What Shot Is Best For Dove Hunting?

Table of Contents

Understanding the Essentials of a Shotgun Shell

The Parts of a Shell

Before diving into the specificities of shot sizes and types, it’s essential to understand the basic components of a shotgun shell and how they contribute to its performance. The shell consists of several parts, each playing a critical role in delivering the shot to its target.

The foundation of the shell is the **hull**, which houses all the other components. Inside the hull is the **primer**, a small, percussion-sensitive cap that ignites the gunpowder when struck by the firing pin. The **powder** provides the propulsive force, pushing the shot pellets out of the barrel. A **wad**, a crucial element, sits between the powder and the shot. It serves several purposes: it protects the shot from direct contact with the barrel, helps to seal the gases from the burning powder, and often, plays a significant role in controlling the shot pattern. Finally, the **shot** itself, the individual pellets that strike the target, is the critical component in dove hunting success.

The size and type of these shot pellets are the most critical aspects to consider when selecting your ammunition. The number of pellets in a shell, how they’re dispersed, and the amount of energy they carry will significantly impact how effective you are at knocking down doves.

Shot Size Matters: Understanding Pellet Counts and Patterns

The shot size is a fundamental characteristic of a shotgun shell, directly impacting both pattern density and pellet count. Shot sizes are expressed numerically, with smaller numbers corresponding to larger pellets and vice versa. Generally, for dove hunting, we are going to be looking at pellets from size 9 up to 6, or even sometimes 5.

The number of pellets within a shell is inversely proportional to the pellet size. A shell loaded with larger shot pellets will contain fewer pellets than a shell loaded with smaller shot. This dynamic has significant implications for your shooting performance.

Let’s examine some of the most common shot sizes used in dove hunting, along with their respective strengths and weaknesses.

Smaller Shot Pellets: Great for Close Encounters

Shot sizes such as 7.5, 8, and 9 are excellent choices for situations where doves are close to the shooter. These sizes offer several advantages.

**Increased Pellet Count:** A shell loaded with smaller shot will contain a greater number of pellets. This means there is a higher probability of several pellets striking the target, creating a denser pattern.
**Superior Patterning:** Denser patterns are particularly beneficial for closer-range shots. They improve the chances of hitting a fast-flying dove, as there are more pellets to increase the likelihood of a hit.
**Enhanced Coverage:** A denser pattern also provides more forgiveness. Minor aiming errors are more likely to be compensated for by the wider spread of the shot.

However, smaller shot sizes have limitations.

**Reduced Energy:** Each individual pellet possesses less kinetic energy compared to larger pellets. This can result in less effective knock-down power at longer ranges.
**Ineffective at Distance:** At longer distances, the pellets lose velocity, resulting in reduced penetration and a higher likelihood of crippling birds instead of cleanly taking them.

Therefore, smaller shot sizes excel in the early parts of the dove season when doves are often flying at closer ranges, and for hunters who are comfortable taking shots within the 25-35 yard range.

Larger Shot Pellets: Extending Your Effective Range

Shot sizes such as 6 and 7 are often preferred for longer shots and late-season hunting scenarios when doves might be more wary or have been educated on how to avoid hunters.

**Increased Energy:** Larger shot pellets carry more kinetic energy, maintaining velocity and effectiveness at greater distances.
**Improved Penetration:** The increased energy helps to ensure that individual pellets penetrate the dove sufficiently to inflict a clean, effective shot.
**Enhanced Wind Resistance:** Larger pellets are less susceptible to wind drift compared to smaller ones, improving accuracy in windy conditions.

However, larger shot sizes have certain drawbacks to keep in mind.

**Fewer Pellets:** Due to their size, a shell loaded with larger shot will contain fewer pellets overall. This can result in a less dense pattern, demanding more precise aiming to ensure a hit.
**Potential for Over-Penetration:** On close-range shots, larger shot can sometimes pass through the bird without transferring all of their energy, potentially leading to less effective results.

Ultimately, larger shot sizes give hunters more range, and when used with proper chokes, still maintains a strong pattern that provides sufficient knock-down energy to effectively harvest doves.

Exploring the World of Shot Types

Besides shot size, the material the shot is made of also influences its performance. Different shot types have various characteristics that influence velocity, density, and regulations.

Lead Shot: The Classic Choice

Lead shot has been the traditional choice for shotgun ammunition for generations, and it remains popular due to several key advantages.

**Affordability:** Lead shot is generally less expensive than other non-toxic alternatives, making it an attractive option for hunters looking to maximize their shooting budget.
**Density:** Lead is a dense material, providing excellent downrange energy and penetration.
**Performance:** Lead shot typically delivers excellent pattern density and striking power, making it a good choice for taking down doves at a range of distances.

However, lead shot has drawbacks.

**Toxicity Concerns:** Lead is considered toxic, and the use of lead shot is restricted or banned in many areas due to the environmental implications. Hunters must be aware of all the local rules and regulations regarding lead shot.

Steel Shot: A Common Non-Toxic Alternative

Steel shot has gained significant popularity as a non-toxic alternative to lead.

