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Forums10
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Most Online1,344 Apr 29th, 2024
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,994 Likes: 493
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,994 Likes: 493 |
For large ducks (and separately Canadas), what would you guys recommend for steel factory loads in a 12 ga with IC/M chokes over decoys? Prefer 2.75", but 3" is feasible.
I shoot Bismuth, but this is not about me and my steel experience is limited and dated.
_________ BrentD, (Professor - just for Stan) =>/
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,382 Likes: 1321
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,382 Likes: 1321 |
I like 3s the best for big ducks, but have killed many mallards with 4s over dekes, as long as you don't take really long shots, and 2s work well, too.
Pattern them all and see what you like best in the particular gun and choke.
SRH
May God bless America and those who defend her.
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,994 Likes: 493
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,994 Likes: 493 |
Thnks. Was feeling a bit uneasy about 4s. Canadas are going to need Double Bs I think
_________ BrentD, (Professor - just for Stan) =>/
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 67
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 67 |
When I was hunting on the Mississippi river proper we used #2's for mallards, pintails and canvasbacks. Been hunting backwater holes for the last several years and have had good luck with 3's and 4's on mallards, widgeon, teal & wood ducks. Been using bismuth myself for a few years.
Matt aka Iowa_303
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,382 Likes: 1321
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,382 Likes: 1321 |
The only three Canadas I've ever killed were all killed with #4 steel, but it was at 15 yards or less, when they came right over me as I was shooting early morning woodies in beaver ponds. If I never shoot another one I'll die happy.
I wouldn't purposely plan use #4s on them at "normal goose shooting distance".
Make sure to take pics for us.
All my best, SRH
May God bless America and those who defend her.
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 369 Likes: 2
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 369 Likes: 2 |
I use 3" shells across the board (in modern guns), BB for geese and #4 for ducks. #2 if it's going to be a mixed bag hunt, one of my hardcore buddies uses #2 exclusively
NRA Patron Life Member
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,994 Likes: 493
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,994 Likes: 493 |
Number 6 Bi today. Two in the bag so far with the Greener.
_________ BrentD, (Professor - just for Stan) =>/
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,554 Likes: 184
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,554 Likes: 184 |
Well done Great picture Three Blue Wing Teal today with #4 steel Mike
Last edited by skeettx; 09/15/18 02:11 PM.
USAF RET 1971-95
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,715 Likes: 114
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,715 Likes: 114 |
I shoot 12ga hi-speed steel 2's. Works for ducks and geese both. I usually shoot three inch, but I'm going to 2 3/4 this Fall...Geo
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Joined: May 2015
Posts: 175
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 175 |
#4s over dekes is all you need. Geese over decoys #2s or BBs if the shots are longer. Kent Faststeel is great stuff. Its all I shot for years. Most of the new steel out there is way too fast!!! I think anything over 1400 FPS is just marketing hype. For woodies early season all I use Kent Fast Teal #5s. That kills small ducks nicely.
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