Rabbit Targets

 

Rabbits, provided they show shooters their full face, aren't tough to break, at least not ballistically. While we're not going to try to tell you how to lead a bounding bunny here, when presented closer than 20 yards, even No. 9s will do the trick. No. 8 shot will work out to about 30 yards, well within the range most rabbits are shot. Only when distances stretch beyond 35 yards or the target is rolling directly or quartering away from you should 7 1/2s and even tighter chokes be used. The thick, tough outer rim of a rabbit target that withstands contact with the ground similarly can take a beating from pellets without breaking, particularly when thrown on-edge to the shooter. When you see its full surface area, however, smaller pellets will crack even the rim. The next time you're at a rabbit station, ask the trapper for permission to walk downrange and inspect some whole targets. You'll probably be amazed at how many have holes in their thinner centers and even chips on the outer edges of their rims yet remain unbroken. But despite what conclusion you may draw, the secret is to score pellet hits solidly on the rim. This usually calls for more pellets, not necessarily larger ones, at reasonable shooting ranges. So opt for a tighter choke before switching to a larger shot size.