Shotgun Loads

[WHkIiTlElTeArIL]

Can someone please explain the shotgun load size? Which is largest and which is smallest, out of #1,2,3,4,5,6, BB, BBB, and T. And out of those which is best for:

Duck-
Turkey-
Quail/Pheasant-
Goose-

[CHAVEZ CHAVEZ]

THE SMALLER THE NUMBER THE BIGGER THE SHOT THE BIGGER THE NUMBER THE SMALLER THE SHOT. pheasant and such 71/2 shot ,turkey 4shot to 6 shot dont waterfowl hunt so cant help u
there

[WHkIiTlElTeArIL]

What about the letters, like BB, BBB, and T?

[Gofish]

BB is one size bigger than #1, then BBB, and finally T is the biggest. Here is what I use for the birds:

Pheasant- 20 ga. 3-inch #6 or 12 ga. 2 3/4-inch #6
Quail- 20 ga. 2 3/4-inch #7 1/2
Grouse- 20 ga. 2 3/4-inch #6 or 7
Duck- 12 ga. 3-inch #2 or #4
Goose- 12 ga. 3-inch or 3 1/2 inch BB or BBB
Turkey- 12 ga. 3-inch #6

One thing to consider: The bigger shot will have fewer pellets in a load, so although the lethal range is greater, your pattern is also thinner. So, if you stretch your range don't just grab bigger shot, use a heavier gauge or a magnum load. I try not to stretch my range, so you will probably find guys that go heavier or lighter. Pheasants and geese are tough birds, so you may want to go heavy for them.

[WHkIiTlElTeArIL]

Thank you guys, you have helped me to understand shotgun load sizes. Just one more question, if BB is larger than #1, then where does #00 buckshot fit in?

[Gofish]

Buckshot is a different animal from birdshot. All buckshot is bigger than birdshot, but it is numbered #4 through #000 in increasing size. #4 Buckshot is NOT the same as #4 birdshot. #4 Buckshot is .24 inches in diameter, and T birdshot is .2 inches in diameter.

[YoungBuck]

Remember to use steel or no toxic shot on waterfowl.