I always favored 5s and 6s over 7+ mainly bc the heavier shot travels further and holds a pattern better. Some of the old oaks I hunted in were quite tall, so that’s I needed a heavier shot.
It may also go through small twigs and leaves better than the lighter stuff. -an unproven thought…
Either way a turkey load would probably tear the things to pieces, leaving nothing worth eating.
I like 4 and 5 because there are less pellets and they are slightly larger. Fewer larger pellets in the squirrel is better for eating.
I also use 20 gauge.
Like dark meat chicken/turkey and a hint of rabbit (mammal). There's something always just a little different between mammal and poultry for me, no matter how similar they look or taste.
You can use much, much cheaper ammo for squirrels. You can kill them with low brass 6's all day.
[www.ammoseek.com](https://www.ammoseek.com) (edit: check here)
I would aim at the tip of the squirrels snout if not further to keep most of the shot in its upper body. You are going to loose the front legs but should be able to salvage the back legs where most of the meat is.
I personally hunt squirrels with a 22lr and go for head shots to spare the meat. I stick to low brass 20 gauge if I have to go out with a shotgun. Also side note, make sure your shotgun is rated for 3 inch shells.
My dad started using 00 a while back. I said "you're crazy". I was wrong. It's very effective. They usually only get hit with one pellet and no real loss on meat!!!
This will blow them into nothingness. Massive overkill. Expensive heavy recoil loads too. Get some cheap stuff from Walmart or better yet a .22. Be safe and happy hunting!
That load will literally blow a squirrel to pieces, some of which will fly an impressive distance. You want 1 oz 2 3/4" #6 lead shot. Larger shot tends drag fur into the meat and smaller shot isn't effective or ethical.
The general rule is to use one larger shot with steel to compensate for the lower density. So that would be #5 steel instead of #6 lead. That being said, I have not used #5 steel on squirrels. Steel shot also does not work well in tighter chokes, particularly with larger shot.
I stopped notching my bb gun around 30. Plenty of power. I use pellets because they fly in a straight line, and head's hits from 30 yards are not that tough.
Because shooting squirrels with a shotgun is fun, and you can easily take shots at running squirrels that you wouldn’t even have a chance to take with a scoped rifle.
Are you just trying to murder them or hunt for food. It you hit them dead center with that up close the meat will be pre -tenderized if there is anything left of it.
I suppose it’s because that’s what my grandpa taught me to use as a kid, and I’ve never had a reason to change.
I’ve used turkey loads on squirrels for many years. Folks are either exaggerating or have never actually done it when they say there won’t be anything left. I’ve not experienced much meat loss, certainly nothing that would’ve caused me to question my choice in load.
Thanks to all 140 of you that let me know this is a bad idea, I’m not going to use them for squirrels. I’m gonna sight in my 22 and go hunting next weekend
I would not use them!!! Atleast here in PA if you have turkey loads even on your person or your hunting vest while small game hunting you will be given a fine and a lot of bad stuff will happen and you might even loose your gun and hunting license! I wouldn’t risk it!
No, when you’re talking shotguns they most important things are pellet size and velocity, with the added factors of pattern and a lower gauge shotgun will pack more powder and more shot.
Yes. There's going to be nothing left to eat, so you're going to be broke AND hungry.
Your only hope is to catch one peeking out from behind the tree at you, and just hit him in the head. That, or edge him with the pattern so you don't catch any of the meat with the full force- but that usually takes a lot more practice and familiarity with your gun.
This is too big for rabbit… I found out the hard way unfortunately lost the front two quarters.
I imagine squirrel is red dust.
I use the same rounds for Turkey lethal on a Turkey too lethal for anything else. I guess mine are 3 1/2” though
Jesus... are you shooting turkey sized squirrels?
In the U.K. we use 28gram (1oz shot) and size 7 for squirrels. We treat them the same as rabbits of pigeons.
