Been buying a box of ammo here and there...usually, #6, #7.5 (mostly), and #8....1 1/8 to 1 1/4oz loads...Remington STS, Remington Nitro 27, and the 6's are usually Federal (field loads).
My question is selecting an FPS for tree top, passing fliers.
What is an effective FPS for crows? The selection can be anywhere from 1145FPS to 1500PFS. I have been trying to stay in between 1200-1300FPS range as I really don't want to beat up my shoulder with 1300+ loads.
Also, in your experience, are leads greatly affected when using shells between 1145FPS (light target) and 1300FPS?
Never 'lead' a bird based on my FPS, but rather on the speed the bird is going. I use 1250 dove loads (#7.5) out of a 22inch Mossberg 500c 20ga. I smack Crows out to 40 yards with about 1.5 bird lengths lead ahead of them.
Calculating lead and bringing that into the field will do nothing more than frustrate you. Under field conditions lead is a "feel". This " feel" comes with a fair bit of shooting experience. Further, at normal ranges one will be hard pressed to notice much difference between 1200 fps loads vs 1300 fps!! My advice... let your brain do the calculation...eyes and hands will follow😉
T
__________________
Life's tough... It's even tougher if you're stupid. John Wayne
Welcome to the site.
I agree with M12 on his assessment on shooting by "feel" it works for me. To much thinking and I start missing. I try to keep it simple and shoot the same loads which adds to the "feel".
Keep an eye on wind...if a crow flies into the wind then you don't need to lead much if at all at close ranges...but wind kills us all as it is infrequent ...I
The strong winds allow you to practically aim right on them in example...at close ranges...
STP: Super question and one that is rarely mentioned on this board. Does velocity make a difference in lead? Yes, but not much and not enough to even be calculated in your fire control aiming system. The info I am about to quote is found in the 5th edition of Lyman Shotshell Reloading handbook and I encourage anyone interested to check it out.
The difference in "lead" for a target at 40 yards traveling at 40 mph for 1220 vs. 1330 fps shells is 6 inches! Since just about every crow you will ever shoot at is traveling slower than 40 mph, the actual real life difference is less.. is inconsequential. Plus, since most shots are inside 40 yds, the difference shrinks further to only 1 maybe 2 inches. My guess is, most of us use ammo within those velocities so I think it is safe to say forget even thinking about lead differences and concentrate on all the other factors that make a good shot.
With 1135 vs. 1330..same 40 mph speed and 40 yd. distance, the lead is 11 inches.
The difference between two shells with differing velocity is science. Science affects rifle shooters. Wing shooting is instinctive and it is an art. It it hard to teach but it can be learned. Forget about what your shell is doing for velocity, learn to get in front of your target, keep the gun moving and your head down and tight to the stock. If you can do that you will hit more than you miss. Go to a trap/skeet/ sporting clay range and practice, you will most likely get better. Truth be told shot size is more critical than velocity, too much velocity blows patterns, slower is better, 1100 to 1200 fps. If you need to kill at longer ranges, use a tighter choke and shot with greater mass rather than a higher velocity.
Excellent advice! Makes you wonder why manufacturers continue to push high velocity lead loads (1300-1500FPS) when slower ones pattern better and are easier on the gun/shoulder.
I have a Beretta A400 Xtreme and an Ithaca 37 Featherlight in 12 gauge. I guess I was buying around the 1200-1300PFS range to be sure they would cycle the Beretta. I should try the 1145 loads.
Again, thank you.
Steve
-- Edited by STP22 on Tuesday 20th of January 2015 11:31:28 PM
Manufacturers push high velocity stuff.. because they are in the business of selling ammo. Personally, the 3 1/2" shell is a crime against the shotgun public. Fact is, from a pattern viewpoint, it is tough to be a quality 2 3/4" shell.. especially Hevi-shot for waterfowl... but 3" is ok too. As others have correctly mentioned, at some point velocity blows patterns. I think you will find some actual data in the "advanced articles" section of Crowbusters. Ever wonder why the premier trap "handicap" loads are speeds in the 1220- to 1285 range? Its the ideal speed that produces super patterns at long distances and trap shots from the 27 yd line are long shots at small targets!
Bet you a quarter, your guns will cycle the 1145 ammo...if loaded with 1 1/8 oz. Let us know.
Cash is in the mail to join Crow Busters and get access the the "advanced" section.
I think the gun should cycle those loads, especially after breaking it in during a past waterfowl hunt (no malfunctions....no birds either). And, I agree, I can't bring myself to buying 3.5" shells.
Thanks again, Skip.
Steve
-- Edited by STP22 on Tuesday 20th of January 2015 11:52:21 PM
