Lead Shotgun shells?

[txcshooter]

Last week I went to Academy to buy some shotgun shells that were on sale for $3.99/bx. It wasn't until I got home that I noticed the box read "Lead Shot" (which it didn't say on the ad). Can anyone tell me what that means? And can I use these for dove hunting or just target shooting?

[G.A. Heath]

Last week I went to Academy to buy some shotgun shells that were on sale for $3.99/bx. It wasn't until I got home that I noticed the box read "Lead Shot" (which it didn't say on the ad). Can anyone tell me what that means? And can I use these for dove hunting or just target shooting?

Yes, and Yes.

Lead shot means you have traditional lead pellets inside the shot shell. You can use these for hunting Dove in Texas without worry.

[Vecco]

Your other option would be steel shot with says steel right on the side. Steel is used for duck hunting and cost more.

[mr surveyor]

and don't forget the expensive greenie-weenie loads for those that have more money than sense.

[The Annoyed Man]

Which begs the question... for me, anyways....

I am about to purchase my first shotgun. My son already has a Mossberg 500 12 gauge — but this one will be mine alone, and its first (but not necessarily primary) intended use will be for skeet shooting, which AndyC has kindly agreed to introduce me to.

Do most ranges (I have Elm Fork and Alpine immediately in mind) permit lead shot for skeet/traps/sporting clays?

[couzin]

Do most ranges (I have Elm Fork and Alpine immediately in mind) permit lead shot for skeet/traps/sporting clays?

Yes - thankfully, we can still use lead shot for skeet and trap etc. NSSA rules are still based on lead shot.

[SecedeTX]

I shoot quite a bit of clays/sporting clays/skeet. All of the places I shoot in Houston are fine with lead shot. Enjoy your first experience shooting clays. I find it to be relaxing and highly enjoyable.

Having a clay burst into a cloud of dust is far more fullfilling than punching holes in paper for me. Shooting at a random/moving target also makes you a better shooter in my opinion.

[HankB]

I am about to purchase my first shotgun. My son already has a Mossberg 500 12 gauge — but this one will be mine alone, and its first (but not necessarily primary) intended use will be for skeet shooting, which AndyC has kindly agreed to introduce me to.

In case someone hasn't mentioned it to you yet, shotgun fit is more important to success in shotgunning than any other single factor.

[The Annoyed Man]

I am about to purchase my first shotgun. My son already has a Mossberg 500 12 gauge — but this one will be mine alone, and its first (but not necessarily primary) intended use will be for skeet shooting, which AndyC has kindly agreed to introduce me to.

In case someone hasn't mentioned it to you yet, shotgun fit is more important to success in shotgunning than any other single factor.

Yes, Andy already informed.me that. The place I have in mind to buy from is a small shop that sells a fair number of shotguns. I expect that they will be able help me out with that aspect.

[mr surveyor]

yep, fit is very important. I've owned quite a few shotguns, particuarly in the last 8-10 years, and rarely have I found one that just points naturally. A couple of months ago I traded a Beretta CX4 for a couple of Mossberg Maverick 88's (one short, one long) and a bit of cash on the side and shot the shortie a few rounds for fun. Tonight, I finally got a buddy to go to the range with me to pull a few clays to let me try the long gun. Out of 20 or so shots the only clays I missed were second shots on three "true pairs"..... I haven't used a pump gun for birding in 25 years, and didn't rack the backup round in fast enough. But, that cheap Maverick 88 pointed better than my favorite Beretta AL-2, CZ Ringneck, and all the others before it. The Maverick will be in the truck come bird season and serve the purpose of the oft needed "bad weather - beater gun". Heck, it may just make the starting line up. The price of the gun is secondary when it comes to putting doves on the grill

When it comes to shot guns, "fit" is 90% of what will work.

surv

[txcshooter]

I am about to purchase my first shotgun.

FYI...Academy has the Mossberg Maverick shotguns, 12 or 20ga, pump-action, for $169.99. And leadshot shells for $4.99/bx.

[The Annoyed Man]

Well, I bought myself a shotgun. Thread HERE.

[SecedeTX]

I almost hate to admit it, but the shotgun that I am the absolute best shot with is the one I inherited from my father. It is a Sears brand model (full steel construction) that is heavy as anything, with three screw in choke inserts (made in the late 30's). My dad used to hunt deer with it, and it has a metal plate on the stock with knife marks showing how many kills it has. It has been very well cared for, but not the highest quality gun to say the least

The thing is, I have a really high dollar, really light, accurate shotgun that I use all the time to shoot. Whenever I get out my dads old 12g pump (really heavy compared to what I normally shoot), I am actually a better shot. At this point, I think the extra weight slows me down, and I take more time lining up the shot. The newer high tech lighter guns get on target quicker, but I tend to shoot higher with them.

I get the idea that the "right fit" may be better than a "better gun" theory. Either that, or I just need better gun control...which is probably the case

[SecedeTX]

Could be that it's a better fit, and perhaps the extra weight is helping you keep the momentum of the swing going, as opposed to (all too easily) stopping the swing of the lighter gun - and then shooting behind the target.

Yeah, all of that is fine and everything, but if you look at the cost of my shotguns, my dads old magazine ordered hunk of lead that probably cost less than $100, is better than my custom $800 shotgun.....it's just not right!

Truth be told, the extra weight makes the difference for me. My "new" shotgun is a better fit, but the older steel gun keeps my excitement more under control. It makes me think more, rather than being "instinctive" with the lighter gun.

I guess I am letting my equipment dictate my performance rather than my skill, but it is what it is at this point. I still do most of my practice with my modern shotgun, but the feel of the old one is so much nicer to shoot (less kick due to the weight, mechanism really sweet worn in feel, and family history)