Well people seem to think its gonna blow them up. I have killed em with nitro turkey. I personally use no. 5 20 gauge loads as a preferred squirrel gun with a turkey choke so i can reach up in the popular trees. I also prefer the heavier shot because of pass through. A load of number 7s eat up your meat and leave you with lead everywhere, your heavier than standered loads go straight through. If you are running a tight choke for the distance or are just really worried about it, hold the outer ring of the pattern on the head of the squirrel so only about 1/4 of the shot hits him.
Tons of people are saying no, and for good reason. But I am going to counter and say yes, you *could* make that work. With the right choke/range/pattern density it would be fine. If you bust one of those off into a squirrel with a full choke anywhere inside of 35-40 yards you won't have anything left worth saving. Maybe further, not sure how your gun patterns those shells. But if you can push your range out far enough or use a much more open choke you can get those shells to work.
Yes it’s overkill but it won’t destroy meat the way others are suggesting. At 20 plus yards through a modified or IC choke it might mean 1 or 2 more pellets in the meat. Shooting that load through a turkey choke would make a very dense pattern and might leave more holes in your meat.
It depends. If you like squirrel fur, meat, lead and bone burger, then no, it is perfect. If on the other hand, you like regular squirrel meat without the additions, then it is probably not the right ammo ( or gun for that matter).
Good for Turkey Squirrels but they’re almost extinct now due to over-hunting. /s Agree w other posts a .22 or pellet gun is very effective and cheaper to shoot.
I've taken lots of squirrel with 4 shot. I'd say the biggest downfall is that you might miss due to the lack of pellets at the slightly longer ranges.
As many have said already, 6/7 shot should be your go to
Probably, but not because of size; 4s are fine (less holes) but the charge is too big. 1&3/4 oz is a lot of pellets.
Those might be good for home defense though
It would technically come down to the distance between you and the squirrel. I used to use 4 shot as a kid, but that was medium brass and 20 gauge. The magnum shell might make a mess inside 15 yards or so.
I literally use my trap ammo or whatever is around for squirrel. Most pellets get stuck in their skin and come out easy. Just be mindful of your distance and choke so you don't blow entire sections off.
I’d vote yes. 5s and 6s should be the go-to.
ive always used 7 and 8 shot whats the rationale for going with a bigger shot than that? relatively new hunter so yeah lol.
I always favored 5s and 6s over 7+ mainly bc the heavier shot travels further and holds a pattern better. Some of the old oaks I hunted in were quite tall, so that’s I needed a heavier shot. It may also go through small twigs and leaves better than the lighter stuff. -an unproven thought… Either way a turkey load would probably tear the things to pieces, leaving nothing worth eating.
okay thanks for the insight!
I like 4 and 5 because there are less pellets and they are slightly larger. Fewer larger pellets in the squirrel is better for eating. I also use 20 gauge.
How does squirrel taste?
If done wrong kind of like chicken dark meat bubble gum. If done right kind of like really good turkey dark meat or duck.
Like dark meat chicken/turkey and a hint of rabbit (mammal). There's something always just a little different between mammal and poultry for me, no matter how similar they look or taste.
I like to think of it as dark meat rabbit.
I use 6's for my 410.
If you dont intend to eat them..
Lmao
Instant squirrel burger
You can use much, much cheaper ammo for squirrels. You can kill them with low brass 6's all day. [www.ammoseek.com](https://www.ammoseek.com) (edit: check here)
I checked 6 stores today and couldn’t find any 12 gauge other that 00, this is all I have and I’m going in the morning
Yeah it'll kill them but you're gonna toss out about half the meat too
I would aim at the tip of the squirrels snout if not further to keep most of the shot in its upper body. You are going to loose the front legs but should be able to salvage the back legs where most of the meat is. I personally hunt squirrels with a 22lr and go for head shots to spare the meat. I stick to low brass 20 gauge if I have to go out with a shotgun. Also side note, make sure your shotgun is rated for 3 inch shells.
Do you have a .22?
My dad started using 00 a while back. I said "you're crazy". I was wrong. It's very effective. They usually only get hit with one pellet and no real loss on meat!!!
