20ga Shotgun Q for Dove Hunting

[nmkid]

I've had a Beretta 20 gauge A 400 for almost 3 years. Guess it's time to use it. I have an opportunity to go Dove hunting in California this Sept'. Can I use steel shot(CA. rules)? Which choke should I use?

 

[cmysix]

I would use Bismuth #9 Full choke

 

[std7mag]

The steel shot will still be in the cup of the wad, so it won't hurt your barrel.

The issue is that a lot of the steel shot out there is meant for waterfowl.
Slow burning, dirty powder.

I had issues with my CZ720 after 5 rounds of Fiocchi 3" #6 steel.
The gun FLUNG the cartridges out!
15-20 yards. Found 2 of the 5 rounds that I shot.
Got it home and went to clean.
Barrel wouldn't come off.
CZ rep showed me his method for when he was doing shooting exhibitions. Finally got it apart.

As for choke, I'd probably use modified to a full/modified.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

23.00/10# steel shot vs 102.00/7# of bismuth. I would shoot steel.

 

[Clancy]

I have taken a lot of dove with #6 steel. Winchester makes a dove load. I generally use a mod.

 

[HTSmith]

Steel will be fine in your gun. Improved Cylinder is the choke I'd recommend.

Dove Hunting Book

 

[HandgunHTR]

Steel will be fine in your gun. Improved Cylinder is the choke I'd recommend.

Dove Hunting Book

This would be my recommendation as well, unless you are just shooting passing birds, then I might go modified.

 

[nmkid]

I'm getting Improved Cylinder, which is the most recommended on several sites. I tried to call Beretta but they have been closed all week?!

 

[Blackthorn]

I have the 12ga version of the A400. I run Rhino chokes. My favorite is a .007 constriction. About half way between skeet and IC. Crumples birds with authority.

 

[wedgy]

Be sure to get your steel ammo early as it is really hard to find in CA as you get close to Sept 1st and it is "illegal" to bring ammo into CA. Doves are pretty easy to drop so even #7's or #8's will work.
Are you sure you want to come to CA to hunt ? We usually go to AZ to hunt LOL

 

[Dale264]

I run a 20ga Montifeltro with a Skeet choke for shooting doves with steel.

 

[snert]

Steel shoots tight. I use Imp. Cyl or skeet choke

 

[helmut in the bush]

I know it's not the same but, I shoot steel at waterfowl, and it flies better out of an improved cylinder better than a choke with restriction.

 

[Rick in Oregon]

Being in Orygun, we're shooting lead for doves. In my Silver Pigeon 20g., shooting passing birds in the junipers we use modified and #8's. Seems to work well for our location.



This post reminded me once again why I'll never set foot in CA ever again. Too many bogus restrictions on everything, can't even carry there, so won't go there. Sorry, I'm no help at all.

 

[searcher]

I have seen a few shotguns damaged from shooting steel in them - notably bulging at the end of the barrel and damaged chokes. The steel just doesn't compress through the choke like lead, bismuth, etc.. I'd check to see if that shot gun was rated for steel. If not, I'd use bismuth to play it safe. Costs more and shoots better than steel- but not NEARLY as expensive as it was when they came out with it. Fairly available now.

 

[RabbitSlayer]

Yesh, asking shotgun questions on a rifle site .

Do not call Beretta. Basically every shotgun made the last 25+ years and the chokes are rated for steel. You only need to worry when you get to full choke or more with large shot like BB. Its probably written on the choke. There is also the owners manual... Join shotgun world forums. I am familiar with your model and owned the a300. It should have come with IC, mod, and full. Bring the IC.

If you have not practiced with that gun you better. Doves are incredibly hard to hit. No joke, bring 100 rds a day minimum. Bet you shoot 100 to kill 10 the first time.

Pro tip, don't waste the ammo on the higher flying larger euros. I have watched them suck up 7.5 lead and keep going too many times. Feathers everywhere. Wait for a low one or you gonna need more horsepower.

I left CA literally cuz of the lead ammo ban. I suggest you go to AZ instead of funding a Fish and game department and government that hates hunters.

If you are going to the imperial valley public fields you WILL be hit by shot. Wear glasses and at least bring something orange to wave when the idiots are shooting directly at your face.