**Non-Toxic:** Steel shot is a safe and environmentally friendly option, adhering to the regulations in many areas that restrict the use of lead.
**Availability:** Steel shot is widely available in various shot sizes, making it accessible to hunters in almost every location.

Steel shot has limitations.

**Lower Density:** Steel is less dense than lead, which means that, shot for shot, it is less effective at longer ranges.
**Velocity Requirements:** To achieve similar performance, steel shot shells must often be loaded at higher velocities compared to lead loads.
**Barrel Compatibility:** It is crucial to ensure your shotgun is approved for use with steel shot. Using steel shot in barrels not designed for it can cause damage.

Bismuth Shot: A Non-Toxic Alternative that Mimics Lead

Bismuth shot represents a middle ground, offering a non-toxic option with performance that closely resembles lead.

**Non-Toxic:** Like steel shot, bismuth shot is a safe and environmentally friendly choice.
**Density:** Bismuth has a density similar to lead, providing great performance at various ranges.
**Compatibility:** Bismuth shot is safe to use in most shotguns, including older models.

However, bismuth shot has a few drawbacks.

**Cost:** Bismuth shot is typically more expensive than lead or steel shot.

Tungsten-Based Alloys: The Premium Option

Tungsten shot is the most expensive shot type, and it offers exceptional performance.

**Density:** Tungsten alloys are incredibly dense, often exceeding the density of lead. This leads to exceptional downrange energy and penetration.
**Performance:** Tungsten shot provides excellent patterns, making it a good choice for challenging shots.
**Versatility:** Excellent for use in areas with both non-toxic requirements and a wide range of hunting situations.

However, tungsten shot has some cons.

**Cost:** Tungsten shot is the most expensive option, which can make it an impractical choice for some hunters.

Factors to Consider: Choosing the Right Shot for the Hunt

The best choice of shot type and shot size depends on several factors. These factors will need to be carefully weighed to pick the right shell for any situation you might face.

Considering Range

The range is one of the most crucial factors. Accurately estimating the distance to the target is essential.

**Shorter Ranges (20-35 yards):** Smaller shot sizes (7.5 or 8) with a more open choke will perform effectively, creating a dense pattern.
**Medium Ranges (35-45 yards):** Consider using larger shot sizes (6 or 7), coupled with a slightly tighter choke.
**Longer Ranges (45+ yards):** Larger shot sizes (6, 5, or even 4, depending on dove size) paired with tighter chokes become necessary to maintain the energy required to consistently knock down the target.

Understanding Dove Characteristics and Behavior

The size and behavior of the doves you are hunting will influence your shot selection.

**Larger Doves:** If you are hunting larger doves or doves that appear particularly strong, using slightly larger shot sizes can be beneficial.
**Fast-Flying Doves:** Doves that are flying at high speeds or crossing shots will demand a quicker response and the use of shot that has the necessary energy to take down the bird.

The Importance of Choke Selection

The choke of your shotgun is the constricted portion of the barrel near the muzzle, which affects the shot pattern. The choke is designed to adjust the pattern.

**Open Chokes (Cylinder, Skeet, Improved Cylinder):** These chokes produce wider patterns, ideal for shorter-range shots.
**Modified Chokes:** Provide a balance between pattern density and range.
**Full Chokes:** Offer the tightest patterns, perfect for longer shots.
**Matching Choke and Shot Size:** Generally, smaller shot sizes pair well with more open chokes, while larger shot sizes typically benefit from tighter chokes.

Staying Aware of Regulations

Always be familiar with the hunting regulations. Regulations may specify the approved shot types based on the location. Be aware of your location, and plan accordingly.

Personal Preference: Finding What Works for You

Ultimately, the best shot for dove hunting is what you shoot effectively. Experiment with various shot sizes, types, and choke combinations. Keeping a log of your shots and the distances will aid in this process. Try different loads, and note the results. What works well for one hunter may not work perfectly for another.

Practical Recommendations: Choosing Your Shell

Below are general guidelines and recommendations based on varying hunting conditions.

**Early Season/Closer Shots:** For most early-season dove hunting scenarios, when doves are frequently flying close, a 7.5 or 8 shot shell with an improved cylinder or modified choke will likely be your most common and versatile choice. This combination provides a dense pattern at closer ranges, maximizing your chances of a clean kill.
**Late Season/Longer Shots:** As the season progresses and doves become more wary or the distances you’re shooting increase, move up to a 6 or 7 shot shell. Using a modified or full choke can help tighten the pattern, increasing your effective range.
**Steel Shot Considerations:** If you are required to use steel shot, begin with shot size 6 or 7 for general dove hunting.

Safety Reminders for a Successful Hunt

**Always Handle Firearms Safely:** Treat every gun as if it’s loaded. Always know where your muzzle is pointed, and don’t point it at anything you are not willing to shoot.
**Wear Eye and Ear Protection:** Protective eyewear is essential to protect your eyes from any debris, and ear protection prevents hearing damage.
**Be Aware of Your Surroundings:** Always know what’s beyond your target. Make sure to only shoot at safe targets.
**Know Your Limits:** Don’t take shots that are beyond your skill level.