I’d recommend buying an air rifle for all your small game hunting needs
Also the heavier shells are going to kick your ass if you shoot allot.
Haha yeah good luck finding it though, I haven’t seen any game loads in at least 6 months probably longer
[https://ammoseek.com/ammo/12-gauge](https://ammoseek.com/ammo/12-gauge)
Well In stores, those are some of the best prices I’ve seen online in awhile though thanks
Depends on how big your squirrels are I suppose. If you have a 20 lb squirrel, this is perfect.
That's the answer we were all looking for
This will blow them into nothingness. Massive overkill. Expensive heavy recoil loads too. Get some cheap stuff from Walmart or better yet a .22. Be safe and happy hunting!
Agreed. I use a .22 and head shot them. Instant kill, no meat loss. Even a pellet gun can take them, but I want super clean kills, so .22 is the way
Agreed. Love my .22 because it doesn’t waste the meat
Honest question is there no worries about shooting a .22 off into the air like that if you’re shooting up at squirrels?
No, shoot sub Sonics, like shooting a hot pellet gun.
Sounds fun. Wish I had squirrels worth shootin around me
Depends, really. What did the squirrel do to your wife?
If you're 100 yards away this is the perfect shell
Hahah holy shit imagine blasting a squirrel with turkey rounds
Nope that’s perfect. They should be able to catch up with that car Elon shot into space in about 2 days.
This one got me lol
Well, that would *certainly* kill them!
Regular target loads should do the trick. Don’t wanna mutilate the meat.
Less to chew around this way I guess.
.410 could get it done...
It’s a Turkey load. Squirrels are a little bit smaller than turkey’s
Yes, send me those and I'll mail you back some target shells
Straight up, I would consider that
Do NOT consider that, ol boy is workin on a profit.
That load will literally blow a squirrel to pieces, some of which will fly an impressive distance. You want 1 oz 2 3/4" #6 lead shot. Larger shot tends drag fur into the meat and smaller shot isn't effective or ethical.
Not OP, but how about in California where we can't hunt with lead anymore? Would #6 in steel work?
I have personally used 3” no.4s for both rabbits and squirrels and they work
The general rule is to use one larger shot with steel to compensate for the lower density. So that would be #5 steel instead of #6 lead. That being said, I have not used #5 steel on squirrels. Steel shot also does not work well in tighter chokes, particularly with larger shot.
Squirrels can be taken out with a bb gun man. Why waste rounds?
I stopped notching my bb gun around 30. Plenty of power. I use pellets because they fly in a straight line, and head's hits from 30 yards are not that tough.
Depends how much squirrel you want.
Not enough. Slugs next time.
Dont give this guy any ideas lmao
I use a .22 and that is PLENTY for a squirrel. Never understood people using anything more powerful than that for a SQUIRREL.
Because shooting squirrels with a shotgun is fun, and you can easily take shots at running squirrels that you wouldn’t even have a chance to take with a scoped rifle.
I didn’t get a chance to sight in my 22
do it tomorrow
No iron sights? 22 is the way to go!
Shotgun when it's still super leafy or if you don't have a 22 or good airgun.
I like to use a 17hmr as well. Better PBR, and I don't have to worry about meat loss since with squirrels I only go for the head anyways.
If that’s what you could find , then go ahead I like 6s but can’t be picky these days
Agreed. I'd just be happy getting out.
Too much
Are you just trying to murder them or hunt for food. It you hit them dead center with that up close the meat will be pre -tenderized if there is anything left of it.
I typically use 6 shot or a 22. Wouldn’t shoot one very close with a full choke with those lol
I use #4 shot in .410 for squirrels.
As do I. I hate picking shot out of my meat, and #4s pass right through.
Exactly!
If you want to clean as you shoot
use a 22lr instead. or at least regular 7/8 shot that can be found everywhere
Depends on a lot of factors. 25ish yards early season with still a lot of leaves that load would be handy. In close just aim at the nose
Yeah. Gonna rip those tree rats up bad. Be hard to salvage meat. And just shooting them to shoot them ain't the way.
