Twelve is probably the most popular gauge used for squirrels, mainly because it’s the most popular shotgun gauge. My inclination is not to start youth with the 12 gauge. You don’t want the recoil to shy them away from the opportunity to hunt. For squirrels I tend to use a shell between a 6-8.
What gauge shotgun is best for squirrel hunting?
Among adult hunters, the 12-gauge shotgun is the most popular for squirrels, but a . 410 would be a better choice for a child, a young teen, or a small adult. Choose the right shotgun loads for squirrel hunting.
Is a 20 gauge good for squirrels?
Yes a 20 gauge will work just fine for squirrels if you got one. The only down side is picking shot out of the carcus after skinning it. If you just must use a shotgun then I think the 410 or 28 gauge is better suited.
Can you squirrel hunt with a 12 gauge?
12 gauge loads are also good for squirrels. But, do your self a favor and forget using #8,#9 or #10 shot. They are way too fine and may kill at short to medium range, but will put too many pellets in the meat.
What is the best caliber for squirrel hunting?
If you are hunting squirrels for meat the 22 lr is the perfect caliber. If you plan to use a faster rimfire cartridge such as the 17 HMR, 17 HM2, or the 22 WMR you should plan on head shots only as much of the edible portions of the squirrel will be destroyed with body shots.
How far will a 20 gauge kill a squirrel?
7/8 oz of #6 with an IC choke ought to be okay for 15 to 20 yard shots or thereabouts. If you’re going to be closer, switch to a skeet choke, and maybe only 3/4 oz. Too much choke, and you’ll have swiss cheese…. same goes for smaller shot – too many pellets in the pattern results in too many in the squirrel.
Is a 12 gauge too big for squirrel?
Post subject: re: 12 gauge , too much gun for squirrel ? Maverick, That 12 gauge will be fine for squirrels, especially with the 1oz Game Loads. Also, if your friend reloads the 12 gauge, the Remington Game Loads are friendly. Good hunting and good luck.
Will a 20 gauge shotgun kill you?
OF COURSE a damn 20 Guage will kill you. Hell, even the MUCH smaller 410 will. Even a 20 Guage that is loaded with just rock salt will kill your ass.
How far can a shotgun kill a squirrel?
You should shoot a squirrel from approximately 20 to 35 yards away. This distance is far enough to allow your shotgun shell or arrow to target the proper spot.
What can be hunted with a 20 gauge?
Specifications. 20-gauge shotguns are especially suitable for hunting game birds such as quail, grouse, turkey, and other game when using shot shells. A 20-gauge can also shoot slugs and buckshot and thereby become an effective deer-hunting gun.
Is 4 shot too big for squirrels?
For higher treetop squirrels, larger shot like No. 5 shot is perfect. Many hunters prefer also the even-larger No. 4 shot, but remember as the shot size goes up, you also have less pellets and more holes in your distance patterns.
Can you hunt squirrel with a shotgun?
I’ve killed squirrels with 12, 16, and 20 gauge shotguns. And the perfect squirrel shotgun, in my opinion, is an automatic or pump 20 gauge. It’s light enough to tote comfortably for miles, throws plenty of pellets, is easy on the shoulder, and you can find loads everywhere.
Will .22 rat shot kill a squirrel?
No, wouldn’t do a thing unless you were touching the muzzle to the squirrel. Those loads are made for dispatching mice and small birds inside a building. They use #11 shot.
Is .22 or .177 better for hunting?
177 is better than . 22 for small game hunting. … 177, which was generating more energy on paper and which also had a higher velocity, would be more effective on small game than a slower . 22 that was producing less energy at the muzzle.
Is .177 or .22 better?
177 is a solid caliber choice for small mammals. It has a smaller bore than the . 22, and is generally capable of firing faster velocity pellets. It’s also quieter than a .
Which is better 177 or 22 airgun?
A . 22 does deliver more energy into the target, it’s heavier and retains more energy but sub 12 ft lbs rifle shooting isn’t about energy, it’s about field craft and placement. Placing a pellet exactly in the right spot is everything and that’s much easier to do courtesy of the more forgiving ballistics of a . 177.