|
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,874
Campfire Tracker
|
OP
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,874 |
What do you use as your every day duck shotgun, load and choke? Do you use something different to hunt in different spots (such as flooded woods vs. fields)? Let's hear it.
RS
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 13,357
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 13,357 |
Puddle ducks over decoys #4 IC or LMod Puddle ducks jump shooting #4 LMod Divers #4 first shot #2 after LMod Sea Ducks #2 LMod
The gun 99% of the time Benelli M1 Super 90.
So if I had to pick one shot size and one choke for all I would go #4 with LMod.
Eat Fish, Wear Grundens, Drink Alaskan.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,152
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,152 |
Most always Kent Fasteel #3 out of a Remmy SPR453 with a Kicks Mod
To play the game, you first gotta have game. - Ike Turner
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 23,125 Likes: 2
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 23,125 Likes: 2 |
An ounce of #2 Nice Shot for decoyed geese, 7/8 ounce of #4 Nice Shot for decoyed puddle ducks, both at 1250 fps. All out of LC Smith Longrange double, extra full chokes both barrels. (The dense patterns are what allow me to put sufficient pellets into the birds with those light loads.)
Remember, the market gunners of 100 years ago decimated the flyways with an ounce of lead.
"You can lead a man to logic, but you cannot make him think." Joe Harz "Always certain, often right." Keith McCafferty
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 13,357
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 13,357 |
1 to 1-1/8 oz is all you need. Anymore specially in Steel is only compromising your pattern.
I didn't add goose loads as he only said ducks. But #2 has always worked for me on them. Besides decoyed geese beg to be shot in the face!
Eat Fish, Wear Grundens, Drink Alaskan.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,799
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,799 |
12ga:
Beretta 390/391 w/MC barrels, #3 & #4 Federal Ultra-Shok 1 1/4oz thru a IC/LM/Mod choke
20ga:
Beretta 390 IC/LM & #3 & #4 Federal Ultra-Shok 1oz
NRA Endowed Patron Life Benefactor GOA Life Member TSRA Life Member NSCA Life Member
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,517
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,517 |
My favorite is an 870 12 gauge with an extended modified tube. Used federal speed shoks this year. 1 1/8 oz at 1550 fps as what is advertised in number 2 shot for ducks and decoying geese, but also use bb's. All 3".
Last edited by splattermatic; 02/20/13.
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,704
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,704 |
Original 1987 Rem. 1187, 2 3/4", #4 or #2 IC over duck tollers. 3" BBB for pass shooting geese and #1 over goose tollers. MTG
Vena dura, ocyus occide, excusas non offer!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,284
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,284 |
Get my best patterns through a PatternMaster LR tube in a Benelli M2 12 gauge with 3", 1-1/4 oz. steel shot loads running 1500 to 1525 fps. I shoot #3 or #2 shot for ducks (decoy or pass shooting). I use Kent Fasteel or Winchester Super-X Drylok - both offer very similar loads.
One of the sanest, surest, and most generous joys of life comes from being happy over the good fortune of others. Archibald Rutledge
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 384
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 384 |
90% of the time I'm shooting my SBE I with Briley LM choke with handloads.......1oz of #3's at 1600fps. It's hell on both decoying ducks and geese.
The other 10% I carry either my 20ga or 28ga. The 20ga is a Benelli M1 again with Briley LM choke. I run factory Winchester DryLok 1oz or 7/8oz #3's.
I just got the 28ga. It's a Benelli as well. I was using factory chokes with 3/4oz Hevi-shot 7.5's handloads. I only used it on a couple of hunts this year, but dang did it stone some ducks. Going to try some Trulock chokes in it to open up my pattern a little. Have a feeling I'm going to carry this gun more often after the results I had.
NRA Life Member
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,498
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,498 |
I shoot Black Cloud #4 2 3/4" and occ 3" through a Mod choke in my BPS. I picked up a Full choke recently that I am looking forward to trying out this coming Fall. Most of my shots are fairly close range as I jump shoot over irrigation ditches mostly. Am going give the BC Close Range shells a try as well.
