load question

[WEEZER]

I ran into some 20 guage 2 3/4 inch 7 shot(steel) the other day. I was wondering if they would have enough power to kill pheasants and at what range. What other uses would there be for #7 steel?
Thanks~Rick

[Zak]

I know that a #6 steel pellet going at 1400 FPS will kill to 30 yards. So, the #7s will not kill that far at a velocity below that. You can always shoot clay pigeons and starlings, and english sparrows. If you live where there is dove hunting, you can use them on doves. Zak

[Mr. 16 gauge]

Weezer,
I believe that these loads were designed for use as target loads in areas where lead shot was banned, i.e. skeet fields near a wetlands, ect. They are also useful for hunting small game (quail, woodcock, mourning dove) in similar situations (were lead shot is banned.) some fellows also use these as "slapper" loads (to kill crippled ducks) However, I do NOT think that this load would be a reliable pheasant killer at any distance, as the pellets are too small and light. Hopefully you can put them to another suitable use....good luck and good hunting!