Federal Dove Upland shotshells are lead hunting loads designed to crush upland game birds such as doves. And with the right choke tube, Dove Upland loads can travel up to 1255 fps and put dense patterns downrange for pheasants, dove, and quail.
Several choke tubes work really well with Federal Dove Upland ammo and Carlson’s Extended choke tube in improved cylinder is the top choice. It’s highly customizable since it’s offered in almost every choke size available, and it can deliver some impressive patterns with Dove Upland ammo.

Best Federal Dove Upland Choke Tubes
These are the three choke tubes you should consider using with Federal Dove Upland ammo. They can provide more consistent and dense patterns downrange for both sporting clays and upland game hunting.
1) Carlson’s Extended Choke Tube
Carlson’s extended choke tube series is designed to provide consistent results while shooting clay targets, but they also happen to work just as well for upland game birds. These stainless-steel extended chokes have proven to work well with Federal Dove Upland ammunition. This combo is capable of cleanly harvesting doves past 30 yards. The improved cylinder and modified are the chokes to get. This is the TOP pick.
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2) Patternmaster Anaconda Choke Tube
Patternmaster’s Anaconda choke works extremely well with small lead shot and the wad system that is found in Federal Dove Upland Ammo. The Anaconda features gas over coil technology that helps to dissipate and channel the gas expansion outward for better patterns. It’s a solid option for sporting clays and upland game hunting inside 40 yards. This is the pick for MAX range.
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3) Carlson’s White Wing Dove Choke
The White Wing dove choke by Carlson’s is another option for added range in high winds or days the birds are flying high. This choke comes in Improved Modified and paired with 6 shot steel is a good combo for shots to 40 yards. If you already have good luck with Carlson’s chokes in other sizes, check out this IM choke. This is the BUDGET pick.
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Why the Carlson’s Extended Choke is the best choke for Federal Dove Upland
- Smooth bored choke works well with Federal Dove Upland Wads
- The modified choke paired with Federal Dove Ammo gives max range with lead shot
- Lead shot is rated for Carlson’s Extended Chokes
- Can deliver 80% or more pellets into a 30-inch circle at 30 yards
- Carlson’s Extended chokes are affordable compared to similar choke tubes
What are Federal Dove Upland Shotshells?
Federal Dove Upland loads are light lead shotshells designed for accuracy while hunting doves and at the skeet range. They are available in both 20 and 12 gauge sizes, and range in speed between 1165 fps and 1255 fps. Dove Upland ammo are loaded with #8, #7.5, #6, #5, and #4 round lead pellets in a plastic wad.
Load weights for Dove Upland ammo are offered in 1 ounce, 1 1/8 ounce, and 1 ¼ ounce payloads. Federal Dove Upland ammo are packaged 25 shotshells per box and 250 shells per case.
What choke size works best for Dove Hunting?
Modified chokes are the middle ground of choke diameters (0.705”) and because of this are versatile in many different hunting situations. Chokes in modified can handle doves passing close as well as long fast-moving passing shots overhead.
Modified choke tubes work especially well with #7.5 lead shot and it’s not uncommon to pattern this choke and ammo combination and receive 80% coverage in a 30 inch circle at 30 yards. Steel shot also works well with a modified choke tube like the Carlson’s extended choke mentioned above.

Dove Choke Tubes and Ranges
- Improved Cylinder (10-20 yards) – Up close flushing shots
- Modified (20-40 yards) – Medium and long range shots
- Improved Modified (35-45 yards) – Long range shots
- Full Choke (40-60 yards) – High flying birds over 40 yards
The chart above shows the recommended choke tube and range in yards for dove hunting. Modified is the best choke for typical dove hunting shots that include close flushes and bird exiting scenarios. Improved cylinder is the best for close shots over high trafficked feeding fields. Improved modified (IM) and full chokes are best for long range shots for late season doves that fly high and are actively avoiding hunters.
Dove Hunting Field Tips
- Get a set of improved cylinder, modified, and improved modified chokes
- This will let you switch chokes as conditions change
- Lead #7.5’s and an IC choke tube work well for close shots on dove
- Keep shots below 50 yards, know your ammo and choke limitations
- A full choke may be needed for those days where birds are flying high
- Wind days, especially those with cross winds, you may need to up your pellet size
- Pattern your shotgun to find out what choke and ammo work best
Modified choke tubes can take a lot of the guess work out of dove hunting. They usually work well with most ammo and won’t damage the birds at close ranges.
Having a set of choke tubes in your hunting vest or backpack is the best option that works well for changing conditions. You can tailor your setup to how doves are responding while in the field and changing a choke only takes seconds with a good choke wrench.
What to expect
When it comes to choosing the right choke tube for the Federal Dove Upland ammo, Carlson’s Extended choke stands out from its competitors. The Carlson’s Extended choke is engineered with a unique design that provides consistent and even shot patterns, resulting in better accuracy and a higher precision. Unlike most of its competitors, the Extended choke ensures that the shot is evenly distributed, reducing the chances of having holes or gaps in your pattern. Overall, the Carlson’s Extended choke is a top performer, delivering outstanding results that set it apart from the competition.
Bottom Line
Federal Dove Upland shotshells are designed to deliver lead pellets evenly at ranges inside 30 yards for sporting clay shoots and upland game hunting.
The Carlson’s Extended choke tube in Improved Cylinder works extremely well with Dove Upland ammo, is affordable, and is highly customizable since it’s offered in just about every choke size depending on the birds are flying.
Dove Upland ammo is capable of hitting speeds of 1255 fps in 12 gauge loads. This mix of large payload and speed makes it one of the best upland ammo choices available right now at an affordable price.
Other Dove Hunting Chokes to Consider
- Carlson’s White Wing Dove Choke
- TRUGLO Double Threat Choke Tube
- Browning MIDAS Choke Tube
- Browning Diana Choke Tube
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Last update on 2025-09-06 / Affiliate links / Product Images from Amazon Product Advertising API