John Coleman and AAA Shotgun Shells

I am a long time reader of Man Magnum and an avid fan of the articles written by professional hunter John Coleman of the Eastern Cape. He is extremely sensible in most of his advice. However, I am surprised by Mr Coleman’s recommendation to use AAA shot shells in a side-by-side shotgun when facing wounded leopards. I am surprised because AAA is the smallest of buck shot sizes and where l hunt, it is typically used for large geese.

I would like to ask Mr Coleman how effective AAA shotgun shells have been

on leopards (based on his personal experience), and how many leopards he has shot successfully using them. l don’t question the wisdom of a veteran professional hunter, I am genuinely intrigued.

I am also interested to know what make and model of shotgun, with what kind of choke, is typically used by Mr Coleman for following up wounded leopards. – Mr Shah, United Kingdom

➤ John Coleman Replies: When I talk about using AAA 2¾-inch shells (3-inch magnum even better) on wounded leopard, I am talking about firing from very close, within 10 metres, but mostly less.

I cannot remember how many leopards I have shot, nor can I remember the exact number of those wounded and very close up, but both situations were numerous.

I often used SSG, but found that AAA were completely adequate at very close range and, having more pellets in a tight pattern, had more chance of getting to the brain. A leopard’s skull is not very thick and the shot pellets penetrate easily at this close range.

Don’t attempt to shoot a lion with the same or any shotgun ammunition, except a solid ball or slug. In fact, I wouldn’t use a shotgun at all on a lion, only a medium to heavy rifle, preferably a heavy rifle for a wounded lion.

I have an old BRNO 12-gauge double side-by-side shotgun, with a choke and a spread barrel. At very close range it makes little difference which barrel is used. Also, any reasonable shotgun balances and points better than a big double rifle for a quick shot. You just have to be extremely quick with a charging leopard!