In recent years, driven by steadily rising temperatures, hunters have increasingly found themselves hunting in "summer-like" conditions well into October. Choosing the right shotshell for these conditions has therefore become more important than ever. 

Two key factors should guide your choice: the powder and the payload weight.

When temperatures rise, it is advisable to select shotshells loaded with fast- or medium-fast-burning powders. These propellants burn quickly, accelerating the shot charge to high velocity while producing a rapid initial pressure peak that drops significantly before the shot exits the barrel.

As for payloads, light to medium loads are generally the best choice. These loads provide all the effectiveness required by modern ethical hunting, especially when game birds have not yet developed their full plumage and most shots are taken at moderate rather than long distances.

 Choosing the right payload weight 

 During the warmest part of the hunting season, light and medium payloads are, in my opinion, the most suitable option. The recommended ranges for the gauges most commonly used in Italy are: 

• • 12 gauge: 28–36 g
  • 16 gauge: 27–30 g
  • 20 gauge: 24–28 g
  • 28 gauge: 18–24 g (up to a maximum of 26 g)
  • .410 bore: 12–18/19 g

  In the smaller gauges, namely the 28 gauge and .410 Magnum, payloads have gradually become heavier than they were in the past. This evolution reflects the fact that these gauges are now used across virtually every type of hunting rather than exclusively from fixed hides. To ensure clean, ethical harvests, it is essential to choose a payload appropriate for the style of hunting being practiced.

 Does powder Quality really matter? 

The answer is straightforward: yes, it does.

During hot and dry weather, it is important to use powders with good burning characteristics and excellent thermal stability.

These propellants maintain consistent combustion even at high temperatures, helping to avoid excessive pressure peaks. Hunters who handload their own ammunition should reduce powder charges, and sometimes even shot weight compared to winter loads, since higher temperatures naturally increase powder burn rate and chamber pressure.

For those using factory-loaded ammunition, the best choice is a cartridge that combines low residual muzzle pressure with high velocity. This offers several important advantages, including reduced recoil and improved pellet sphericity, both essential for producing even, well-distributed shot patterns.

 Clay Target Loads for Summer Hunting: Yes or No? 

Shotshells designed for clay target disciplines are widely used for hunting during the summer months, but is this really a good idea?

In the past, specially developed "counter-loads" were particularly popular in southern Italy, where summer temperatures have long exceeded 35°C (95°F). These cartridges were loaded to achieve very high muzzle velocities while using significantly lighter shot charges than standard hunting loads.

As Gianluca Garolini explains:

"A shot charge leaving the muzzle at 420–430 m/s will retain sufficient residual velocity, even under the most unfavorable conditions, to deliver adequate energy on the target."

Looking at today's sporting loads—particularly those designed for Sporting and Compak disciplines, we find numerous 28-gram shotshells delivering muzzle velocities of 420, 430 or even 440 m/s.

These shotshells can therefore be used successfully for hunting, especially on days characterized by high atmospheric pressure, typically above 1020 hPa.

 My favourite dummer Hunting loads 

Theory provides valuable guidance, but field experience is ultimately what convinces every hunter. Over the past few years I have mainly hunted wood pigeon and resident game during the hottest months, using three firearms in particular:

• Beretta S2 – 12 gauge
• Benelli M2 – 20 gauge
• Beretta A400 – 28 gauge

In 12 gauge, the cartridges that have consistently delivered the best results are MB Gigante, MB Classic, Mygra Tortora, and Anigrina Lamellare. Alongside these trusted choices, I have increasingly come to appreciate the lighter 30 g and 32 g Privilege Game loads.

In 20 gauge, my preferred cartridges are F2 Classic and F2 Classic Fiber, reliable companions throughout the season, even in the hottest weather. And when conditions become particularly demanding, an F2 Long Range always finds its place in my Benelli.

Finally, in 28 gauge, my first barrel is almost always loaded with the 21 g Extra Rossa Fiber, paired or followed by the 22 g Extra Rossa with plastic wad for the second shot. For more challenging opportunities, or as a final option, the 26 g Extra Rossa HV remains a proven and highly effective choice.