When it comes to hunting birds with a slingshot, choosing the right ammo is crucial for an effective and humane hunt. The slingshot ammo you use needs to have enough weight and momentum to humanely take down your intended game while minimizing the risk of ricochets or injury to the animal. There are many factors to consider when selecting slingshot ammo for bird hunting, including the size and weight of the projectile, the shape and hardness of the ammo, and matching the ammo to the size of the game you are hunting.
Steel shot
Steel shot is one of the most popular and recommended types of ammo for hunting birds with a slingshot. Steel shot comes in various sizes and weights, allowing you to match the ammo to the game you are targeting. The density and hardness of steel shot gives it excellent ballistic properties for delivering enough force on impact to humanely harvest small birds and game.
The weight of steel shot you need will depend on the size of the birds you are hunting. Lighter steel shot in the 1⁄4 inch to 3/8 inch diameter range is suitable for hunting small songbirds, while heavier steel shot in 1⁄2 inch sizes and above is recommended for larger birds like grouse, pigeons, and crows. The heavier the steel shot, the more momentum and knockdown power it will deliver on the target.
Steel shot has many advantages for slingshot hunting:
- Delivers excellent ballistic performance from a slingshot due to its density and hardness.
- Comes in a range of sizes to match different game animals.
- Relatively inexpensive and easily available.
- Reusable if you can find the ammo again after a hunt.
- Denser than lead so carries more energy for its size.
The main downside to steel shot is the increased risk of ricochets compared to lead. However, with proper backstops and accuracy, steel shot is one of the best slingshot ammo types for bird hunting.
Lead shot
Lead shot is another top choice for slingshot hunting due to its density which provides excellent knockdown power on small game. Lead is an extremely dense, malleable metal that allows it to deform and mushroom on impact, transferring all its kinetic energy into the target. This helps lead shot provide excellent hunting performance from a slingshot.
Like steel shot, lead shot comes in a range of diameters from 1⁄4 inch up to 1⁄2 inch or larger. Match the size of lead shot to the birds you are hunting. Target smaller birds with 1⁄4 to 3/8 inch lead shot, while 3/8 to 1⁄2 inch or larger lead shot is ideal for bigger upland game birds and pigeons.
Advantages of using lead shot in a slingshot for bird hunting include:
- Extremely high density provides knockdown power on small animals.
- Deforms and mushrooms on impact to transfer maximum energy.
- Easily obtainable and can be cast at home.
- Comes in a wide range of sizes to match game.
- Tends to ricochet less than steel shot.
However, lead shot has fallen out of favor with many hunters due to concerns over lead exposure to wildlife and the environment. It cannot be used in some hunting areas. If you do choose lead, take precautions and be aware of any restrictions in your region.
Alternative slingshot ammo
In addition to steel and lead, there are some other alternative ammo types worth considering for slingshot hunting:
- Tungsten shot – Extremely dense like lead but non-toxic. Provides excellent penetration from a slingshot. Expensive.
- Bismuth shot – Dense non-toxic alternative to lead shot. Performs similarly. Also expensive.
- Copper shot – Higher density than steel but non-toxic. Increased potential for ricochets.
- Glass shot – Very cheap but dangerous to use due to risks of shattering on release or ricochets.
- Ceramic shot – Lightweight but prone to shattering unless specially hardened. Higher risk of wounding only.
Many slingshot hunters prefer steel or lead due to performance, but it’s worth testing some alternative ammo types to compare their ballistics. Non-toxics like tungsten may provide a good compromise if you are concerned about lead but want maximum knockdown power.
Choosing the right size slingshot ammo
Choosing the correct size of slingshot ammo is key to ensuring a clean humane kill on hunting birds. The general rules for sizing ammo to game are:
- 1⁄4” to 3/8” for small birds like sparrows, starlings, and other songbirds
- 3/8” for medium birds like doves, quail and pigeons
- 1⁄2” and above for larger upland game and ducks
Use the largest ammo size that is practical for the game you are hunting. Smaller ammo lacks the momentum and energy required for clean kills on larger birds. Err on the side of slightly heavier ammo if you are unsure between two sizes.
