what size shot for bunnys?

[Fred Bear]

I use a 410 to hunt rabbits and if the load is too heavy it damages too much meat. If the load is too light the rabbit gets to his hole before dieing. I was wondering what size shot others use.

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http://i7.yimg.com/7/2314ae19/g/4ce288e6.jpg "In the wind he's still alive"

[Recurve]

I always used a 20 gauge, number 4 or 6 shot. If you jump one close you gotta let 'em get out a ways. The last time I went I used a .22 and missed three times. Can't see the iron sights well enough anymore. ;) Reading glasses don't help because then I can't see the target. Gotta get a scope I guess.

[Steve]

Moving to General Hunting forum.

[boehr]

I agree, would use bigger than 4 or smaller than 6. Between the two depends on the area.

[michiduck]

6's or 7 1/2's are the ticket for me!!!

[song_dog_slammer]

I choose 7/8 OZ of #6 in 20GA. OR 3/4 OZ of #6 in my new 28GA. Either way rabbits are rather fragile little rodents. I think whats more important than shot size is pattern size and density. Song Dog would preffer a conistent pattern of #8's over a donut of #5's. I do dig into things a little I mean hell I've killed rabbits with muzzle blast before now that is the way to keep 'em clean!

[Recurve]

Originally posted by song_dog_slammer:
hell I've killed rabbits with muzzle blast before, now that is the way to keep 'em clean!

But have you ever "barked" a squirrel? ;)

[Moe]

i really like #4 shot in my 20 ga. in the .410 i use #4 or #6 but mostly #6

[Fred Bear]

sorry about posting this in the wrong forum. I went to dogs and dog training and then I got to thinking about rabbit hunting with my dogs then I thought about shooting a rabbit.....

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http://www.visitgainesville.net/fredbear2/images/bearheadshot.gif "In the wind he's still alive"

[BEAGLEMAN]

Fred Bear,
I use my Citori 20 ga. w/#6 shot the first few times out to get a few for the freezer then I usually switch to my Ruger 10/22 after that. I got a couple Saturday with my Citori and didn't blow them up at all(Rabbit pie tonight mmmmm.)

[song_dog_slammer]

Recurve;
I've never "barked" anything! Well except for maybe my prom date but that was years ago.

[DaYoop]

I use a 16 gauge with #6 shot field loads. Dont seem to tear em up that bad.

[icewolf]

Fred first thing what choke are you useing
on that 410 is it fixed or can you change
them. my 410 is a side by side with fixed
chokes imp.cyl i reload my 410 3" with # 5
Shot i reload them hot but let the rabbits
get out a good ways dont seam to damage the
meat to bad.just my 2 cents

[Crowblaster]

I use the 22 magnum...if I kick one up it usually stops running within eye shot, maybe a long way off but I can usually get within 75 yards or so and they stay put as long as they can see you. At least that's my experience...otherwise #4 or #6 20 gauge..

Tried to post the pic here...but couldn't figure it oout...help?! Here's te link fer the pic anyway...
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1082838&a=7995912&p=28488746&Sequence=0&res=high

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I like shiny things...

[This message has been edited by Crowblaster (edited 02-11-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Crowblaster (edited 02-11-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Crowblaster (edited 02-11-2001).]

[Dangler]

I do the same thing as Beagleman. I carry a scattergun early in the season in case I kick up a grouse, then go with the Ruger 10/22. If you hunt with dogs and position yourself right, you can get some easy shots that you feel ashamed of taking with a shotgun. I used to kill 50 to 75 bunnies a season with a shotgun and got bored with it. Switching to the .22 really put the fun back into the hunt.

When I use a shotgun, I use IC choke and #6. Most of my shots are 15 yards, 20 yards is long in the thick stuff.

[SalmonSlayer]

Ever shot #8 at bunnies out of a 12 guage?! I HAD to the last time I was out. I ran out of # 6 and neglected to make it to the store. Let me tell ya you ain't gonna get a whole lotta meat when you shoot a rabbit at 10 yds with #8 shot! :) I think I counted 12 pellets that I had to extracate from only the front shoulders of that poor critter. I tried to do a head shot, but he was running faster than I judged.

My conclusion?- NEVER SHOOT RABBITS WITH #8 SHOT IF YOU WANT ANY MEAT!

Ben

[Jackone]

I use my 28 gauge with #4 shot. ;)

[bukwild1900]

i use my Stevens 20 gauge double barrel, with #6 shot.

[bigdad5]

I use that bastard size #5 shot in 1 1/8 ounce 12ga hand load. Yes i know it sounds heavy but add to it that i also use 24" open choke slug barrel. Then you dont get the on rabbit density of shot that you would have with 6's or 7 1/2 .. also if your in close and need to punch through brush you can. I like #5's there isnt anythingthat holds its center core in flight that is smaller than #4's. Another reason i like the 5 is good pellet count and short shot string. it stays together .
mike(AKA)bigdad5
New York State Hunter Education Instructor

[Pigpen69]

I use #4s or #6s in my Mossberg 410 and that does the trick, as long as your not muzzleblasting them like song dog. Just kidding. PIG