The first question that comes to your mind is "what range should I zero my.22lr rifle for squirrel hunting?" Published Oct 6, 2020 9:22 PM. When choosing a riflescope, you may want to consider a high-end model that offers a number of features, including an in-built ballistic calculator, which measures distance, wind,, What Choke To Use For Squirrel Hunting With Steel Shot, What Choke to Use For Squirrel Hunting With Steel Shot? Johnny Carrol Sain 5. Choke options should be limited to modified or full. No electricity or running water. I pivoted just a bit and squeezed the trigger. From my experience, I would say the 20 gauge may be the perfect squirrel shotgun. But for 20 yards and under, you can edge a pattern toward the front end of a stationary target. His 28 gauge pump would accompany him oncompetition hunts. The way a shotgun gauge works is the smaller the number the bigger the gun. Otherwise, its a damn good gun for the price (under $450). The .410 has a 4 plus 1 shotshell capacity, is chambered for 3-inch loads, and the 26-inch barrel cuts down on the overall length (and weight) of the gun, which makes a difference when youre swinging on squirrels in thick cover. Excellent to hear. When using buckshot you can hunt coyotes, raccoons, opossums, and all varmints. I am planning on getting a 20 gauge eventually. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. A while ago we posted the story of a hunter who had taken North Americas Squirrel Slam in a single season. The ergonomics of this model contains soft grippy panels and a downright comfortable scattergun. They are useful for long-range shots, but are not as accurate as true rifle shots. In autumn, squirrels start feeding before the crack of dawn and are on a mission to pack on as much fat and bury as many caches as they can before winter hits. Always fun to get a new squirrel hunting rig! As I understand it, sabots in a rifled barrel can reach out to longer ranges (for a solid shot shotgun); accurate out to over 100 yards with proper combination of shell and firearm. The limit for squirrels is 10 per hunter per day with a total possession limit of 20 squirrels total per hunter. I then graduated to hunting squirrels with the 20 gauge 870. Shotgun Gauges: Recommended Uses. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. The Wingmaster would reach out and "touch" the squirrels at a greater distance than the Binelli. Bullet is a recurring character in the Powerpuff Girls, and he looks like just about any other, What Is The Best Shotgun For Squirrel Hunting, What is the Best Shotgun for Squirrel Hunting? One note on the 16 gauge; it sits firmly between 12g and 20g; its advantage is that its close to 12 gauge power but with lighter frame akin to the 20g- maybe thats why its called a sweet 16! CPR Make sure we have a few for the future. Whether youre hunting squirrels or large game, sabot slug ammunition can get the job done. | Scanning the uppermost branches for any tell-tale movement, I expected to see the subtle shimmy of pine needles or a twitching bushy tail. Remember, a tiny .410-bore shotgun won't reach out as far as a 12-gauge will. is a 7 to big? For this reason, hunters often purchase rifled slugs to protect their hunting gear. I recall the length being a tad long at 12 years old. My favorite shotgun is a Rem 870 youth 20g with mod choke screwed in; its light,compact,and the shorter stock lets me wear a heavy coat! Hunted squirrels, especially on public lands, are not the same animals encountered in city parks and suburban back yards. What about gauge? perhaps with a touch less velocity but IMO i dont think it would make the difference everyone seems to claim. Pump and Semi-auto shotguns will give you the most firepower, along with faster followup shots, IF you miss. It's dressed in the popular Bottomland camo from Mossy Oak and weighs in at just 6.5 pounds. But I actually want this pump gun in 28-gauge. "I had one dog that was gun-shy so I started out hunting her with a .22 or 20 gauge shotgun. The Best Ammo for Squirrel Hunting Once you've decided on a squirrel gun, you'll need to select the right ammo for squirrels. Most .22 rifles must be specifically chambered for the corresponding round, though, some like my Henry rifle can handle all of them. Rabbit & Squirrel Shotgun Loads Of all the shotguns in the United States, 12 gauge guns are by far the most popular. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. The ultimate trick is your accuracy. When you discover an area with lots of sign, give it another 30-minute sit and so on and so forth until activity dwindles. Keep it simple. Unless you are real close, it wont kill the squirrel and if you aren't then you will just hurt it and nobody likes having to find an injured squirrel. Patience, as they say, is a virtue. Using dogs to find and tree squirrels was a tradition across the South and one that has been revived in recent years. Become a Subscriber; Renew a Subscription; Give a Gift Subscription; . Squirrels are messy eaters and leave ample sign in the areas they frequent. ), *_Although he stated in the story he used a shotgun on advice from his taxidermist, as he wanted to mount all eight squirrels in the slam._, The latest crop of cams is one of the best in years, including one unit that claims eliminate false triggers. Not a bargain but you have some ammo now. Yes, some folks hunt squirrels with a .410 and do just fine by limiting the range and scenarios for pulling the trigger. The Mossberg SA line has been a reliable one for years, and when the .410 Field model debuted in 2019 I added it to the list. 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. It tends to be a personal preference. I can get 2 20 or 12 for the price of 1 410 box. I mostly use a 20-gauge with a modified choke, shooting number 6 shot. Ive shot the Model 42 quite a bit at the range and was surprised with its accuracy. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Its usually subtle a slight tail twitch or small repositioning to get a better view but sometimes they boldly bounce out on an open limb and bark back. Rimfire rifles and squirrels are the perfect pairing in my mind. Pigeon Paradise #5 Fur + Feathers (Extended Version) Its really rewarding to be able to relive those thoughts both through past experiences and with tools from the past that helped you accomplish your task. Do you intend to use it to kill squirrels, or just as a pest control measure? It features a crisp, reliable break action and modern synthetic stock that stands up to hard use in the field. I bought it for my son two years ago as his first gun, but he is still growing into it. For most outings, go with the full choke. .22 is just a blast and it will be my go to. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. In Stock & Ready to ship, Bulk Ammo for Shotgun is available. I got it with the 12 gauge w/ 1oz #6 shot.. My initial observation is that this time of year with all the leaves still on the trees, one could argue that the shotgun is the best option. As fall transitions into winter, food sources dwindle and squirrel populations become more concentrated. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. IMO, #5 or #6 shot is about ideal for squirrels in most locations. Slugs usually come 5 to the box. Check Price on Amazon. If youre hunting lowlands, go for something waterproof. Arriving home from school one Friday afternoon, at the age of 12, there sitting on the fireplace was a green box with the word Remington on it. Camouflage hunting clothing or at least dull colored clothing helps you avoid being detected. Winter squirrels are less picky, but youll still find some in their autumn haunts searching for loot they buried when food was everywhere. Lack of effective range is another reason. But shotgunning squirrels is about maximum efficiency. Hopefully you can bag a few squirrels this season. If you are shooting slugs you can hunt almost all big game like hogs, pronghorn, deer, elk, and even moose with a good shot. Collecting guns is often an expensive habit, but most of these smoothbores can be found for a modest price. For hunting any big game animal you should use rifled hollow point slugs. Totally agree with Ulysses. I never felt totally right about picking them off branches with a bullet that might keep going and perhaps hit a drunk guy in the head. Your email address will not be published. Who named Bullet the squirrel in the Powerpuff Girls? These slugs have ballistic tips that promote expansion on impact, which enhances the bullets ballistic coefficient, which increases velocity and flattens downrange trajectories. Hell you can even change the barrel out to make a nice slug gun. The Stoeger is offered in single- or double-trigger models in a variety of finish options. Any of them will serve you well for chasing bushytails. And what makes it different. Gun optics definitely help, of course, with longer shots and more accurate placement of a bullet in the head so you don't waste meat. For Gun Type: Handgun. 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. The next thing to consider is the shot size. Hunt without the hunter orange requirement. I ended up shooting a squirrel with my grouse loads (Win AA 1145 fps 1 1/8 #8). I did some hunting about ten years ago with a single shot mossberg, same loads and choke, same experience. Ive shot the 28-gauge version of this gun on skeet and doves. Other gear includes binoculars, to identify that suspicious-looking bump on a limb, and a squirrel call. The shotgun and ammo combined are heavy and cumbersome for my applications. Moose - Moose is the largest animal you can hunt in Canada. Hunting Squirrels with a Shotgun Particularly in parts of the rural South, shotgunners are the dominant force in squirrel hunting. Can't imagine traveling out of state to poach squirrels. Squirrel calls dont bring squirrels to you. Thats what makes the 410 shine. I rarely pack a shotgun for squirrels. My inclination is not to start youth with the 12 gauge. I would go with the H018G-410, which has a flat rib and single bead on the end of the barrel. The tried and true method is to be sitting in the middle of woods loaded with mast at daylight or a couple of hours before sundown. A 12 gauge is one of the most versatile hunting shotgun gauges. Use a muzzleloading or small caliber rifle dur-ing daylight. I will just add that if using a 12 gauge with choke tubes, choke appropriately for where you hunt. This article will discuss the ideal power range for a, How to Kill a Squirrel With a Bow If you have never hunted a squirrel before, it may be time to learn how to do so safely. If no squirrels have revealed themselves after a 20-minute sit, ease through the woods listening and watching. While youll be sitting and standing still for periods of time, youll also be moving. But I'm curious to what others use. Phil Bourjaily Brand: Thompson Center. A forum community dedicated to Shotgun owners and enthusiasts including the Remington, Beretta, and Mossberg shotguns brands. If they dont leave the area entirely, theyll be back to business after a 15- to 30-minute wait. Lastly, they are LOUD when you shoot. It has a 26" barrel with a fixed full choke out front. You can buy the synthetic version for around $600. This article will discuss the pros and cons of using 4s, 7.5s, and 9.5s. But lets keep it simple, grab a box of either #4s, #5s, or #6s and slip into the leafy squirrel woods with confidence. Foot Pounds of Energy When using a shotgun in old growth timber, it is not just a matter of hitting the squirrel. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Gifted to me by my parents. Idefinitely have. Like so many other forest hunts, the first indication that your quarry is near will likely be through sound swishing branches, claws scampering on tree bark, mast hulls pattering on the forest floor, the excited barks or low whistles of a squirrel that has spotted you or another potential threat. If you are hunting rabbits or squirrels the number of pellets that impact the animal can destroy the meat. You can use a shotgun, rimfire rifle, PCP, or air rifle. Choke options should be limited to modified or full. And on cloudy, misty days with a slow drizzle, squirrel action can be fantastic all day long. Theyre not dumb, and a squirrel on high alert is tough to kill. A 12- or 20-gauge shotgun shooting number 6 or 7 shot works best for longer ranges.

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