How tough IS a pheasant ????

[Bob Brown]

Would the effectiveness of 7 1/2 shot have anything to do with a higher antimony content of the shot often used in the smaller shot sizes? It would be harder and penetrate better? Also pattern better with the harder shot?

[Big D]

My PERSONAL opinion is that softer shot is a more effective killer, once it is on game. Harder shot will pattern better, but I think there is a phenomenon called the "Splat Factor", which means that the energy is transferred better to the game, and the shot, if it stays in the game, transfers all it's energy to the target. In my experience, I rarely find steel shot in my ducks - the pellets went through the bird, and came out the other side - therefore not transferring all their energy to the bird. The concept with highly alloyed lead shot would not be as dramatic as with steel, but I think the concept is valid

[Alfred Greeson]

This is a great post. Thanks for sharing your experiences, guns, etc. Keep enjoying, sharing and have a great New Year!