Last edited by troutfly; 02/22/13. Reason: added content
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 22,884
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 22,884 |
We have had excellent results with Federal "Shok" loads (in the red/orange boxes).
For ducks, #2 steel preferably in 2.75 inch. For geese, BB steel in 3 inch, but have been going back to 2.75 for less recoil.
We shoot a variety of shotguns, including Ithaca 37, Rem 870, Mossy 835, and Browning Gold, all with Carlsons extended tubes.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,890
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,890 |
Ducks: 3" Kent Fasteel 1 3/8 oz #4, angle port LtMod or IC choke, Super 90.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,218
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,218 |
Beretta extrema II with a light mod. comp-n-choke Shooting Federal premium 3" #3.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 17,101
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 17,101 |
Early season ducks: 3" #3. Patternmaster choke
Late season ducks/divers 3.5". #1. Pattern master
Geese 3.5" BB or BBB. Patternmaster
Guns. Are a Benelli SBEll. And Beretta Extrema2
The government plans these shootings by targeting kids from kindergarten that the government thinks they can control with drugs until the appropriate time--DerbyDude
Whatever. Tell the oompa loompa's hey for me. [/quote]. LtPPowell
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,505
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,505 |
Over decoys I like 2 3/4 7 1/2's and 6 Hevi-shot, I'm starting to run out of those shells, when I do, Hevi-Metal 3" 2's. For longer shooting I like 3 1/2" Hevi-Metal or Black Cloud 2's.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 28,277
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 28,277 |
20 ga O/U (old 101) 3" Fed 1's. Works well for both ducks and geese over dekes.
Dober
"True respect starts with the way you treat others, and it is earned over a lifetime of demonstrating kindness, honor and dignity"....Tony Dungy
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 28,277
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 28,277 |
Sandman-I'm a bit out of the loop on shotguns but I didn't even know that Benelli is making a 28. Auto I assume?
I love my old M1/90 Benelli with a 24" tube in 12 I have to get to looking to see what they're making for a 28.
Thx Dober
"True respect starts with the way you treat others, and it is earned over a lifetime of demonstrating kindness, honor and dignity"....Tony Dungy
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 28,277
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 28,277 |
"True respect starts with the way you treat others, and it is earned over a lifetime of demonstrating kindness, honor and dignity"....Tony Dungy
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 860
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 860 |
1 1/4 oz Federal Blue Box #4s (hard to beat $100/case shipped) through a Carlsons mod in both of my duck guns
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,325
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,325 |
I shoot an old Model 12 Win 12 ga. with a Hastings VR barrel and mod screw-in choke. Faststeel 2-3/4" 1-1/16 oz. #3 if only shooting ducks, and the same loads in 2's or 1's if as usual we are field shooting over decoys for mixed ducks and snows, specs, and Canadas and even cranes.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,498
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,498 |
#4 Black Cloud in 12 BPS with a Mod Choke. Have tried some of the others but for some reason this is the stuff my gun likes. Occ I'll shoot Hevi Shot, it patterns just as well as BC but price wise......I save the HS for really special hunts.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 190
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 190 |
I don't have a "standard" load....a lot depends on where/what I'm hunting, and what shotgun I'm hunting it with. My main gun is a Remington 870 express, and if the quarry is ducks over decoys, then my "standard" load is 1 oz of #3 steel at 1450-1500fps (handload). I've dropped a lot of ducks with this load since I've started using it, and I use it probably 85-90% of the time. If I am using my older shotguns (Mossberg 500, Remington 1100) or my Remington O/U, then I'm usually shooting 1 1/8-1 1/4oz of #5 bismuth (ducks) or 1 3/8-1 1/2oz of #2-BB bismuth handloads (geese). If I'm hunting geese exclusively, I'll use either factory Federal tungsten iron (3") or handloads of 1 3/8oz #2 hevishot handloads. In my 16 gauge shotguns (Remington model 11, Ithica M37), then it's 1 oz t0 1 1/8 oz bismuth #5 or #6 shot (handloads).
