Squirrel Size Gel Block Testing With Different Shot Size | #7.5 #6 and steel #7

Published on April 22, 2023
Duration: 9:58

This video tests the effectiveness of different shotgun shell shot sizes (#7.5, #6 lead, and #7 steel) on squirrel-sized gel blocks at various distances (20, 30, and 40 yards). The instructor, using a 12-gauge full choke shotgun, demonstrates penetration and pellet impact at each range, concluding that all tested shot sizes are capable of taking squirrels ethically up to 30 yards, with performance diminishing at 40 yards.

Quick Summary

This video tests 12-gauge #7.5 lead, #6 lead, and #7 steel shot on squirrel-sized gel blocks at 20, 30, and 40 yards. At 20 yards, all loads achieved full pass-throughs. Performance decreased at 40 yards, with steel shot showing more impacts but no pass-throughs, leading the instructor to deem 30 yards the ethical maximum range.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Squirrel Size Gel Blocks
  2. 00:10The Gun Dungeon Welcome & Test Setup
  3. 00:13Preparing Squirrel-Sized Gel Blocks
  4. 00:29The 12-Gauge Full Choke Shotgun
  5. 00:53Testing Different Shot Sizes & Distances
  6. 01:03Ammunition: #7.5, #6 Lead, #7 Steel Shot
  7. 01:33Setting Up Gel Blocks for Testing
  8. 02:02First Test: 20 Yards
  9. 02:2120 Yards: #7.5 Shot Test
  10. 02:5220 Yards: #6 Shot Test
  11. 03:1820 Yards: #7 Steel Shot Test
  12. 03:3020 Yards Results: All Shot Sizes
  13. 03:51Second Test: 30 Yards
  14. 04:0530 Yards: #7.5 Shot Test
  15. 04:53Third Test: 40 Yards
  16. 05:0640 Yards: #7.5 Shot Test
  17. 06:1240 Yards: #6 Shot Test
  18. 07:0640 Yards: #7 Steel Shot Test
  19. 07:47Comparing All Results by Shot Size
  20. 08:44What Did We Learn? Conclusions
  21. 09:16Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What shotgun ammunition was tested for squirrel hunting effectiveness?

The test included 12-gauge loads: 1-1/8 ounce of #7.5 shot (lead), 1 ounce of #6 shot (lead game loads), and 1 ounce of #7 shot (steel). These were fired from a 12-gauge full choke shotgun.

How did different shotgun shot sizes perform on squirrel-sized gel blocks at 20 yards?

At 20 yards, all tested shot sizes (#7.5 lead, #6 lead, and #7 steel) achieved full pass-throughs in the squirrel-sized gel blocks, indicating they are highly effective at this distance.

What is the effective range for using a shotgun on squirrels according to this test?

Based on the gel block testing, the instructor considers 30 yards to be the ethical maximum range for taking a squirrel with a shotgun, as performance began to significantly degrade beyond this distance.

Did steel shot perform differently than lead shot for squirrel hunting at longer ranges?

At 40 yards, #7 steel shot resulted in more pellet impacts within the gel block but failed to achieve any full pass-throughs, with all pellets being caught. Lead #6 shot achieved full pass-throughs, and #7.5 lead showed reduced penetration.

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