Ammo Recommendations for Hunting Small Upland Game
Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to provide some
ammo recommendations for hunting small upland game. In addition to providing
ammunition recommendations, we are also going to cover some factors one should consider when selecting
ammunition for this role. Without further ado, let’s go over
ammunition to take into the field for hunting small upland game.
What is Upland Game?
The term “upland game” refers to many types of birds. A diverse range of birds can be classified as upland game. Some upland game birds are also considered migratory birds. Of course, not all upland game is considered migratory and not all migratory birds are considered upland game. Common examples of upland game encompass birds such as quail, chukar, pheasant, grouse, dove, pigeons, and turkey to name a few. Of course, some forms of upland game, such as turkey, grouse, and pheasant. cannot be classified as “small upland game,” meaning that different
ammunition is necessary for ethical hunting. Upland game that can be categorized as small would include quail, pigeons, and dove.
What Gauges/Calibers Are Viable for Hunting Upland Game?
Shooters can effectively employ a variety of popular shotgun gauges and chamberings in small upland game hunting applications. Hunters can utilize
12 gauge,
16 gauge,
20 gauge,
28 gauge, and
.410 bore ammo for this application as these chamberings are well-supported by appropriate loadings.
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How Important is Velocity?
The velocity of a loading is incredibly important when hunting upland game. A shotshell’s velocity is directly related to its potential performance downrange and its effect on target. Higher velocities mean that pellets will travel at higher speeds and impact with authority, two desirable traits when hunting. Fast moving shot gets to its target quicker, minimizing the amount of leading and holding one may have to do at certain ranges. Of course, fast projectiles will also produce a higher level of damage on target. This allows for cleaner and more efficient kills.
How Important is Shot Size?
Shot size is another important factor to consider when hunting upland game. Simply put, the higher the shot size value, the larger the shot. Larger shot will hit harder than smaller shot, allowing for clean and ethical kills. The ability to deliver efficient lethal energy with a loading is but one desirable trait when selecting a loading for small upland game. One should also try to find a loading that will retain its ability to impart energy at realistic, extended distances. This can be important when trying to shoot a bird flying away from the shooter as the distance between the target and shooter can increase dramatically. Some loadings will better retain energy at distances than others. For example,
#7.5 shot ammo will generally hold its energy at distances better than
#8 shot will.
Some Ammo Recommendations
Here is a list of five loads that we recommend for use in small upland game hunting applications. Of course, there are many other viable loadings for this use case and this is by no means an exhaustive list.
We recommend these loadings for a number of reasons. Above all, each of these five loadings is capable of getting the job done and humanely dispatching small upland game. Additionally, each of these loadings will run in a variety of shotgun types. This is to say that they will function in pump action, break action, and semi-automatic shotguns. Reliability is an important factor as you do not want to experience any hang-ups during your hunt. We also selected a sampling of common, popular loadings in
12 gauge and
20 gauge specifically due to the popularity of these gauges. As mentioned above, other gauges are also viable for small upland game hunting, but they are not as commonly used as
12 gauge and
20 gauge.
Do You Need Lead-Free Ammo for Hunting Upland Game?
While there is no federal mandate requiring the use of lead-free
ammunition when hunting upland game, a hunter may still elect to use the
ammunition. Some states, regions, and locales may have restrictions on lead
ammunition and effectively require the use of lead-free
ammunition. One should always keep regulations in mind when hunting to comply with legal requirements and ensure an ethical hunt. Some lead-free loadings may possess certain attributes, such as velocity, shot size, wadding design, which are desirable for some forms of hunting. Additionally, some hunters may simply elect to use the “cleaner”
ammo to lessen their impact on the environment or shooting near water features like likes or rivers.
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How Much Ammo Do You Need?
The amount of
ammunition needed is entirely dependent upon the type of hunting you are doing. For example, stationary hunting and mobile hunting are different types of hunting with different considerations and realities. In a fixed position, one will not be walking around with their gear, shotgun, and
ammo. This means that they can keep a healthy stock on hand where they are positioned, allowing for a wider range of
ammo and gear to be employed. For more mobile types of hunting, one is essentially limited by their comfort and what they can practically carry. There is no practical, optimal way to haul around a caseload of
shotgun ammo in addition to the other necessary pieces of gear one needs. Simply put, one should purchase enough
ammunition to practice with their hunting load and have enough to practically complete their hunt.
Conclusion
All in all, we hope that these
ammo recommendations for small upland game hunting and other information are helpful. These offerings and the accompanying information should point prospective hunters in the right direction for an optimal and ethical hunt. Beyond these loadings, we here at True Shot Ammo carry a wide range of
shotgun ammunition suitable for many potential use cases. In addition to
shotgun ammo, we also carry offer a wide range of
ammo for sale in popular rifle, pistol, and rimfire calibers. As always, happy shooting.
Need bulk ammo? At True Shot Ammo, we have a wide variety of handgun ammo and rifle ammo available to purchase. Please visit our website trueshotammo.com, call us at (888) 736-6587, or you can email us at sales@trueshotammo.com for more ammo options.
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