Help 20-Gauge Lead-Free Predator Load

T

TheGDog

Member
Hello Gentleman,

I was just gifted a 20-gauge pump.

Since Kalifornia is going to be doing all this idiotic BS regarding buying ammo, I'd like to hurry up and get in my orders for any ammo I might possibly need now.

I need LEAD-FREE ammo.

For Coyotes
For Deer
For Rabbits

Any recommendations appreciated. Obviously the time-frame for putting in the orders is extremely limited. So quick responses are humbly appreciated!!!
 
Sorry I’m no help, just tagging. Dunno anyone that’s used a 20 for coyotes and I just used the cheapest box of shells for bunny and grouse.
 
Is it 2 3/4 or 3"

Check the heavy duck and goose loads. I have killed a few wit 3" 20's with #2 lead. The Heavy Shot stuff (not cheap) should work well if you work with your chokes......

I cant speak to deer as we here in IL can still use lead stuff and I have a rifled barrel 20 that will shoot inside an inch at 100.

As to bunnies and birds its going to be a rat hunt for ammo that complies with the stupid laws in CA.
 
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The biggest problem you have with your load is liberalism. I would shoot for North American, United, or Paul Arpon van lines.
Heavy Metal BBs will work until you get your poop in a group
 
Rabbit's are easy, any cheap steel #6 or 4 or 3's for close Jack's. Probably will have to reload for high performing ammo on coyote and larger game.
 
Federal Heavyweight should work very well for you.

If I recall, they use a Tungsten Density of 15.0gr/cc for the Heavyweight line. A load of these in #4 should smoke a coyote inside of 40-50yds.
 
I ordered some Federal Premium BlackCloud FS in #4 shot size while I waiting for a response to this question.

I'm tech savvy and scoured Basspro, Cabelas, MidwayUSA, Sportsman Guide.

Best I'm seeing soo far (which I saw after the 1st order was already made) is #2 shot in lead-free.
frown.gif


The Maverick 88 can take 2.75 and 3 inch

...OK...

So ordered some of the #2 shot in steel (they didn't have the Heavy Metals available, was all back ordered)

And also ordered some #6 in steel to use for Rabbits.

I'll probably have to get the rest after the [beeep] Ammo-Card retarded BS is in effect.

Thanks to those who gave input!
 
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#6 shot will not be a very good rabbit load, the Black Cloud #4 shot would work better on rabbits.

Hevi-Metal loads are just a steel shot load with some much smaller pellets put in with the steel shot. Hevi-Metal loads DO NOT have any Hevi-Shot in them. The shot that is not steel shot is Hevi-Metal shot that is not as dense as lead shot.

If you can find any Hevi-Shot Goose or Duck loads in a 20 ga in size #2 shot that would be the way to go if you don't reload shotgun shells.

Steel shot is the most least efficient shot made, no matter what size you get it WILL NOT work good on predators over 25 yards away.

Steel #2 shot is what lots of duck hunters use on ducks, coyotes are 10 times harder to kill or breakdown than a duck is.

Look at the penetration and what yardage the penetration is and the FPS speed at the muzzle in the shot types below.

The below information is from KPY Shotshell Ballistic Program. 3.70" of gel penetration makes a good coyote load. They recommend 2.50" of gel penetration for large geese.

BBB Steel shot at 1500 fps gets 3.70" of gel penetration at 18.9 yards
#2 Steel shot at 1500 fps gets 3.70" of gel penetration 5.1 yards
#2 lead shot at 1300 fps gets 3.70" of gel penetration at 19.6 yards
#2 Hevi-Shot at 1300 fps gets 3.70" of gel penetration at 31.3 yards
BB Hevi-Shot at 1300 fps gets 3.70" of gel penetration at 62.4 yards

Look at the difference on the yardage between #2 Hevi-Shot and BB Hevi-Shot. Even lead #2 shot doesn't make a good coyote load.

I am reloading steel #6 shot for when we have to shoot lead free shot at Dove and Quail.
 
The plan was to try using the shotgun when the range is like in the 40-25yds range. Since it's untested for me whether it'll work... I figure I'd bring rifle as well so if need to make some follow up shots I'll just hit 'em with the .223 Rem or the .17 HMR as an afterthought.

Can you suggest online vendors which sell 20-Gauge loads which make use of the BB Hevi-shot? Or the Dead Coyote HEvi-Shot load in 20-Gauge?
 
I picked up a couple cases of 20 2 3/4 #6 steel for 20.00 a case. I've shot a lot of garden cottontails with it very good with a modified choke inside 20 yards.
 
Originally Posted By: TheGDogThe plan was to try using the shotgun when the range is like in the 40-25yds range. Since it's untested for me whether it'll work... I figure I'd bring rifle as well so if need to make some follow up shots I'll just hit 'em with the .223 Rem or the .17 HMR as an afterthought.

Can you suggest online vendors which sell 20-Gauge loads which make use of the BB Hevi-shot? Or the Dead Coyote HEvi-Shot load in 20-Gauge?

I am pretty sure there are no Hevi-Shot or Hevi-Duck loads in BB size shot in any gauge. I searched for some 3" 20 ga Hevi_duck loads in #2 shot but couldn't find any, nobody had them in stock.
https://www.ableammo.com/catalog/hevisho...x-p-113768.html
 
If your want the ultimate 20 ga. coyote loads you need to get set up to hand load some #2 TSS. A 1 5/8 oz. load will hammer a coyote. You don't need a press to load it. It's not cheap but it is the way to go for non-toxic.
 
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