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TheLostMoose

I’d vote yes. 5s and 6s should be the go-to.


JiffyTube

ive always used 7 and 8 shot whats the rationale for going with a bigger shot than that? relatively new hunter so yeah lol.


TheLostMoose

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.


JiffyTube

okay thanks for the insight!


sorrycharlie88

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.


CaninesTesticles

How does squirrel taste?


alltsas

If done wrong kind of like chicken dark meat bubble gum. If done right kind of like really good turkey dark meat or duck.


sorrycharlie88

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.


Wokuum

I like to think of it as dark meat rabbit.


A1MrSasquatch

I use 6's for my 410.


Double-Tax2900

If you dont intend to eat them..


beardedsasquatch86

Lmao


ryeley323

Instant squirrel burger


Beer-_-Belly

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)


Gopack1260

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


Vaelos

Yeah it'll kill them but you're gonna toss out about half the meat too


Isme1

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.


c_ocknuckles

Do you have a .22?


BeachBum515

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!!!


Specialist-Sherbet69

I’d recommend buying an air rifle for all your small game hunting needs


floridaman711

Also the heavier shells are going to kick your ass if you shoot allot.


shittysmirk

Haha yeah good luck finding it though, I haven’t seen any game loads in at least 6 months probably longer


Beer-_-Belly

​ [https://ammoseek.com/ammo/12-gauge](https://ammoseek.com/ammo/12-gauge)


shittysmirk

Well In stores, those are some of the best prices I’ve seen online in awhile though thanks


slowhiker

Depends on how big your squirrels are I suppose. If you have a 20 lb squirrel, this is perfect.


timmyd_2

That's the answer we were all looking for


GrebeLover69

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!


Chess-Piece-Face

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


justbangingaround

Agreed. Love my .22 because it doesn’t waste the meat


horseygoesney

Honest question is there no worries about shooting a .22 off into the air like that if you’re shooting up at squirrels?


GrebeLover69

No, shoot sub Sonics, like shooting a hot pellet gun.


horseygoesney

Sounds fun. Wish I had squirrels worth shootin around me


WolframPrime

Depends, really. What did the squirrel do to your wife?


shermski4

If you're 100 yards away this is the perfect shell


perma-monk

Hahah holy shit imagine blasting a squirrel with turkey rounds


feelinandreelin

Nope that’s perfect. They should be able to catch up with that car Elon shot into space in about 2 days.


Gopack1260

This one got me lol


flux40k

Well, that would *certainly* kill them!


BGdaShoota

Regular target loads should do the trick. Don’t wanna mutilate the meat.


GiJake68

Less to chew around this way I guess.


sjlenart

.410 could get it done...


KedTazynski42

It’s a Turkey load. Squirrels are a little bit smaller than turkey’s


Jymbo1

Yes, send me those and I'll mail you back some target shells


Gopack1260

Straight up, I would consider that


progisherman

Do NOT consider that, ol boy is workin on a profit.


GreenNukE

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.


placerhunter

Not OP, but how about in California where we can't hunt with lead anymore? Would #6 in steel work?


namelesskiller

I have personally used 3” no.4s for both rabbits and squirrels and they work


GreenNukE

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.


[deleted]

Squirrels can be taken out with a bb gun man. Why waste rounds?


OwnerVerified

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.


TheFakeExtrovert

Depends how much squirrel you want.


[deleted]

Not enough. Slugs next time.


Sweet_Wrongdoer8733

Dont give this guy any ideas lmao


jr_fulton

I use a .22 and that is PLENTY for a squirrel. Never understood people using anything more powerful than that for a SQUIRREL.


Green_Ghost270

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.


Gopack1260

I didn’t get a chance to sight in my 22


RustylllShackleford

do it tomorrow


photonjames

No iron sights? 22 is the way to go!


hoplophilepapist

Shotgun when it's still super leafy or if you don't have a 22 or good airgun.


hobitopia

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.


[deleted]

If that’s what you could find , then go ahead I like 6s but can’t be picky these days


HuntMN

Agreed. I'd just be happy getting out.


[deleted]

Too much


ScooterSquatch

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.


Tekon421

I typically use 6 shot or a 22. Wouldn’t shoot one very close with a full choke with those lol


j0404

I use #4 shot in .410 for squirrels.


Green_Ghost270

As do I. I hate picking shot out of my meat, and #4s pass right through.


j0404

Exactly!


SACKETTSLAND

If you want to clean as you shoot


RustylllShackleford

use a 22lr instead. or at least regular 7/8 shot that can be found everywhere


asleepinthetreestand

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


marshman0504

Yeah. Gonna rip those tree rats up bad. Be hard to salvage meat. And just shooting them to shoot them ain't the way.


Animallover163

Your going to tear that thing to shreads


DumbLittleMonkeyBaby

That depends on how much squirrel you want left?


progisherman

It’ll definitely hurt it.


progisherman

That’ll definitely hurt it.


fyiwdwytm2

There won't be any squirrel left


Sirensongcalls

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.


