Proven Upland Game Cartridges and Loads
Use this as a starting point. Pattern your own setup to confirm.
- Pheasant (early season, close cover): 12 or 20 Gauge. 1-1¼ oz. Lead No. 6 or 5. Improved Cylinder or Light Modified.
- Pheasant (late season, wild birds, longer shots): 12 or 20 Gauge. 1¼-1½ oz. Lead No. 5 or 4. Modified choke. Where non-toxic is required or preferred, bismuth No. 5 or 4.
- Sharptail and Prairie Chickens: 12 or 20 Gauge. 1-1¼ oz. Lead No. 6 or 5. Modified in big country.
- Ruffed Grouse: 12, 16, 20, or 28 Gauge. ⅞-1 oz. Lead No. 7½ or 6. Cylinder to Improved Cylinder in tight woods.
- Woodcock: 20 or 28 Gauge. ¾-1 oz. Lead No. 8 or 9. Cylinder or Skeet.
- Quail (over pointing dogs): 20 or 28 Gauge. ⅞-1 oz. Lead No. 7½ or 8. Cylinder, Skeet, or IC for under 25 yards.
- Chukar and Huns: 12 or 20 Gauge. 1-1¼ oz. Lead No. 6 or 5. Modified for windy ridges and longer crossers.
- Dove (upland warmups): 12 or 20 Gauge. 1-1⅛ oz. Lead No. 7½ or 8. IC to Modified.
Non-Toxic Upland Options
- Bismuth: Near-lead density. Great for older doubles and fixed chokes. Use the same shot sizes you would with lead.
- Steel: Go up one or two shot sizes vs. lead for similar energy. Example: steel No. 4 where you’d shoot lead No. 6. Open the choke one step.
- Tungsten-based: Heavy, efficient, and pricey. Useful when you need reach in heavy wind or on big late-season birds.
Other Capable Options
- Sub-gauges: 28 Gauge and .410 can shine in the woods or over tight-holding birds. Keep shots honest. Choose loads that keep pattern density.
- Heavier payloads: For big fields and spooky roosters, step up to 1½ oz. in 12 Gauge. Watch recoil and meat damage.
- Spreader loads: Handy in tight cover with fixed chokes. Useful for early-season quail and grouse.
Building a Complete Upland Game Setup
For seasoned hunters, ammunition is only one part of the equation. A complete kit includes:
- Ammunition Selection: Premium shotgun shells that deliver consistent patterns and reliable knockdown power for upland game.
- Chokes: Carry a small set. Cylinder, Skeet, IC, and Modified cover most upland days.
- Optics: Quality binoculars and rangefinders to help locate and judge game before taking the shot.
- Cutting Tools: Quality skinning and processing knives for efficient field work.
- Game Handling Gear: Meat bags, tarps, and gloves to keep harvests clean and cool.
- Scent Control: Sprays, clothing, and storage solutions to reduce detection.
- Calls and Decoys: Species-specific tools for bringing game into range.
- Clothing: Layered, weather-ready garments built for the terrain and season.
- Dog Gear: GPS or beeper collars, whistles, and training aids.