| RobJones303 |
| (member) |
| 04/03/2008 14:12 |
|
Pigeon/rough shooting with a semi-auto shotgun
|
I have just bought a year old Winchester Ranger Semi Auto shotgun, for use on vermin and in-season game.
What is the best cartridge to use against vermin, primarily pigeons?
I have tried 'HB pigeon' and it is crap.
Recently I tried some 'High speed steel' (3.5), and this worked a treat.... But isn't this bad for the gun?!
Whatsmore what choke would you recommend using?
I Look forward to your replies!
| sandersj89 |
| (stranger) |
| 04/03/2008 14:39 |
Re: Pigeon/rough shooting with a semi-auto shotgun
|
When you say the HB pigeon was no good why was that? Did the gun cycle them OK? Where you not hitting well?
I tend to stick to 30gr 6's for most of my shooting, they should be fine in most cases. I use Lylevale or Ely Clear Pigeon.
3.5" steel is over kill and an expensive way to go pigeon shooting. Also is the gun proofed for steel?
Chokes, I dont get too hung up on chokes and dont even know what the shooking is on most of my shotguns. None are interchangable as well. (The number of people with changable chokes who dont ever change them is very high)
1/2 choke is fine in most cases I would imagine.
I would also suggest you pattern the gun so you can see where you are sending the shot when you shoot it, this might give a clue and point you to a change in aiming point/lead.
HTH
Jerry
| nic1084 |
| (member) |
| 04/03/2008 23:06 |
|
Re: Pigeon/rough shooting with a semi-auto shotgun
|
If your shotgun is proofed for steel (check the markings on the barrel aginst the info on the box for pressures) then dont use tighter that 1/2 choke... it could be embarassing if you do
| RobJones303 |
| (member) |
| 06/03/2008 12:38 |
|
|
Re: Pigeon/rough shooting with a semi-auto shotgun
|
Unfortunatly the gun didn't come in it's box, and I cant find anything on the internet about it.
What markings am I looking for exactly?
Thanks for the advice so far guys!
| ROBERT6500 |
| (member) |
| 06/03/2008 18:59 |
Re: Pigeon/rough shooting with a semi-auto shotgun
|
The Winchester ranger is a great auto, it will take the steel shot but dont go any tighter than half choke.
But there is no need to use the steel anyway you just need a 30-32g cartridge size 5or6 i.e Clear Pigeon - by Express or high pheasant by Hull will kill cleanly.
If you had trouble with your other cartridges Im afraid to say that it was almost certainly where you are not use to where the winchester puts its lead to yet. You need to put it on a pattern plate or put a piece of card about a metre square against a wire fence or tree and put a black dot of pen in the center as big as your nail. Stand back about 25 yards, put your sight bead on the barrel on the dot and fire. Check to see where the lead actually goes to.
| RobJones303 |
| (member) |
| 06/03/2008 19:17 |
|
|
Re: Pigeon/rough shooting with a semi-auto shotgun
|
I will give those cartridges (or as close as I can get) a go and let you know how it goes.
In the meantime I'll calculate the spead of the shot too, its probably a good idea to do it with my other shotguns too!
Thanks fellas.