Suggestions for non toxic 12 ga. duck,goose ammo

[stevemiller]

I did take the time to look through about 10 pages of the duck threads to see if it has allready been asked,as i am sure it has.anyone have any recomendations for non toxic ammo in 12 ga. 3in. or 3.5in.

[Fishnclifff]

3in # 1 or 2 shot is all you need.
I shoot Kents.

[CedarPants]

I've used Kent as well and have no complaints

[Mfowl]

+1 on the Kent shells. I shoot 1s, 2s and BBs all season. Ducks and geese. Good shell, good price.

[Special T]

Kent 3in #3

[pianoman9701]

I shoot Black Cloud BBs and it knocks them down for cheap. About $20 for 25 and since I've been using them, I limit out in around 10 shells. They get a little dirty, but I've never had a problem with that in the field. I shoot an 1187 semi with a 28" barrel, improved cylinder.

[X-Force]

Kent shoot about as good as anything... its all about price and how much you shoot after them imo.

[jennyfell55]

Kent Fasteel 3" #2 here! I bump up to 3" BB if I'm expecting geese. As long as I do my part (don't miss  ) they knock birds down nicely 

[vandeman17]

Another vote for kent but I would say if you are going to do a lot of hunting to try a few different options and pattern them. I found that Kents actually pattern the best out of my setup and it doesn't hurt that they are cheap. 

[jennyfell55]

I personally would set up several boards and pattern at different ranges so you know exactly what your chosen load is doing at different distances. What's great at 30 yards may be horrible at 20

[vandeman17]

Another vote for kent but I would say if you are going to do a lot of hunting to try a few different options and pattern them. I found that Kents actually pattern the best out of my setup and it doesn't hurt that they are cheap. 

Very good point sir.im using the factory bennelli choke,i will buy a few boxes and pattern it.How far would you set up your shot for a good pattern idea?

I patterned mine at about 30 yards. I was pretty surprised when Kent patterned the best out of my setup but was happy because almost every place sells them and they aren't too spendy. 

[WSU]

Kent works fine.  So does winchester expert and can be bought cheaper.  Go to rogerssportinggoods.com and buy a case of whatever patterns best out of your gun.  I wait for a sale and then buy a case or 3. 

Last year I bought a case of federal premiums for less per box than what you pay for kents at the store.

[BigGoonTuna]

i've had really lousy luck with the xperts.  cut open a shell, you won't be too impressed...the shot looks like welding slag, and the size isn't anywhere near consistent.  if they pattern OK out of your gun, it's probably OK, but i like to stick with federals or kents.

[tr122]

I tried out black cloud for a season and I didn't like it, it shoots dirty and I knocked down less.

[WSU]

i've had really lousy luck with the xperts.  cut open a shell, you won't be too impressed...the shot looks like welding slag, and the size isn't anywhere near consistent.  if they pattern OK out of your gun, it's probably OK, but i like to stick with federals or kents.

Interesting.  I've never looked inside one.  They seem to kill just fine for me?

[Fishnclifff]

i've had really lousy luck with the xperts.  cut open a shell, you won't be too impressed...the shot looks like welding slag, and the size isn't anywhere near consistent.  if they pattern OK out of your gun, it's probably OK, but i like to stick with federals or kents.

Interesting.  I've never looked inside one.  They seem to kill just fine for me?

I did the same also with Kent general purpose and Expert shells.
Expert shot not consistent size or weight for the BB's.
Kent GP LOADS, looked like the sprinkles on a cake.

[wadu1]

I like the Winchester Blindside; I get them at Wally World at the end of the season. Last year 3 1/2 #2 at $15 a box. But my go to shells are Kent, BB for geese, 2s for ducks and #4s for close decoying birds. And I use an IC or skeet in all my guns. 

[huntingfool7]

i've had really lousy luck with the xperts.  cut open a shell, you won't be too impressed...the shot looks like welding slag, and the size isn't anywhere near consistent.  if they pattern OK out of your gun, it's probably OK, but i like to stick with federals or kents.

I've cut open a lot of shotshells, Win. xperts are not the only steel shot out there that won't roll on a plate.

I use Kent faststeel in 2, 3 or 4's.  I've never found anything but round pellets in a Kent hull.

[crow360]

3 inch #2 is my main load and I will also shoot  3in BB if I know there might be geese flying around in the area. I use Winchester for my duck load and Blackcloud  3 inBB snowgoose load for when I hunt geese. Pick what works best for you and is in your price range. I try to stick with the same ammo once I find what I like it helps be keep consistant when shooting. Good look and knock am dead.

[eriecutemoutfitters]

Hevi Metal 3" #3's for the past three years and this year Hevi Metal 3" #4s this year if I'm here.

[jennyfell55]

The consensus I've seen from most people is that there's not enough added benefit to deal with the extra recoil and wear & tear on the gun

[vandeman17]

ok so now i have the brand down to a couple thanks for all the input.Now is there a reason people in general dont use the 3.5s?

I usually have a few 3.5" shells with me in case we have a group of geese coming in. I also will throw one in as my third shot if I am going to jump shoot or if I need to try and water swat something that has gotten pretty far away. I used to shoot them more often but it just punished my shoulder too much and I didn't see much better results, if any.