"If you dog thinks you're the greatest, don't go seeking a second opinion!"
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,715
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,715 |
in my 20 I've used either Federal Premium 2 3/4" 4's or Fassteel3" #2's. If I'm using hand loads I like a 2 3/4" Cheddite hull, a BPI-TC20 wad and 22 grains of Longshot behind a 1oz load of Nice Shot In my Westley Richards it's 85-90 grains of FFG and 1oz of Nice Shot, which is my favourite waterfowl load. I also use 7/8oz of lead and 30 grains of H110 in my 28 gauge . Cat
scopes are cool, but slings 'n' irons RULE!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 11,353
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 11,353 |
Lefthand Benelli and Kent Steel #3 or #4.
CastnBlast, I had forgotten about those Hastings barrels for Model 12s. Going to keep my eye out for one of those. Love using that rig as much as I can.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,552
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,552 |
Please God, give me some good tags this year....
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 457
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 457 |
That's all I use unless I have some randoms that get brought along. #3 - 3" #2 -2-3/4 or 3" IC - Benelli M1S90
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 30
Campfire Greenhorn
|
Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 30 |
hevi shot long range and boss shot shells 20 gauge 3” 1.25 #4
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,630 Likes: 1
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,630 Likes: 1 |
An Auto 5 Mag 12 Stalker and any fast steel load of 1s to 4s does everything to any range I need. Sometimes my Sweet 16 with 3s/4s, and a BGH 20ga with 3/4 steel or #4 bismuth. Other than being lighter, most newer shotguns only offer me drawbacks....for all around waterfowling. Any old auto 5 has outperformed every iteration of spaghetti gun I’ve owned, used, or been near....for the last 40 years. Not likely to change now.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,693 Likes: 1
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,693 Likes: 1 |
Model 37, 12 ga., fixed modified, 2-3/4" #2 or 3 Fasteel.
The biggest problem our country has is not systemic racism, it's systemic stupidity.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,457
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,457 |
Been shooting my M2 with 3" Fiocchi High Velocity (Warlocks) 1 1/5oz #1s for everything. We shoot a mixed bag of puddlers, divers and Canada geese. I hate guessing or swapping shells. That load patterns great for me and works like a champ for everything.
Semper Fi
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 13,357
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 13,357 |
Benelli M1 Super 90 28" barrel, 3" 1-1/8 #2's Kills ducks and geese just fine.
Eat Fish, Wear Grundens, Drink Alaskan.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,276
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,276 |
Benelli M2 20 Ga 3” 1oz Kent bismuth 3’s and 4’s IM choke this year. Mostly 3’s and 4’s steel in a modified or IC choke prior to this year.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,419
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,419 |
SBE 1 LH and Pure Gold Mod choke. Winchester Xperts 1 1/8 oz #3's. Worked for many many years........
If it ain't broke don't fix it!!!!!!!!!!!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,350
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,350 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 512
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 512 |
Benelli Super Vinci with blindside 3" shells, #3 shot.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,813
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,813 |
Benelli M1 Super 90 28" barrel, 3" 1-1/8 #2's Kills ducks and geese just fine.
Hey!!!! See someone has tacked on another year...You are catching up Happy B-Day!!!!
laissez les bons temps rouler
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 126
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 126 |
16 gauge model 97 with 1 ounce nice shot when puddle jumping.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 13,357
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 13,357 |
Benelli M1 Super 90 28" barrel, 3" 1-1/8 #2's Kills ducks and geese just fine.
