Hunting Forum

What is the best shot size for squirrel.

#4 (1)

6%

#5 (3)

18%

#6 (13)

76%

So I know there are alot of people that hunt squirrels with a shotgun, myself included.

So I wanted to see everyones opinion. Regardless of guage, what is your preference of shot size.

Just vote in the poll, and if you want to, leave a comment to explain.

7.5

i go for the shot 6 outa my 410 with full choke when i use a shotgun. but mostly use air guns

I use #6 for all small game, uplands and turkeys...that's in 28,20,16 and 12 gauge...don't have a .410 to hunt with (yet) normally hunt tree rats with a .22, .22 mag or a .22 MKII pistol... but if I have to use a splatter gun it's the 28 gauge mostly....

My dad swore by #4 out of a 16 ga full choke. That thing tore them up. Made the meat tender as it was hamburger. I use #6 out of a .410 when I use a shotgun. Prefer air rifle or flintlock.

40 gr out of my .22

Used #5s for just about everything I hunted .Except quail .

None of the above. I got tired of picking lead out of my dinner. Now I use steel waterfowl loads. Usually the faster loads pass right through and if any BBs don't go through larger shot size is easier to find and non toxic to boot.

#6 is the largest shot you'd want to use for squirrels. I usually 7.5 or 8 myself, but have 6s in the past. Of course I've even shot squirrels with #2 Steel while duck hunting.

When not using 17 HMR, I like light loads of 7s with modified choke at the most. For late season when the snow is flying and shots tend to be longer I go with 4s and a full choke. In northern MI that combo in jan usually has lots of pellets in the skin on the far side of the squirrel.