What type of .12 Gage loads should i use for squirrel hunting?

should i use regular game loads in my .12G?


or should i use bird or buck shot?


its my first time using it for squirrels, i dont want to blow a huge hole in it...lol.What type of .12 Gage loads should i use for squirrel hunting?
In a 12 guage I would recommend a #4 or #5 lead shot, 2 3/4 inch shell, low brass is all you'll need. Winchester makes a X124 that should work well.


The reason you want a larger pellet is for energy, to penetrate the hide of a fox squirrel, which is very tough.


But I might add, in early season when there is a lot more leaves on the trees, you may want to shoot a #6 shot size. This gives you a lot more pellets than a #4 and is sufficient for taking squirrels. As the leaves come down, you can go to a larger pellet size, #4 for instance and efficiently bring the squirrel down.


I am the ammo man, and work the ammo counter at a large sporting goods store in Mich.What type of .12 Gage loads should i use for squirrel hunting?
That sorta depends on the time of the season.





If you are hunting early in the season when there are a lot of leaves and it is really tough to ge a clear shot, then 71/2 would work in a 12.





If you are hunting later in the season when all the leaves are gone then 6 is fantastic! 7 1/2 will not give you the range needed at that time of year.





#4 and #5 are designed with the Turkey, fox, and coyote hunters in mind and are not the best for squirrels if you want good eating.





Anything bigger is strictly overkill, but fun if you have a housefull of treerat invaders.
I would use regular 2 3/4 shells but you can get high brass for extra power but since its a 12 gauge you should be good to go.





I used 3 inch mags for squirrel but that was a 20 gauge and not a 12 though.





Its more on personal preference if you dont like performance of normal get high brass but DONT GET 3 INCH MAGS for 12. Keep in mind i only got 3 for 20 gauge.





I would go with #6 shot





(((((Conclusion:


Use 2 3/4 or 2 3/4 high brass with #6 shot or 5 since they get a strong coat when it gets cold out.))))
Don't use Buck shot unless you like your squirrel in several pieces:o) Use a #6 bird shot 2 3/4'; load. Still, if any way possible, aim at the head so you don't ruin so much of meat with shot pellets. The way I prefer to hunt squirrel is with a 22 and shoot them in the head. Makes them easier to clean.
NO not buck shot -- the pellets would fly right right on by and miss..... I use #6 game loads... 2 3/4 inch cartridges are fine.... If mr squirrel is quite a distance and / or you want to obliterate him then step up to 3 inch turkey loads.....





This stuff works real good on small critters....





http://www.remington.com/products/ammuni鈥?/a>
I would use something like a 9 or an 8 shot. Obviously you don't need the bigger pellets because a squirrel is small. So with a 9 shot your going to have more shot and hence a greater chance of killing it. Farther shots may require something more like a 7 1/2.
no. 4 shot i find is the best for any game of the squirrel/rabbit size.





yer bird shot no. 4





Um mate just grab you 22 and shot it in the head if your an accurate marksmen you shouldn't have to much trouble





but the shot gun is much easier
Use standard 2 3/4 inch loads with number 4, 5, or 6 shot. Those are good loads for squirrels. Buckshot is way too large. A squirrels hide is tough, so stay away from the smaller shot (7 1/2 and 8 shot) as well.



my dad always told me if i couldnt hit em in the head with a 22 i didnt need to go. That said, they make small game loads just for things liek rabbits and squirrels. I still use a 22 to this day when i go squirrel hunting.
Bird shot is alright but you may have to take out alot of shots, the best thing to use is a 22 and shoot him in the head!* Good Hunting!*
Any 7/8 ounce to 1 1/4 ounce load of #6 to #4 will work fine. 7 1/2 will work, but I prefer the larger shot size and better penetration.
buck shot would be way too much for squirrels. there wouldn't be much left. I would go smaller with 7 1/2 or 6 and you should be good to go. Have fun and good luck!
Game loads with a shot size of #6. No magnum, no buckshot, no heavy load needed. Your going after Squirrel.






buck shot and all that well be left is a few hairs.


use bird shot.
Use number 4 or 5 bird shot for the Squirrel for best results.*
I use 4 shot with good results
What have squirrels ever done to you? Why do you feel that they deserve to die?





At least give them a sporting chance by using a sling shot.