Hey!!!! See someone has tacked on another year...You are catching up Happy B-Day!!!! Yeah the big 5 0! Thanks buddy
Eat Fish, Wear Grundens, Drink Alaskan.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,922 Likes: 1
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,922 Likes: 1 |
happy birthday MCH hope you have a lot more of them
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 13,357
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 13,357 |
happy birthday MCH hope you have a lot more of them Thank you
Eat Fish, Wear Grundens, Drink Alaskan.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 32,130 Likes: 1
Campfire 'Bwana
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 32,130 Likes: 1 |
Benelli M1 Super 90 28" barrel, 3" 1-1/8 #2's Kills ducks and geese just fine.
Hey!!!! See someone has tacked on another year...You are catching up Happy B-Day!!!! Yeah the big 5 0! Thanks buddy Damn!!!
If you put Taco Bell sauce in your ramen noodles it tastes just like poverty
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 13,357
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 13,357 |
Benelli M1 Super 90 28" barrel, 3" 1-1/8 #2's Kills ducks and geese just fine.
Hey!!!! See someone has tacked on another year...You are catching up Happy B-Day!!!! Yeah the big 5 0! Thanks buddy Damn!!! Haha thank you
Eat Fish, Wear Grundens, Drink Alaskan.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,362 Likes: 1
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,362 Likes: 1 |
Decoyed Ducks:
3-inch Mag HEVI-Shot #3s (1-1/4 load) at 1,500 fps. Choke: PatternMaster Anaconda Midrange. Gun: Mossberg Ulti-Mag backbored w/28-inch barrel.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,517
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,517 |
Old Remington 11-87 in Mossy oak bottomland pattern shooting federal speed shok 3" 1500 fps 1 1/8 oz 2's for most everything, until late December and January, then I switch to BB's for Geese. Factory extended modified tube, blue loctited in.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 9,099
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 9,099 |
Ducks in the decoys. Kent steel #3 with a skeet 2 choke.
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." Edmund Burke 1795
"Give me liberty or give me death" Patrick Henry 1775
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 13,357
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 13,357 |
Ducks in the decoys. Kent steel #3 with a skeet 2 choke. That will kill em all day everyday! Provided we do our part.
Eat Fish, Wear Grundens, Drink Alaskan.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,419
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,419 |
Super Black Eagle 1 and #3 expert Winchester 1 1/8 oz!
If it ain't broke don't fix it!!!!!!!!!!!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 24,293 Likes: 12
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 24,293 Likes: 12 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 24,293 Likes: 12
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 24,293 Likes: 12 |
Super Black Eagle 1 and #3 expert Winchester 1 1/8 oz! that was fun ll bet
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 52
Campfire Greenhorn
|
Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 52 |
Fed blue box 4's +90% of the time. I will switch to 6's for teal specific hunts over decoys and nudge up to 3's or 2's chasing divers out of the sculler.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,493
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,493 |
Old rossi side by side mod an full. 3 in copper coated 6is for everything
there is no man more free than he who has nothing left to lose --unknown-- " If it bleeds we can kill it" Conan The Barbarian
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 171
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 171 |
I always find these discussions interesting. I shot ducks in CA for 49 seasons, and over the last 30 years, pretty much all I shot were 2 3/4” 4’s. I sold my duck club 3 years ago and started duck hunting in Idaho on a club that only allows small gauge guns. Now, when shooting 20 gauges we mostly shoot 2 3/4” Federal blue box 4’s. When shooting 28 gauges (which is mostly what we hunt with) Hevi X 4’s. Hevi X is a great waterfowl shell.
After doing all my duck hunting with 28 & 20 gauges the last 3 years, I don’t really care to use a 12 gauge any longer.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 512
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 512 |
I just got a couple of cases of the light 2 3/4" load from boss. Cant wait to give them a try on waterfowl and pheasant this fall. I prefer old double guns but i bought 3 model 12 featherweights im going to set up for different scenarios from quail to geese.
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 4,083 Likes: 1
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 4,083 Likes: 1 |
Husqvarna 51 7/8oz ITX 6's and 1oz Bismuth 5's
Last edited by erich; 03/20/21.
