Author Topic: Dang crows and Lead (Read 605 times)

JPSaxMan · « **on:** August 14, 2004, 02:57:07 PM »

I got kind of a weird question but not a weird reason. I'm hunting crow and I always miss. I think it might be improper lead. But them buggers always look like they're mosying along in the sky like big ol' C-130's. Anybody have any advice? Thanx

Graybeard · « **Reply #1 on:** August 14, 2004, 04:49:04 PM »

Use swing thru method. :eek:

Seriously it really depends on how you're shooting them. Pass shooting they might be moving out pretty good. If calling them into you then not a lot of lead is needed but they can do some weird manuvers to make you miss. Tell us more of what you're doing.

JPSaxMan · « **Reply #2 on:** August 14, 2004, 05:11:43 PM »

I actually just wait until one is within shooting range and then I manuever to blast it. I don't call....I am in full camo (I guess you kinda have to be) and I'm in a fairly concealed location.

daddywpb · « **Reply #3 on:** August 15, 2004, 01:06:08 AM »

For a bird that looks so slow and clumsy, crows can be very acrobatic when they need to be. They aren't flying as slow as you think they are.

JPSaxMan · « **Reply #4 on:** August 16, 2004, 02:40:43 AM »

C-130, that was good....I liked that. Well, I use an 870 Wingmaster and it didn't come threaded for choke tubes. And the local gunsmith says he probably couldn't thread it b/c it's a L/C barrel...not enough metal to chew through to thread it. So I'm stuck with a Modified Choke. And I'm actually using Express #4 :eek: . I just feel with that extra power I could probably nail one.

dukkillr · « **Reply #5 on:** August 16, 2004, 05:15:33 PM »

lead 2 3/4" 6's from a modified barrel is the most deadly thing you can shoot at them... infact it may be the most deadly thing you can shoot at most things. If you're missing 99.9% of the time you're behind the target meaning you need to lead them more. find a skeet range and stand at the 3rd 4th and 5th stations and shoot. have someone good watch you shoot and help you with your lead. it'll come to you. holes in your pattern are over-rated, at 40 yards with a mod barrel you're not consistently missing because of holes. Patterning your barrel for wing shooting is also over-rated, making sure it shoots straight is all you need. Go shoot some skeet, you'll get it straightened out. Nothing beats practice.

Big Paulie · « **Reply #6 on:** August 17, 2004, 07:43:17 AM »

Duck-killer is absolutely right. A modifed barrel, with a high-base 2-3/4 shell in #6 will take just about anything, from Turkeys to quail. I doubt you have any holes in your pattern. My extra advice is:

1. You should pattern your gun, becaue it is very often the case that based on the stock, and your shoulders, your pattern could be going high. I see this alot!

2. Are you sure they are in range? Crows are big birds, and as such, they always look closer than they are. Be sure you get them within 30 yards before you start to shoot, because by the time you take your lead and pull the trigger, they will be out at 40 yards, which approaches the far end of your range.

3. The modified choke is a good choke, because with modern plastic wads, it really shoots the nearly equivalent of a true full choke.

4. Hit the skeet range. and station no. 4. Shoot two full boxes at this station. It will help 'engrain' the lead into your brain.

Big Paulie

fffffg · « **Reply #7 on:** August 18, 2004, 07:14:04 PM »

6s for body shots, 7 1/2 for wing /head shots seems to be close to correct. .. wing shots work well if you can retrieve the bird easily, body shots are needed for thru the butt shot liike jumping ducks.. if over head and in range you have a lot of wings and head to hit.. so sounds like 7 1/2 may work best but trial and error will tell.. my opinion only.. on pass shooting i bracket for geese and ducks when shooting repeater.. lead a little short, i use sustained lead for pass shooting, if you dont get a hit or a shudder from the criter, move one pattern ahead, then if no hit or shudder move one pattern ahead, by then they will be out of range.. remember when shooting strait up the shot is moving away from the rib when not fallling so aim a little low (a poor description but away from the bead.) it just takes some time and experience and youl be blasting them in no time.. if you get a good blind or camo and call they should(could come in close ,some use an owel decoy.. dont use three caws this is thier warning cry.four is thier call.. its been a long time since i hunted crows so wait for (other/ similar) input.. good luck dave...

JPSaxMan · « **Reply #8 on:** August 23, 2004, 04:49:12 PM »

Thanx guys! I'm gonna have to wait until Friday (crow hunting only allowed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays :twisted: )