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Joined: 10 Mar 2020 Posts: 27 Location: United States

With the ammo shortage I am trying to reload for pheasant season coming up. BP in their 16ga manual they had a load for 1 1/8 oz. it was using Cheddite hull & primer with Z16 wad with 24gr Longshot. Psi 10300 with vel. 1440. I loaded some today using same components but 23gr longshot. I always start lite. When I chrono them I was getting 1260fps. Would 1 grain make that much difference? Recoil was moderate. I was wondering if my chrono is off also would 1260fps be a good pheasant load? Thanks

Joined: 27 Jan 2016 Posts: 490 Location: Oswego, Kansas

I think you have the load you need right there! More speed is not needed for pheasants and the added recoil would do more damage to you shooting.
Hitting the birds in the front half is the most important step and then they are not hard to kill. I shot a lot of pheasants in January at a group hunt with my 28ga and 7/8oz loads of 7's.

Joined: 10 Mar 2020 Posts: 27 Location: United States

thanks for your advice. I was standing about 8ft from chrono if that makes adifference.

Joined: 30 Jul 2012 Posts: 318 Location: Central, ND

I agree with Byron. Seems like I get the best patterns around that 1200-1250 FPS range. I normally go with a one ounce load and have killed many wild roosters.

Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 962 Location: Minnesota

My BPI 16 ga load manual went in the trash after I tried several of their loads and found the stack heights WAY off.
That may explain the difference in your velocity and what BPI published.

Joined: 16 Jul 2015 Posts: 2126 Location: Hudson,Wy

1200-1250 fps is all you need and will typically pattern tighter and more evenly than 1400+. High velocity loads are handy when you want open patterns, but what you have right now is a great pheasant load. I load a similar shell for pheasants (actually slightly slower) and it has been stellar.

Use West Coast Magnum #5 shot for best results, or Lawrence Magnum lead shot if WC isn't available. Beyond that, make a habit of putting the pattern where there is a bird and you will have many rooster dinners.

Joined: 10 Mar 2020 Posts: 27 Location: United States

Thanks for the advice. I will use the load I have. It is loaded with nickel #5. The guns I use are a Browning Superlight Feather 16ga & I have a Lefever Nitro Special 16ga that belonged to grandfather. I had it restocked and chokes opened. It will be nice to be able to hunt with it this fall. Hope everyone has a great & safe season.

I don't have a chrono , but don't most units read at 3-4' and I do believe it could make enough diff to ease your felling of the load ... Mark , is that true ?

Member Joined: 30 Nov 2011 Posts: 1698 Location: Minnesota

Do you have the owners manual for your chrono? Mine specifies 5ft for shotgun, but different for rifle,archery etc.. Try firing a factory load of a published/known velocity right b4 you start doing your reloads so you know if you have reasonable readings that day. Sun vs clouds can make a difference too.Good luck

Joined: 10 Mar 2020 Posts: 27 Location: United States

I don't have a manual. It belongs to my gun club. I was going by what some members were telling me.

Member Joined: 27 Jun 2012 Posts: 1114

Most electronics equipment has the manual available online through their website. It should tell you what you need to know.

Joined: 10 Mar 2020 Posts: 27 Location: United States

I will check the make this week when I am at the club. Thanks

Joined: 26 Apr 2016 Posts: 369 Location: Vermont

I would stop right there that should be a great load. Good Luck

Joined: 21 Mar 2019 Posts: 45

Can’t add much more than already been said but French that is about the same exact load I started out with and was getting 1375-80 FPS. Didn’t want that much speed nor like the snappy recoil so backed off until I got around 1230. Has been a very good load for me.

John

Joined: 10 Mar 2020 Posts: 27 Location: United States

Thanks for the input everyone. John1 I will stay with what I have. I shoot a lite gun as was said earlier. The recoil was good. Hope everyone has a good season. Getting a new shorthair pup first part of Sept. will be a fun time.