After the first shot the rest are just noise.
Make mine a Minaska
Heaven has walls and rules, H-ll has open borders
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 11,315 Likes: 5
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 11,315 Likes: 5 |
Beretta 390 (Walmart version) 12 gauge, shooting 3” #2 Winchester Blindsides. I switch to #3s or 4s if the birds are decoying well. Choke is a Patternmaster short range or long range, depending upon conditions.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,460 Likes: 1
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,460 Likes: 1 |
SBE2 with factory mod choke (I tried some premium chokes and the factory choke worked best) Boss 2 3/4” #4 ducks Boss 3” #2 for geese
Decades of voting for the lesser of two evils has gotten us just that.....
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,570 Likes: 1
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,570 Likes: 1 |
Husqvarna 51 7/8oz ITX 6's and 1oz Bismuth 5's Great pictures
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,326
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,326 |
Beretta Extrema 2 with 3" Hevi Metal #2 or Black Cloud #2. Can't do the 3.5" after two shoulder surgeries
Last edited by pullit; 07/12/21.
I may not be smart but I can lift heavy objects
I have a shotgun so I have no need for a 30-06.....
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,570 Likes: 1
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,570 Likes: 1 |
With age came the returns to 20ga more often than 12 ga. Have some nice older sxs's or an older wingmaster.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 13,357
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 13,357 |
Beretta Extrema 2 with 3" Hevi Metal #2 or Black Cloud #2. Can't do the 3.5" after two shoulder surgeries Even with good shoulders there is ZERO need for 3.5"! But I have to say the gun company's have done well with it. After all you need to sell guns to stay in business.
Eat Fish, Wear Grundens, Drink Alaskan.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,326
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,326 |
I have thought that 3.5" were not needed for a long time. Back in the day when you could shoot lead, I killed more than a few ducks with 2 3/4" lead #5 Baby Mags. I tried 3.5" one time and said no thank you. If you can't work the ducks into a decent range, let them go.
I may not be smart but I can lift heavy objects
I have a shotgun so I have no need for a 30-06.....
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,570 Likes: 1
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,570 Likes: 1 |
I have thought that 3.5" were not needed for a long time. Back in the day when you could shoot lead, I killed more than a few ducks with 2 3/4" lead #5 Baby Mags. I tried 3.5" one time and said no thank you. If you can't work the ducks into a decent range, let them go. TRUTH
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 8,929 Likes: 5
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 8,929 Likes: 5 |
In the old days early season it was allways 1330 fps 1 1/4oz of 5's with a 2 3/4" 1 1/2 oz of 4's in the end of the mag. After the northern mallards showed up I'd use 1 3/8 oz of copper plated 4's at 1375. Big learning curve on steel but it works. Mostly Kent Fasteel 1 1/16 oz #3's for ducks and 1 1/4 oz 3" 1-BB's on geese. Shot hevi, tungsten polymer and bismuth but they are spendy. Mb
" Cheapest velocity in the world comes from a long barrel and I sure do like them. MB "
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 9,112 Likes: 7
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 9,112 Likes: 7 |
I've gone boss 2 3/4" 5's copper plated bismuth out of the 20 GA.
I might sell all them 12 ga's. 😀
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 297
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 297 |
Remington or Federal 3.5” #2 out of a Briley Improved Modified choke.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 194
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 194 |
Belgium Browning A5 magnum with bismuth 2's. This is the shotgun I grew up using for for everything, ducks geese,doves,quail,rabbits etc. Shoots where I point it and Kills well
Last edited by ACTDad; 12/10/21. Reason: Typo
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 3,054 Likes: 6
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 3,054 Likes: 6 |
Browning BSS 30in bbls opened to IC/MOD. Favorite load is bismuth 2 3/4in with 1 1/4oz #4 at 1220. They called this a Sporting Game load but ducks just hate it. Running low on these now so I’ll soon shift to #5 in the same load. Got lots of those. Bismuth #2 is deadly for me on geese These are hard to find loads as most guys want higher velocities, so that’s what gets produced. I may have to load my own one day. To be fair, I ‘d do as well with steel 2’s in an auto, but these are fine for me.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 189
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 189 |
Duck hunting 60 day season in Iowa first 20 days 4 shot second 20 days 3 shot last 20 days of season 2 shot. Why early season most ducks are smaller teal,woodducks, middle season Gadwalls Widgen Bluebill, late season mostly Mallards. Match the shot size for the majority of the Ducks you are shooting.
