What is effective range of a 28 ga shotgun on upland birds?

Understanding Gauge and Shot Pattern

The 28 ga shotgun is a sub-gauge firearm, which means it’s lighter and has less recoil compared to larger gauges. However, this also means the shot spread will be slightly larger, making it more challenging to hit birds at longer ranges. A well-placed shot at 20 yards can result in a clean kill, but at 30 yards, the chances of a hit decrease significantly.

Shot Shell Selection

When hunting upland birds with a 28 ga shotgun, it’s essential to choose the right shot shell. A 2 3/4" or 3" shell loaded with 1 1/8 oz of #6 or #7 1/2 shot is a common choice for this gauge. The smaller shot size will help to maintain a tighter shot pattern, increasing the chances of a clean kill. Additionally, shells with a higher velocity, such as those loaded with a 2100 fps or higher, can help to maintain a more consistent shot pattern at longer ranges.

Shot Pattern and Range

The 28 ga shotgun’s shot pattern at different ranges can be broken down as follows: within 10 yards, the shot pattern is relatively tight, with a 10-inch spread; at 15 yards, the spread increases to around 18 inches; at 20 yards, the spread is approximately 24 inches; and at 30 yards, the spread can be as wide as 36 inches or more. Understanding this shot pattern will help hunters adjust their shooting technique and range expectations when using a 28 ga shotgun for upland bird hunting.