What is the best pellet/slug for killing pigeons ? I shoot alot of pigeons at close range that fly for a while before they drop ( 15 -25 yds ) . 25 cal Thanks
Pigeon Shooting
- Thread starter K80
- Start date
Hello All my pesting is done in 22 caliber but at ranges 30 yds and under I have had great results with Predator polymags. Hope this helps Eric
Upvote 0
JSB 34gr, but at ranges 50-100YD. HADES under 50YD 'cause they make a satisfying "WHOP" on impact. Few pass-thrus. edit: Try shots on crop. Rarely ever get fly-offs from a well-placed shot there.
Upvote 0
.25 huh ... i dont think its gonna matter lol ... you ought to make it more challenging and use a co2 pistol ...
Upvote 0
There is no magic pellet/slug, pigeons are tough to kill sometimes. I killed a few for a number of years, I used sub 12 ft/lbs in .177. My opinion is, placement is key. I noticed that when I used larger calibers I had a tendency to get sloppy. That is why I used .177, it forced me to get my act together every time. Best of luck to you.
Upvote 0
Paul,
I recently got a scope cam — and the slo-mo footage (filmed at 240fps) showed some humbling not-so-great shot placement on my part.
Even lots of feathers flying sometimes isn't an indication that I made a good hit....
And yes, pigeons are really tough. I recently recorded one lung shot, and the bastard rose up high and went flying for over 50 yards(!) before he expired!
Matthias
I recently got a scope cam — and the slo-mo footage (filmed at 240fps) showed some humbling not-so-great shot placement on my part.
Even lots of feathers flying sometimes isn't an indication that I made a good hit....And yes, pigeons are really tough. I recently recorded one lung shot, and the bastard rose up high and went flying for over 50 yards(!) before he expired!
Matthias
Upvote 0
Crow Magnums. Closest thing that us .25 cal guys can get to a wadcutter.
https://www.pyramydair.com/product/h-n-crow-magnum-25-cal-26-23-grains-hollowpoint-150ct?p=1458
Upvote 0
I find if you only shoot with them facing you and center your shot in the neck chest junction you will drop them. Side facing shots neck or head only. They are tuff . I found 177 even at close range I had a lot of birds that took a couple of shots to kill. Trying to avoid barn roof damage and still make clean kills a real challenge for me . I’ve taken to not shooting accept on the concrete silos outside.
Upvote 0
For ALL pesting, under 50 yards, my Go To pellet is the .25 cal Predator Polymags ... A well placed shot => Instant Lights Out !
I don't pest beyond 50 yards ... But, for target-practice sessions, the JSB Heavies have been very accurate out to 100 yards.
If you're into slugs - the 55 grain Neilson Slugs performs as good as the JSB Heavies.
I'm using an LCS SK-19:
* JSB Heavies @ 880 - 890.
* Predator Polymags @ 880 - 890.
* 55 gr Neilson Slugs @ 840 - 850.
I don't pest beyond 50 yards ... But, for target-practice sessions, the JSB Heavies have been very accurate out to 100 yards.
If you're into slugs - the 55 grain Neilson Slugs performs as good as the JSB Heavies.
I'm using an LCS SK-19:
* JSB Heavies @ 880 - 890.
* Predator Polymags @ 880 - 890.
* 55 gr Neilson Slugs @ 840 - 850.
Upvote 0
I love busting the big flying rats with my .30 cal Dream Pups by the hundreds on the big mega Daries but I must be very very careful of shot trajectory for all the livestocks safety.
Upvote 0
Robert, I've seen you shoot that Dream Pup at birds. If you shoot the same at squirrels there shouldn't be any left. I was worried about the trajectory also but you never missed so trajectory was not a big problem. Would love to shoot some squirrels with you sometime. Scott
Upvote 0
Anything accurate. Expansion won't matter much imho. Hit a bird like that with a pebble going 600 fps in 25 at close range and it's going down with a well placed shot. Emphasis on well placed, more so than anything else.
Also, if you're having problems with hitting vitals check your zero, and verify ammo placement @zero impact vs impact @ actual ranges, think about a better scope and practicing more. No offense, just want to be helpful.
I'd probably shoot em with slugs because of better bc beyond 50 yards if they are not dropping.
If you can get a scope camera setup and review your own shots you can learn a lot imho. It makes it easier for me to learn from mistakes vs when an animal moves slightly after I pulled the trigger, which might be happening.
Also, if you're having problems with hitting vitals check your zero, and verify ammo placement @zero impact vs impact @ actual ranges, think about a better scope and practicing more. No offense, just want to be helpful.
I'd probably shoot em with slugs because of better bc beyond 50 yards if they are not dropping.
If you can get a scope camera setup and review your own shots you can learn a lot imho. It makes it easier for me to learn from mistakes vs when an animal moves slightly after I pulled the trigger, which might be happening.
Upvote 0