Last edited by 1100RemingtonMan; 12/12/21.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 418
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 418 |
I bought my 2 3/4" Browning A5 new back in 1978 and on ducks it / I have always liked #3 steel fired through a Carlson's LM stainless extended choke.
On the two hunts we've been on so far this season my buddy and I did pretty good......we're going again this coming Thurs. or Friday morning.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 3,171
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 3,171 |
Gun: something in 12 ga 95% of the time, 10 ga 4%, 16 or 20 the remainder.
12 ga: over water- Modified. Field IC and/or Light Mod as birds are close and these chokes pattern larger goose shot well.
10 ga: Mod. Gives the best long range patterns in my gun.
16 & 20: Mod. It's the choke I have found to work best in these two.
12 ga :
1 1/4 oz of #2 steel. No particular brand though generally stay away from the lowest quality. This is my over water preference.
Field hunting: 1 oz #3 steel handloads ( 2 3/4") or whatever #4, 3, or 2 factory loads I won't use over water.
10 ga:
Factory #1 steel, 1 5/8 factory. Really reaches out and touches ducks. Good goose load too.
20 & 16 gas:
Prefer something other than steel but get by with factory #2 for the 16 ga and 3" # 2 or 3 in the 20. Have shot a lot of #5 tungsten/poly in the 16 and a fair bit of #4 bismuth in both.
Velocity in the 12 and 10 ga loads run in the 1350-1450 fps range whether factory or handload. 16 and 20 factory steel ~1300 fps, factory bismuth and tungsten/poly ~1250 fps.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,840
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,840 |
Kent fasteel 2 3/4” # 2 shot. Occasionally will load a 3” BB first if there are geese mixed in. Winchester SX3 3 1/2” chamber for all steel, just in case you run out of shells and gotta borrow your friends. Always be prepared to shoot your buddies shells!
Last edited by Backroads; 12/15/21.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 37
Campfire Greenhorn
|
Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 37 |
Hevi metal 12ga 3” #3 for early season does great work on anything from green wings to mallards , I switch to #2 for later season birds plus its a great option for when you can shoot ducks or Canadas
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,630 Likes: 1
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,630 Likes: 1 |
2/3/4 steel at decent velocity will kill any duck that 98% of folks have any business shooting at….,in a 2-3/4” or 3”, 12/16/20ga. Unlike rifles, patterns mean far more than pellet size/shell length, when coming to the pill in the vitals component. I’ve found I’m no better or worse, using any combo just mentioned, when choked/patterned properly, and I do my part.
#2s will also kill geese just fine to 40 yards and more. It’s all the guides provide when I go to Saskatchewan. The geese get piled up.
For 90% of my hunting, I prefer 3s or even 4s, and I often pick 1s over 2s, just because they seem to pattern better in my 12s….not because the size is any benefit. 3.5” ruins a LOT of good duck holes. JMO
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 325
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 325 |
12 ga. #2 steel, don't mess with 3.5", I can get teal and Canadas in the same place at the same time.
