Along with shot size, choke restriction is a controversial subject when it comes to predator hunting. Some will tell you X-full others will tell you modified, but people with experience will tell you to pattern your gun until you find what you are looking for. There are a few variables in choke selection such as, type of terrain and or shot distances. Typical shot distance should have a lot to do with your choice of choke. If you are constantly hunting areas that will only present you with 20-30 yard shots, then you will want something that isn’t too restricted. When calling in tight cover you’re more likely only going to be presented with a quick shot. You are going to want to use an I.C.* or a MOD*, depending on how your gun patterns. While just the opposite for more open country, where you will have time to aim and take that longer shot, FULL* and X-FULL* chokes will usually provide you the tight patterns needed to stretch out those shot distances to the limit. On the down side, the tighter your pattern the more you are going to have to take time and aim instead of just instinctively swinging. Now, if changing chokes every other stand doesn’t sound appealing, run a good tight patterning choke for all situations. I recommend that you get to know your gun, practice your aiming and swinging until you are comfortable and confident. After a bit of shouldering and swinging on targets your shot gun will start to feel like an extension of your arm. Then, using those tight chokes on hard chargers shouldn’t be a problem. Just like anything else, with practice you will learn you and your guns limits. Also, remember all chokes are not designed for all shot types. Some can be a dangerous combination, such as steel shot through a tight choke that wasn’t designed for steel. Do some research and contact your choke manufacturer for more information. Remember, pattern your shotgun at all distances you intend to shoot, point of aim and patterns can and will change with different loads and distances. Choosing a choke manufacture is a whole different subject and is more of personal preference then which is better. I run a Truloc .650 extended turkey choke in my M1 and my partner Paul is running a .660. Both throw very consistent patterns at most ranges and with multiple loads.

* I.C. = Improved cylinder
* MOD = Modified
* FULL = Full
* X-FULL = Extra full

One of the most asked questions I have heard related to shotguns and predator hunting is “what shot size or load should I use?” I have heard of a few people who use bird shot and say they have fair success. Some people will swear to its effectiveness, and it will kill under the right circumstances but for those few, there will be many others that get off wounded. It will work in extremely close range but why limit yourself when you don’t need too? Along with bird shot a lot of people choose 0, 00, or 000 they are large enough and have enough energy to kill, but they don’t have enough shot to make them an ideal choice.

What you are looking for is a good compromise between shot size and pellet count. The idea is to hit them with enough pellets large enough to kill them quick. I recommend shot sizes in between # 4 BUCK and B.

The bigger the shot size the more energy it is going to have further down range but on the downside bigger also means less pellets and less pellets means less hits. The shot sizes I have recommended are between .24 – .17 cal. Those and everything in between are good choices. Just remember bigger = less and that the idea is to hit them with as many as you can especially and longer ranges. After you pass the 40 yard mark some of the smaller shot will start to loose its killing power, then the larger size shot will take the advantage.

There are a lot of choices out there. Some of these new lead alternatives are pushing the range of a shotgun further and further. When trying to pick a good load for your shotgun recommend buying as many different loads as you can and pattern them and give them a shake.

One of my favorite shotgun loads is Winchesters new Supreme Elite Xtended range HD Coyote. It is as hard hitting as they come and priced as good as anything in its class. Plus the shot is more consistently round then other shot, making it pattern more consistent. Packed with 56 .17 cal shot pellets, that’s about 15 more pellets per load then the average # 4 buckshot load, it is hard to beat! A few other perks that really throw it over the top against its competition are the fact that Its softer then comparable shot making it easier on you barrel and its Non Toxic.

If the cost of some of the non lead shot is a factor, I recommend Winchester Supreme # 4 buck shot. It is jam packed with 41 pellets that are .24 cal. A proven coyote stopper.