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< 16ga. Ammunition & Reloading ~ Reload for pheasants |
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Posted:
Sun Jul 11, 2021 5:16 pm
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Joined: 10 Mar 2020
Posts: 27
Location: United States
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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 |
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Posted:
Sun Jul 11, 2021 5:28 pm
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Joined: 27 Jan 2016
Posts: 490
Location: Oswego, Kansas
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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. |
_________________ Sweet sixteen forever
LC Smith Field Grade
LC Smith Ideal Grade
CZ Ringneck
Win. Model 12
Rem M11
Stevens 235 |
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Posted:
Sun Jul 11, 2021 5:35 pm
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Joined: 10 Mar 2020
Posts: 27
Location: United States
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thanks for your advice. I was standing about 8ft from chrono if that makes adifference. |
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Posted:
Sun Jul 11, 2021 6:10 pm
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Joined: 30 Jul 2012
Posts: 318
Location: Central, ND
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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. |
_________________ Browning 525 Sporting 16ga
Browning BPS Gr III 16ga |
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Posted:
Sun Jul 11, 2021 6:35 pm
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Joined: 01 Oct 2007
Posts: 962
Location: Minnesota
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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. |
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Posted:
Sun Jul 11, 2021 8:39 pm
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Joined: 16 Jul 2015
Posts: 2126
Location: Hudson,Wy
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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. |
_________________ Only catch snowflakes on your tongue AFTER the birds fly south for the winter... |
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Posted:
Mon Jul 12, 2021 5:32 am
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Joined: 10 Mar 2020
Posts: 27
Location: United States
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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. |
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Posted:
Mon Jul 12, 2021 7:06 am
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Joined: 24 Jun 2013
Posts: 2067
Location: canandaigua - western n.y. (formerly deerhunter)
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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 ? |
_________________ Molly sez AArrrooooooah ! |
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Posted:
Mon Jul 12, 2021 7:47 am
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Member
Joined: 30 Nov 2011
Posts: 1697
Location: Minnesota
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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 |
_________________ Great dog, Great friends,Great guns |
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Posted:
Mon Jul 12, 2021 8:07 am
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Joined: 10 Mar 2020
Posts: 27
Location: United States
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I don't have a manual. It belongs to my gun club. I was going by what some members were telling me. |
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Posted:
Mon Jul 12, 2021 10:23 am
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Member
Joined: 27 Jun 2012
Posts: 1113
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Most electronics equipment has the manual available online through their website. It should tell you what you need to know. |
_________________ An elderly gentleman, his faithful dogs, and a 16 ga SXS. All is right with the world. |
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Posted:
Mon Jul 12, 2021 1:46 pm
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Joined: 10 Mar 2020
Posts: 27
Location: United States
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I will check the make this week when I am at the club. Thanks |
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Posted:
Mon Jul 12, 2021 2:19 pm
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Joined: 26 Apr 2016
Posts: 369
Location: Vermont
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I would stop right there that should be a great load. Good Luck |
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Posted:
Fri Jul 16, 2021 7:37 am
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Joined: 21 Mar 2019
Posts: 45
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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 |
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Posted:
Sat Jul 17, 2021 5:13 pm
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Joined: 10 Mar 2020
Posts: 27
Location: United States
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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. |
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