16ga.com ~ View topic - SuperX: 1-1/8 ounce #4's

Joined: 25 Jun 2006 Posts: 79 Location: SE Pa

I used them last year in my 16 and loved them. I noticed a significant difference between the #4's and the GP #5's on wild birds in SD. There were no wounded birds with the 4's and the pheasants dropped like they were hit with a rifle. I remember one shot when a big rooster got up from me about 20 yards out; I rocked him good with the GP #5's with both shots and he looked like he was coming down but got another wind and made it over the horizon. That's when I switched to #4's. Did not have that problem again.

Member Joined: 08 Jun 2009 Posts: 107 Location: Idaho

My experience is a bit different, I'm down on #4. I find pattern density very iffy. In my experience, #5 really rocks birds, again with tighter choke for pattern density.

Joined: 28 Mar 2008 Posts: 1460 Location: Eagle, Nebraska

My father stil uses #4's. (12ga though, nobody is perfect)
The fours will "anchor" a bird quick, and more than likely be laying dead where he landed. But he hunted without dogs. AND his Browning HATES #5 shot, no matter the brand. #6's not so bad in Federal, but he won't let go of the #4 Federals.

51/2 is about as big as I go. Do have some #5's and use them.

I think #4's is getting further from the "ideal" in 16ga.

Stick to #5's #6 or #7's and shoot the bird where you should be shooting him and you will be fine.

I have used the Golden Pheasant in #5 and it works fine. Only problem is I have had some Fail to Fire issues with those shells in Citori, and to lesser extent, a couple of other guns.