We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
Nothing says autumn like that first step into bobwhite cover or an endless Midwest cornfield or the dappled leaves of a ruffed grouse covert. That first step is followed by another, and then many, many more. One of the behaviors that defines upland hunters is that they typically carry their shotguns long distances while shooting them very little.So when you do take a shot, you want to have the confidence that your payload is capable of bringing down the game you are hunting. After all, you might not get a second shot or another flush. Though the 12-gauge, with its wide selection of loads, is king, for many a lightweight 20- or 28-gauge is a better pick. And the oft-forgotten 16 is perfect for the uplands. Here is a guide for upland loads that fit most situations.
| SPECIES | GAUGE | CHOKE | RANGE IN YD. | LOAD | SHOTSHELL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early-season Pheasants | 12 | I.C./MOD. | 20-40 | No. 6 | KENT 12-GAUGE K122UFL 36, 1 1⁄4 OZ. DIAMOND SHOT, 1,350 FPS |
| Late-season Pheasants | 12 | MOD/I.MOD. | 30-50 | No. 4 | FEDERAL PREMIUM 12-GAUGE PRAIRIE STORM PF154FS, 1 1⁄4 OZ., 1,500 FPS |
| Ruffed Grouse | 16 | SKEET/I.C. | 15-30 | No. 7 1/2 | REMINGTON 16-GAUGE GL167, 1 OZ. , 1,200 FPS |
| Spruce Grouse (fool hen) | 20 | SKEET/I.C. | 10-25 | No. 7 1/2 | 20-GAUGE POLYWAD SR 207 SPRED-R, 7⁄8 OZ., 1,200 FPS |
| Hungarian Partridge | 20 | I.C./MOD. | 25-40 | No. 6 | 20-GAUGE REMINGTON NP20, 1 OZ. , 1,300 FPS |
| Chukar | 20 | I.C./MOD. | 25-40 | No. 7 1/2 | 20-GAUGE WINCHESTER X207, 1 OZ. , 1,220 FPS |
| Preserve Quail | 28 | CYL/SKEET | 10-30 | No. 8 | 28-GAUGE WINCHESTER AA288, 3⁄4 OZ. , 1,200 FPS |
| Wild Quail | 28 | SKEET/I.C. | 15-35 | No. 7 1/2 | 28-GAUGE FEDERAL P283, 3⁄4 OZ. , 1,295 FPS |