Not for certai what direction I should go, reloads for birds

[slugger]

I'm going to load up this years upland and pheasant loads, the kids and I usually go through around 400 rounds a year . That includes a few trips out with the pigeon thrower as a warm up. We all shoot 870 super express shot guns and run factory full chokes all year, we go to a dead coyote .699 choke for ducks with steel and lead "F" for coyote.

This is our normal go to load;

Traditional Pheasant

HULL: Rio 12ga. 2.75"
PRIMER: Rio209
PROPELLANT: Alliant Blue dot 37.0 Grains
WAD: Mg42
SHOT: 1-3/8 oz. lead #5 /#7 1/2= 1/2 and 1/2
FOLD CRIMP: 6-point
Result: PSI 11600 FPS 1300

BUT, we have used these too with good success:

Theses seam to have the most recoil

jumpy Pheasant

HULL: Cheddite 12ga. 2.75"
PRIMER: CH209
PROPELLANT : IMR 800X 29.0 Grains
WAD: Mg42
SHOT: 1-3/8 oz. Lead #5X 7 1/2
FOLD CRIMP: 6-point
Result: PSI 12000 FPS 1300

I hate to use buffer, PIA

hard Pheasant

HULL: CHEDDITE 12-gauge 2.75”
PRIMER:Ch209
PROPELLANT: HODGDON UNIVERSAL CLAYS 28.0 Grains
WAD: MG42
SHOT: 1-3/8 ounce lead NP#6 and, #5, or #4
BUFFER = 10 gr.
FOLD CRIMP: 6-point
Result: PSI 12000 FPS 1315

I have both hulls but I like the way the Rio crimp a bit better.
They all pattern well in our guns with a full choke.
I was just wandering any one else's thoughts.
AND yes there Duplex shot loads and I'm staying with that concept!!!

[jbm77]

I use win AA hulls, win 209 primer, longshot powder, with 1 1/8 oz shot. For cold weather hunting I would use a name brand wad, the cheap ones won't perform in colder temps. I can get upwards of 1500 fps or a little above, with safe pressures. I load # 4 for pheasants, squirrels and rabbits, #8 for quail and trap loads. The recipes I use are on hodgdens' website. The recoil is noticeable......uncomfortable in my O/U, but not bad in the Benelli. I realize you may want a heavier payload, but my personal experience showed me it isn't necessary. Also no need for buffer with these loads, less powder, less shot=$ savings and more shooting!