Doves with the .410

[Clemson]

I took my .410 Remington Wingmaster hunting this weekend. It was my first experience with the .410 on doves. A few observations: I picked my shots carefully, so I did not burn nearly as much ammunition as I have on some hunts in the past. I found that the .410 gives up about 10 yards of range to a 20 gauge. Its practical range on the dove field seemed to be about 25 yards (with the factory barrel with Modified choke). I did best with 3" No. 7 1/2 shot. I shot 3 or 4 of my handloaded 2 1/2 inch #8s, but I did not kill a bird with them. I am not the world's best shot, but I have broken 22 skeet twice in the past couple of weeks with this particular pump gun, and I like the feel of it. Overall, I would rate it as a very fun gun for a dove shoot. I might even use it on quail over dogs. I have had a ball with it on skeet and sporting clays. I will take the 20 gauge if ever I have to bring home meat, however.:D

[Dave McC]

Good job,Clemson. Knowing the limits and staying within them's the key.

I won't call the 410 an expert's weapon, but IMO it should be used by experienced shooters with good range estimation skills.

And, considering the 410's limited payload, I'd go with 8s.

[Clemson]

I agree with you on the 8's, Dave, but I don't think any of the big companies load 8's in 3" shells, and I only load 2 1/2's. For what it's worth, I shot a few with 3" number 6's! They worked about like the 7 1/2's at the ranges I was shooting.:)

[Dave McC]

I've taken a few doves over the years with 6s from 16 and 12 gauges. I'm no 410 expert, but I bet the pattern's kinda thin.

Go with what works for you...