What size steel shot and coke should I use with a 20 ga on pheasants?

I usually kill 90% of my pheasants with a 20 ga with #6 lead and Imp.

Yep running great dogs.

I'd think 4s would do it. I have been using 2s in my 12 when hunting waterfowl areas and it knocks them. You're probably a better wing shot than me so a good pattern of 4s would do. And I have good dogs to which always helps lol.

Kent Upland Fasteel:

https://kentcartridge.com/us/shotshell/upland-fasteel

In my 20 gauge O/Us for woodcock, grouse, and pheasant. Dead birds!

I always had better "luck" with Bismuth in my16 ga SxS, vs steel shot in the 12 ga for pheasants.. Forgot what shot I used 20 years ago with the steel shot but hit too many birds that just continued flying off. YMMV.

Why not just pick up a box or two of bismuth shells? That would last most folks all season and kill better than any steel load. If you’re real lucky, you’d get enough shooting to run out. If that happens, be thankful and buy some more. The cost would be a drop in the bucket compared to your overall hunting budget.

Edited to add: Looks like Kurt has the same idea.

Steel or bismuth what size shot for a 20 ga and what coke ?

I'd choose bismuth #5. #4 or #6 might work as well. Choke it like you would lead. It should work wonderfully. We've shot lots of ducks with these and they kill well.

Thankfully we use lead around here.

I second the Bismuth suggestions. I've had very good luck with the 2.75" #5 in 20ga.

Actually SD has some non-tox areas (only) for upland game....I shot bismuth along one of the Missouri River reservoirs with a lot of good pheasant habitat years ago with excellent effect.. This was after hating steel the previous year at this location. Also use bismuth down in WA state for pheasants and quail on some lands with restrictions for non-tox only. These days I reload my hunting ammo for upland areas requiring non-tox shot using #6 Bismuth.

I believe aid try a #3 waterfowl load, with an improved cylinder choke. Steel patterns a bit tighter than lead.

I have a choice of #4 or #6 in a 2 3/4 inch shells loaded with Bismuth for pheasants.

Should I use #4 or #6.

I want to shoot a classic double that's why the 2 3/4 inch shells at 1200 fps with .875 oz of bismuth.

THANKS!

I'd use 6's...they break a lot more wings and legs for me on pheasants than the bigger #5s or worse....#4's with your light payload. I assuming you have a dog that can help you find and recover pheasants that are hit? If not, get a 12 ga with more payload. I've had good luck with an ounce of #6 Bismuth in the 16 ga as noted in precious post but also had a dynamite Vizsla that would find down birds, runners or not. Good luck!

ordered a case of Hevi-Shot Classic Doubles (bismuth) 20 ga 2 3/4" #6 @ .875 oz designed for classic doubles.

Good idea. Kent also makes some fine 1oz bismuth loads. These are normally available for just over a buck per round. Like everything else right now, they seem scarce. Have fun

Beats any Bismuth load on the pattern board and down range...a full one ounce and safe in older vintage shotguns and any choke...Not all that fond of the the high velocity as far as recoil.


https://kentcartridge.com/us/shotshell/tungsten-matrix

Addition: And pure TSS shotshells with the right shot cup are being used in older shotgun with no problems..9's hit like 5' and 6's and the pellet counts are super. Downside is they are crazy expensive....However, I used them in a modern 28 and they were impressive..With only shooting maybe 50-75 shots per year on Pheasants, the price when factored into all the other costs didn't make much difference.

Not sure if they are yet available in 20 Gauge.

Just checked... they are from Apex..They should be able to tell you if they are vintage gun compatible.....

Just received a reply from Apex...They were on the fence..I wouldn't shoot them in an older shotgun.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I am happy I am I found the bismuth.