Consider also the range you’ll be shooting when sizing your ammo. Larger ammo loses velocity and energy more quickly at longer distances. Use heavier ammo for longer shots at birds, and smaller ammo when shooting at 10-15 yards or less.
Maximizing slingshot ammo performance
To get the most out of your chosen slingshot ammo for hunting, you need to optimize several components in your slingshot setup and shooting approach:
- Use an appropriate slingshot band set – Match the band strength to the ammo weight so you can maximize speed while maintaining control and accuracy.
- Choose compatible pouches – Pouch size and release affects ammo stability and velocity. Use matched pouches.
- Practice regularly – Get to know how your ammo flies at various distances to make the most ethical shots.
- Aim for vital organs – Target the head and chest cavity on birds for fast clean kills. Avoid wing and leg shots.
- Use an appropriate backstop – Avoid risky shots where ammo can ricochet. Steel ammo in particular can bounce.
Optimizing these factors will help you gain maximum performance from your slingshot ammunition when hunting birds.
Best practices for slingshot hunting ammo
In addition to selecting the right ammo and gear, adhering to some best practices will result in more effective and ethical slingshot hunting:
- Abide by all regulations – some areas prohibit certain ammo types like lead shot.
- Only take shots at reasonable distances you are confident in.
- Avoid risky angled “sky shots” at birds in flight.
- Use ammo weights matched to band strength to maximize energy.
- Aim for a humane kill by targeting vitals like the head and chest.
- Inspect all ammo before firing to discard any damaged or deformed shot.
- Wear safety glasses to protect your vision from ricochets or return fire.
Ethical hunting also means using slingshots and ammo only when proficient enough to dispatch birds quickly. Practice regularly on targets before attempting shots on live animals.
Choosing the best slingshot ammo types for hunting different birds
The ideal slingshot ammo can vary depending on the specific type of bird you are hunting. Using the right ammo for each species helps ensure clean ethical kills.
Doves
A mid-sized bird like the mourning dove requires moderate-weight ammo from a slingshot. 3/8” steel or lead shot is excellent for doves. Hit the head for the quickest kill.
Quail
Quail are similar in size to doves and can be humanely harvested with the same 3/8” steel or lead ammo from a slingshot. Take head and neck shots for the best results.
Pigeons
The rock dove is a large bird hardy enough to require heavier ammo. Use 1⁄2” steel or lead shot for quick clean kills through body shots on pigeons.
Grouse
As a mid-sized upland game bird, ruffed grouse can be harvested humanely using 3/8” to 1⁄2” slingshot ammo depending on range. Heavier ammo has more impact at a distance.
Pheasant
A large bird that requires enough knockdown power at typical slingshot hunting ranges. 1⁄2” lead or steel shot is recommended for clean kills on pheasants.
Geese
For hunting large Canada geese and other waterfowl, specialized heavyweight hunting ammo or single large-caliber lead balls (>0.50 caliber) are recommended to ensure sufficient impact energy on such a heavy bird.
Crows
Crows are hardy birds that can require some heavier ammo to kill cleanly from typical slingshot ranges. 1⁄2″ lead is excellent for getting enough penetration through the feathers and breastbone.
Starlings
Invasive pest birds like the European starling can be difficult to kill. Use 1⁄4” to 3/8” lead or steel shot for maximum impact energy on these small birds.
Always match your ammo carefully to the particular species you are hunting. Testing different sized shot on game targets at hunting distances will allow you to zero in on the right ammo for each type of bird.
Conclusion
When hunting birds with a slingshot, choosing the right ammunition is crucial for achieving effective, ethical kills. Consider all the factors discussed above including shot material, weight, and size when selecting ammo tailored for your quarry. With the right ammunition matched to your bands, pouch release, and shooting ability, slingshots can be a lethal hunting tool for a variety of game birds.