What shells

[Nsghunter]

What shells for dove?

I have a 16 ga side by side, a 12 ga and a 20 ga pump

hopefully a 12ga. pump

maybe a 20ga.

the 16 is costly so I'd rather pass on it.

Which is going to be the better option for the birds and for the shoulder?

 

[scn]

The 20 ga. would be easier on your shoulder. If you aren't a great wingshot, you might kill more with the 12 ga.

#8 shot is pretty much a standard. #7.5 can help on the high flyers.

 

[bowhunt25]

Either way, use high brass. Its more expensive but you can reach out and touch the ones others miss.

 

[bowhunt25]

I like Remington Express but like I said, get high brass

 

[TAFKAP]

12gauge #7.5 shot 1-1/8" oz

 

[TNReb]

Rio high brass for me ...

 

[rukiddin]

Any old run of the mill target shell will kill a dove 6's through 9's. Don't take stupid shots and treat doves the same as ducks. Shoot'em when they're supposed to be shot and the shell won't matter.
There's a place for high brass dove loads but 95% of the time in early season, they're not needed at all. Most of the time it's all in our head. If that's what makes you confident to kill birds, then use'em.
The only time I ever preferred high brass was for shooting a field with super high power lines around Christmas.

 

[Jbird22]

12 ga - Winchester AA Super Sport Sporting Clays 1-1/8 oz 1300 fps
16 ga - Rio RCHV16 1-1/8 oz 1300 fps
20 ga - Rio RC20 1 oz. 1250 fps

I like 8's in all of the above.