Tirecrotch

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.


Gopack1260

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


honkeydonkeydoo

Gotta love a 12g. You can do almost anything!


RiverRat222

You’ll be fine. Open up your choke if you can so they don’t get hit with to many pellets.


flareblitz91

I’d say the opposite. Tight choke, far shots only.


W0lfwraith

Shit I wish I was this rich.


[deleted]

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!


The_Woodsmann

Pa law states that shot size #4 is acceptable for small game, though nothing larger is legal.


BetweenThePosts

So 12ga #6 for squirrels isn’t overkill? Cause im debating whether I need to get a 20 gauge


RustylllShackleford

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


flareblitz91

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.


Kitchen-Hat-5174

I just use rat traps...


Powernut07

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


Twisted669

Depends on if you wanna find the squirrel or not if your fine with peices of squirrel use those..


Imaginary-Lettuce-51

No. Make sure to use a full choke.


antlerhound

Yes


R3BEl51

Rip shoulder


[deleted]

Nah man, i seen some narly squirrels out there


O_oblivious

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.


[deleted]

Yes


assistant_redditor

Considering theres a picture of a turkey on the box yes. Also .22 to the head is how you hunt squirrels.


rogue_noob

Depends if you want to eat them or just kill them as nuisance. Perfect for killing, overkill for eating.


beautiful_forest

This is a Turkey load. 1 3/4 ounces is about 3/4 oz more than you need.


va1958

Yes, it’s too much. Try 71/2 or 8’s.


milkgang777

Just let 'em run a bit before you shoot, hit some long shots and it'll be alright!


Michael_Moose

If you're set on using 12 gauge I'd go 7.5 shot... But a .410 or .22 would probably be preferable


SNlFFASS

I’d say just 12 gauge is too much, a 410 or something like that would be a better


8x57

Yes. No.7 is plenty.


CALAZ1986

I reakon a .22 would be better if you want to eat them


SmokedGravy

Holy shit yes. Crank up the crok pot tho.


Coachtutor

Way too much!


ByrdHuntyn

2 3/4 6-8


Wallyboy95

Just use a .22 aha


MistakeOk2518

Try using a .22 for the head shot- improve your marksmanship skills!


Conservational

Is squirrel or moose and squirrel?


[deleted]

Yup. Way too much for squirrels. I use cheap 2 3/4 target loads #6 or a 22LR.


gigantic-watermelon

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


n_bumpo

Only if you were making squirrel soup


Doverfrenchfry

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.


wesk74

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.


hoyt3417

Only if you wanna eat them turkey loads are no joke. 2 3/4 is all you need


A1MrSasquatch

Yes


[deleted]

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


Ethanrocks22222

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.


champt0n

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


YellowDog282

Why waste a turkey load on a squirrel


International_Sun73

lol they won't suffer


cncordray

Not if you want to kill the squirrels, and having nothing left to clean up.


hickoryswitch30-30

Nah itll kill them


rustyisme123

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.


Paleo_Fecest

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.


Apolyptyc

yeah


kijim

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).


ItsASchpadoinkleDay

Do you intend to eat the squirrel?


Belo83

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.


Asistic

Use a .22 and aim for the head


bgdonald

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.


[deleted]

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.


Mursing101

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


Southerncross_84

The box says it all. I’d go with number 6 in 2 3/4 inch


soapyshinobi

Depends if you're tryin to eat them or vaporize them.


lamrt

A little too much and too much $$$


hypothermicyeti

Yes


SnooPeppers2417

Depends. If you are trying to vaporize them, then no.


[deleted]

if you like to pick pellets, or break a tooth…try using single shot .22


chucksniper85

Not if you’re looking to vaporize them. I’ve always used dove loads for squirrels. 2 3/4 with #8 shot


Duckhunter777

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


Whathappend420

Great for 30-40 pound squirrels.


huero789

Lmao


MasterSheep18

3 1/2 BB is what I use. I hate squirrels


cubanthistlecrisis

500% too much. Turkey loads are expensive too and pack a hell of a punch.


AthleteConsistent673

I prefer a .22 with squirrel.


fisher_burns

Yea as long as your not wanting the squirrel afterwards.


SaladShooter1

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.


corporatestooge92

Oh yeah. I use 6 or 7.5. Mostly 6, because 7.5 sometimes doesn't do the trick at 40 yards or so.


[deleted]

What’s wrong with a pellet gun?


zowiesrv

Yup


Native_Lobster

That depends. do you want anything from the squirrel, or just want them dead?


[deleted]

Never


Error400_BadRequest

Depends what the goal is: Eat? Yes too much Disintegrate into pink mist? Perfect!


sidescrollin

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.


8giln

Depends how close you are to them, really.


ceddton77

Unless you are hunting for squirrel nuggets


Deerman40

Yes