Now we can't get 16 Gauge birdshot!

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I was in my local Scheels today to get some racquetballs and decided to check out the ammo supply. They had about 1,000 rounds of .22 LR Standard Velocity stuff for $4.99 for a box of 50. Limit was 4 boxes, so I bought 2. My church is having a sporting clays shoot in a few weeks, so I decided to buy some target shotgun shells. I love the 16 Gauge, and have a real nice M12 Winchester in that Gauge. They had very few boxes, and it was hunting loads, 1 1/8 ounce of number 4 and number 6 shot. No 1 ounce of number 7 1/2 or number 8 shot. I asked a clerk and he checked to see if they could order any. He came back and said he checked 10 sources, and there is NONE to be found.:mad: Said it was due to the buying frenzy. I can see .22 LR is being hoarded, but 16 Gauge birdshot?!:eek: The hunting loads they had, and the 12 and 20 Gauge target laods are very reasonably priced: $6.99 for a box of 50.

This is ridiculous. I can see Buckshot loads being unavailable, but birdshot should be plentiful.
I still ain't gonna give up my 16 Gauge though.
Jim
 
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I just put 10 boxes of #8's in "my cart" at the Sportsmens Guide. Not cheap but there. Joe

Remove Estate Cartridge Upland Hunting Loads 16-gauge 2 3/4" 1 ozs. 25 rounds
Price: $10.29
Product: WX2-93476
Size: 8
In Stock.
You must be 18 years of age to purchase this item.
***
$97.80 $102.90 $5.10
Merchandise Total: $97.80 $102.90 $5.10
 
I bought enough 16 gauge, six shot, shells during the first panic in 2008 to last me several seasons.

Back then WalMart and my local hardware store both had 16s.
Almost nobody else did.

Haven't looked lately due to supplies on hand.
 
Two of my hunting Buddy's have Sixteen's and they have ALWAYS had a problem getting shells for them - especially over the last 8 or 9 years. I don't think that Gauge is very popular anymore and most of the stores in these parts don't seem to carry 16's on a regular basis. In regard to Shot Shells, I think they have been just about the only part of this ammo crises that has been unaffected. The local stores here have an abundance of 12's & 20's and if you have a 16 or a 28 you're are SOL around here. When you find a stocking dealer you might want to really stock up as they are only getting tougher to find, not easier.
 
Most who shoot 16 gauge load their own if they want to shoot much. Most trap/skeet shooters do not use 16 gauge, but a few do. I don't think I have ever seen trap or skeet shells in 16 gauge.
 
That's one thing I have been able to find since the latest round of craziness.

Between the last 2 gunshows , I found 5 boxes Federal Game Loads #7 1/2 and 2 boxes of Federal Hi-Power #5s for for $5 a box! :D
 
Gun makers have attempted to bring the 16 ga back to life the last few years with limited success. As loveable as it may be the 20 ga 3" and 12 ga seem to have the market pretty well covered. The only thing you can do is buy as much as possible and hope for the best. When you see some it will be hunting loads most of the time.
 
Sportsman's Warehouse here in Lexington always has some 16 gauge on hand. Mostly birdshot and small game loads but sometimes buckshot and slugs. Deer season is coming so I've noticed 16 ga buckshot and slugs have returned along with 12 gauge and 20 gauge buckshot and slugs.

It isn't so much that people are buying 16 gauge as it is that it's a low production and low demand item that is pushed to the side so they can produce the more popular and in demand calibers and ammo.
 
Yeah, I know there's usually not much of a selection. My M12 is a cylinder bore, and I never took it pheasant hunting for several years after I bought it because I figured I needed at least a little bit of choke. Imagine my surprise when I found out that thing is DEADLY on pheasants, up to about 40 yards.:cool:
The best load I found for it is Golden Pheasant 1 1/8 ounce of #5 shot. I can usually find that. I just can't find any target loads.:mad:
But I'm gonna keep lookin'
Jim
 
I've shot 16ga for a long time mainly because I used to collect sxs shotguns. When I started collecting 16ga shotguns were about 80% of the cost of 12s and 60% the cost of a 20 in similar configuration and condition. About 20 years ago a friend sold me a 16ga MEC reloader he'd picked up in trade and that is the ONLY way to ensure I have the load I'm looking for when I want it.
 
I decided to try Blaines Farm and Fleet. Not one round of 16 Gauge shells.:mad:
Also no .22 LR, but I expected that.
Decided I'd but some .410 Bore loads and take my M42 Winchester. All they had for target loads was 2 1/2" 1/2 ounce of #9 shot. Not 3" target loads.:rolleyes: It said ".410 GAUGE". That always irritates me.:eek:
I bought four boxes. Guess I'll shoot that and one of my 12 or 20 Gauge guns.
Jim
 
Several years ago , I was at the local WalMart (when they still had guns as well as ammo!) during the Xmas madness. They had a whole pallet of 12ga Rem #6 game loads , a whole pallet of 20ga Rem #8 game loads and 3 whole cases of 16ga (low brass #7 1/2 shot). I bought all 3!
 
The local big box store where I grocery shop has a sporting goods
section with shotshell ammo. They carry 1 oz 16 ga game loads in size
6 and 8 shot for $1.00 more per box than 12 and 20 ga game loads.
 
I was in an Orvis Shooting Center a few month's back (Sandanona) and they did have a bunch of 16 gauge shells (Federal Blue Box) in stock. They won' be cheap but you might give them a buzz if you can't find them anywhere else. I do not know their policy's on shipping but here is there number:

3047 Sharon Turnpike Millbrook, NY 12545
(845) 677-9701
 
I bought four boxes of 16 gauge Remington Game Load 7 1/2 shot today at a local gun store in Lexington NC. Not cheap at $9.89 a box.

They also had Federal and Winchester 16 gauge shells...sometimes also have Estate 16 gauge but not today.

This store (actually named "The Gun Store") also stocks 28 gauge in addition to the more common .410 and 12.
 
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