The Rifle is the Weapon of Democracy
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 171
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 171 |
You guys are killing me. All I shot last season was a 28 gauge Beretta A400 with Hevi-X 4’s. That’s pretty much all we shoot, and nearly all our ducks are mallards. Heck, I even used the 28 while hunting honkers and doubled with it from a decent sized flock. Haven’t hunted ducks with a 12 gauge in 5 seasons and haven’t missed it a bit.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 79
Campfire Greenhorn
|
Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 79 |
Too many shotguns to list. Last year did well on Mallards with 12 gauge Federal 3" #1 shot @ 1550 FPS.
Forget the past the past is gone forever, right now is where it's happening.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,630 Likes: 1
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,630 Likes: 1 |
Realistically? Any good, decent speed #1-4 steel and up to #5 or 6 bismuth, if I have it handy. 12, 16, 20ga…. Doesn’t really matter. If you hit them, they die. It’s far more about more pellets in the duck, than which pellet in the duck. I used to obsess more.
Last edited by hh4whiskey; 06/09/22.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 553
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 553 |
Using boss shells good stuff.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 121
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 121 |
All in marsh over open water:
12 gauge beretta 391 with factory modified choke -3” 1-1/4oz #2 steel
12 gauge beretta 690 field o/u with factory imp and mod chokes - 2-3/4” 1-1/8oz #3 steel
10 gauge browning bps with factory improved cylinder - 3-1/2” 1-3/4oz #4 bismuth
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 746
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 746 |
1977 Remington 870, 28" Imp Mod with 2-3/4" 1-1/8 oz #3 @ 1479fps.
RAVENS & WOLVES
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 4,127 Likes: 6
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 4,127 Likes: 6 |
Not much of a duck hunter but i get after them a few times a year. Might try out the 1959 Winchester model 12 heavy duck i just bought
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 24
New Member
|
New Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 24 |
I don't really have a standard I could be shooting a 28ga one day and the next 12ga 3 1/2" it just depends. But I do have a favorite general purpose duck load. That being Kent 12ga 3" 1 1/8 oz #6 steel at 1560 fps. From doves to mallards it has worked fine as far as I can tell.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,511 Likes: 1
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,511 Likes: 1 |
I have 5 870 wingmasters, 12ga and 20ga. In timber I use the 20s with modified choke and usually Winchester 3inch number 2s. For hunting fields I usually use a 12ga with modified choke and number 2s. I've owned every type benelli, Winchester sx2,3,4 and several others but always return to an 870. They always work for me.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 9,844 Likes: 1
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 9,844 Likes: 1 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 12,194 Likes: 8
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 12,194 Likes: 8 |
LH SBE1. Carlson 0.705" flush mount choke. Rio #4's. Nothing fancy. Works for me...
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 71
Campfire Greenhorn
|
Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 71 |
For the last 20 years I’ve shot 2 3/4” 12 ga, 1-1/8 or 1-1/4oz bismuth. I only shoot at geese if they happen to fly low over me while I’m duck hunting.
90% of the time I either use a 1911 AH Fox Pin gun or a 1924 Fox Sterlingworth 16 ga.
Last edited by GlacierJohn; 01/05/23.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 3,054 Likes: 6
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 3,054 Likes: 6 |
For the last 20 years I’ve shot 2 3/4” 12 ga, 1-1/8 or 1-1/4oz bismuth. I only shoot at geese if they happen to fly low over me while I’m duck hunting.
90% of the time I either use a 1911 AH Fox Pin gun or a 1924 Fox Sterlingworth 16 ga. Obviously a man of good taste. 😁 My Fox 12 is a 1911 A Grade. My Sterlingworth is a 1922 16ga. Both are short chambered so I use 2 1/2 in shells,usually with 7/8 to 1oz. I’ve shot a few limits of mallards and one unlucky goose with an ounce of Nice Shot in the 12.
|
|
|
|
505 members (12344mag, 163bc, 1Longbow, 10gaugeman, 204guy, 219 Wasp, 41 invisible),
2,116
guests, and
1,183
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
Forums81
Topics1,193,223
Posts18,504,236
Members73,994
|
Most Online11,491 Jul 7th, 2023
|
|
|
|