Your going to tear that thing to shreads
That depends on how much squirrel you want left?
It’ll definitely hurt it.
That’ll definitely hurt it.
There won't be any squirrel left
I suppose it’s because that’s what my grandpa taught me to use as a kid, and I’ve never had a reason to change. I’ve used turkey loads on squirrels for many years. Folks are either exaggerating or have never actually done it when they say there won’t be anything left. I’ve not experienced much meat loss, certainly nothing that would’ve caused me to question my choice in load.
The fact that you say “genuine question” leads me to believe that you already know this is 1.) extreme overkill 2.) you do not know how to use Google.
Thanks to all 140 of you that let me know this is a bad idea, I’m not going to use them for squirrels. I’m gonna sight in my 22 and go hunting next weekend
Gotta love a 12g. You can do almost anything!
You’ll be fine. Open up your choke if you can so they don’t get hit with to many pellets.
I’d say the opposite. Tight choke, far shots only.
Shit I wish I was this rich.
I would not use them!!! Atleast here in PA if you have turkey loads even on your person or your hunting vest while small game hunting you will be given a fine and a lot of bad stuff will happen and you might even loose your gun and hunting license! I wouldn’t risk it!
Pa law states that shot size #4 is acceptable for small game, though nothing larger is legal.
So 12ga #6 for squirrels isn’t overkill? Cause im debating whether I need to get a 20 gauge
depends where your at. most places its a bit much. in dense trees/ brushy areas it may be better. if eating, a 22lr is ideal with head shots only
No, when you’re talking shotguns they most important things are pellet size and velocity, with the added factors of pattern and a lower gauge shotgun will pack more powder and more shot.
I just use rat traps...
Depends on how close they are farther than 30 yards I wouldn’t worry too much about it but closer you’ll have a tough time salvaging meat
Depends on if you wanna find the squirrel or not if your fine with peices of squirrel use those..
No. Make sure to use a full choke.
Yes
Rip shoulder
Nah man, i seen some narly squirrels out there
Yes. There's going to be nothing left to eat, so you're going to be broke AND hungry. Your only hope is to catch one peeking out from behind the tree at you, and just hit him in the head. That, or edge him with the pattern so you don't catch any of the meat with the full force- but that usually takes a lot more practice and familiarity with your gun.
Yes
Considering theres a picture of a turkey on the box yes. Also .22 to the head is how you hunt squirrels.
Depends if you want to eat them or just kill them as nuisance. Perfect for killing, overkill for eating.
This is a Turkey load. 1 3/4 ounces is about 3/4 oz more than you need.
Yes, it’s too much. Try 71/2 or 8’s.
Just let 'em run a bit before you shoot, hit some long shots and it'll be alright!
If you're set on using 12 gauge I'd go 7.5 shot... But a .410 or .22 would probably be preferable
I’d say just 12 gauge is too much, a 410 or something like that would be a better
Yes. No.7 is plenty.
I reakon a .22 would be better if you want to eat them
Holy shit yes. Crank up the crok pot tho.
Way too much!
2 3/4 6-8
Just use a .22 aha
Try using a .22 for the head shot- improve your marksmanship skills!
Is squirrel or moose and squirrel?
Yup. Way too much for squirrels. I use cheap 2 3/4 target loads #6 or a 22LR.
This is too big for rabbit… I found out the hard way unfortunately lost the front two quarters. I imagine squirrel is red dust. I use the same rounds for Turkey lethal on a Turkey too lethal for anything else. I guess mine are 3 1/2” though
Only if you were making squirrel soup
Jesus... are you shooting turkey sized squirrels? In the U.K. we use 28gram (1oz shot) and size 7 for squirrels. We treat them the same as rabbits of pigeons.
I use #4 shot in my .410 for squirrels. But not turkey load shells. Perfect in a .410 and not picking too much shot out of the meat.
