Shotgun range?

MichaelSmith · 03-10-2008, 08:16 AM

I'm trying to kill a fox that is visiting my property regularly and I'd like to do it with a shotgun, if possible. I'm wondering, however, about the effective range.

Does anyone have an idea of the effective range of a 20 ga or 12 ga firing buckshot? I assume the range is greater with larger shot.

nathangdad · 03-10-2008, 08:31 AM

Are you considering regular length such as 2 and 3/4 inch in the 12 gauge or a magnum 3 inch? Over the counter factory or handloads? Shot comes in various sizes and this has an effect. Will the gun be set up for
shooting turkey?

Please note I'm not trying to be negative to your question. It is just that a number of factors must be considered to provide an answer that will most help you in making your shooting decisions.

samuel · 03-10-2008, 08:41 AM

The range is reduced with heavy shot due to the fact that are few projectiles and big holes in the patern the further away you shoot.00buck is good out to about 30yds,#4buck,BB,s and #2birdshot are good to possibly 50yds.I still like #4birdshot for fox,as I have killed them at 60yds with 3"mags using 1 1/2 to 2oz of shot.Also,if it is riccochets you are trying to avoid,buckshot in any size is bad about bouncing.That is where #4birdshot comes in at.A coyote,you might want a couple sizes heavier. sam.

Otter · 03-10-2008, 03:08 PM

Barrel length, and choke are also factors, I used a Winchester 1200 defender with slugs out to 100 yards, I think the drop was about 12 or 14 inches.

Wingwiper · 03-10-2008, 04:12 PM

Not much difference between a 20 ga and a 12 ga other than the amount of pellets. Range is pretty much the same, between the gauges using same shot size and same load.

Take both gauges and support them on a table and shoot over a pond, the pellets from both will hit in almost the exact spot.

I think Sam's advice on shot and load is probably the best advice to follow.

03-10-2008, 08:16 AM	#1
MichaelSmith Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 12	Shotgun range? I'm trying to kill a fox that is visiting my property regularly and I'd like to do it with a shotgun, if possible. I'm wondering, however, about the effective range. Does anyone have an idea of the effective range of a 20 ga or 12 ga firing buckshot? I assume the range is greater with larger shot.

03-10-2008, 08:31 AM	#2
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,465	A little more info, please Are you considering regular length such as 2 and 3/4 inch in the 12 gauge or a magnum 3 inch? Over the counter factory or handloads? Shot comes in various sizes and this has an effect. Will the gun be set up for shooting turkey? Please note I'm not trying to be negative to your question. It is just that a number of factors must be considered to provide an answer that will most help you in making your shooting decisions.

03-10-2008, 08:41 AM	#3
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,087	The range is reduced with heavy shot due to the fact that are few projectiles and big holes in the patern the further away you shoot.00buck is good out to about 30yds,#4buck,BB,s and #2birdshot are good to possibly 50yds.I still like #4birdshot for fox,as I have killed them at 60yds with 3"mags using 1 1/2 to 2oz of shot.Also,if it is riccochets you are trying to avoid,buckshot in any size is bad about bouncing.That is where #4birdshot comes in at.A coyote,you might want a couple sizes heavier. sam.

03-10-2008, 03:08 PM	#4
Otter Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Vermont Posts: 952 Images: 6	Barrel length, and choke are also factors, I used a Winchester 1200 defender with slugs out to 100 yards, I think the drop was about 12 or 14 inches. __________________ Life is too important to be taken seriously.

03-10-2008, 04:12 PM	#5
Wingwiper Banned Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 789	Not much difference between a 20 ga and a 12 ga other than the amount of pellets. Range is pretty much the same, between the gauges using same shot size and same load. Take both gauges and support them on a table and shoot over a pond, the pellets from both will hit in almost the exact spot. I think Sam's advice on shot and load is probably the best advice to follow.