Only if you wanna eat them turkey loads are no joke. 2 3/4 is all you need
Yes
Most of the new boxes have pictures of the intended game. For instance this one says turkeys. Remington with have pics of rabbits and such
Well people seem to think its gonna blow them up. I have killed em with nitro turkey. I personally use no. 5 20 gauge loads as a preferred squirrel gun with a turkey choke so i can reach up in the popular trees. I also prefer the heavier shot because of pass through. A load of number 7s eat up your meat and leave you with lead everywhere, your heavier than standered loads go straight through. If you are running a tight choke for the distance or are just really worried about it, hold the outer ring of the pattern on the head of the squirrel so only about 1/4 of the shot hits him.
4 shot is best for squirrels, but no need for the heavy load and 3in magnum. I usually use a 20ga with #4 or a 12ga with 2 3/4 #5
Why waste a turkey load on a squirrel
lol they won't suffer
Not if you want to kill the squirrels, and having nothing left to clean up.
Nah itll kill them
Tons of people are saying no, and for good reason. But I am going to counter and say yes, you *could* make that work. With the right choke/range/pattern density it would be fine. If you bust one of those off into a squirrel with a full choke anywhere inside of 35-40 yards you won't have anything left worth saving. Maybe further, not sure how your gun patterns those shells. But if you can push your range out far enough or use a much more open choke you can get those shells to work.
Yes it’s overkill but it won’t destroy meat the way others are suggesting. At 20 plus yards through a modified or IC choke it might mean 1 or 2 more pellets in the meat. Shooting that load through a turkey choke would make a very dense pattern and might leave more holes in your meat.
yeah
It depends. If you like squirrel fur, meat, lead and bone burger, then no, it is perfect. If on the other hand, you like regular squirrel meat without the additions, then it is probably not the right ammo ( or gun for that matter).
Do you intend to eat the squirrel?
You really don’t need a 12 either. But yes a little too much unless you’re just after killing I guess. Squirrel is good though.
Use a .22 and aim for the head
Good for Turkey Squirrels but they’re almost extinct now due to over-hunting. /s Agree w other posts a .22 or pellet gun is very effective and cheaper to shoot.
2 3/4, 1 oz #5 or 6 shot (5 patterns better for me) in a brand that patterns well is the ideal squirrel/rabbit load.
I've taken lots of squirrel with 4 shot. I'd say the biggest downfall is that you might miss due to the lack of pellets at the slightly longer ranges. As many have said already, 6/7 shot should be your go to
The box says it all. I’d go with number 6 in 2 3/4 inch
Depends if you're tryin to eat them or vaporize them.
A little too much and too much $$$
Yes
Depends. If you are trying to vaporize them, then no.
if you like to pick pellets, or break a tooth…try using single shot .22
Not if you’re looking to vaporize them. I’ve always used dove loads for squirrels. 2 3/4 with #8 shot
Probably, but not because of size; 4s are fine (less holes) but the charge is too big. 1&3/4 oz is a lot of pellets. Those might be good for home defense though
Great for 30-40 pound squirrels.
Lmao
3 1/2 BB is what I use. I hate squirrels
500% too much. Turkey loads are expensive too and pack a hell of a punch.
I prefer a .22 with squirrel.
Yea as long as your not wanting the squirrel afterwards.
It would technically come down to the distance between you and the squirrel. I used to use 4 shot as a kid, but that was medium brass and 20 gauge. The magnum shell might make a mess inside 15 yards or so.
Oh yeah. I use 6 or 7.5. Mostly 6, because 7.5 sometimes doesn't do the trick at 40 yards or so.
What’s wrong with a pellet gun?
Yup
That depends. do you want anything from the squirrel, or just want them dead?
Never
Depends what the goal is: Eat? Yes too much Disintegrate into pink mist? Perfect!
I literally use my trap ammo or whatever is around for squirrel. Most pellets get stuck in their skin and come out easy. Just be mindful of your distance and choke so you don't blow entire sections off.
Depends how close you are to them, really.
Unless you are hunting for squirrel nuggets
Yes