2 3/4 shells, what # shot for Ducks?

[HuntinCrazy]

All I shoot is 2 3/4 #4s Kents with extra full choke aka no choke

Extra full would be almost completely opposite from no choke.

 

[BigGoonTuna]

i shoot mostly #2s in 2 3/4", as i picked up a couple cases of nitro steel a year or so ago for cheap.  i use an I/C or modified choke most of the time.

[beninchelan]

I prefer 2 3/4" shells and buy the cheapest shells I can find,

 your problem is that 65 yards is too far I that's  more pass shooting, than traditional duck hunting.  focus on your hunting and shooting,  to get em feet down into the decoys, keep em under 40 yards & 2 3/4" shells will fold em dead, if you do your part.


 we don't let anyone we take out shoot anything more than 3" shells, that old gun & poly choke will do the trick, pattern the gun with different shells & choke/shell combinations find out what she likes.

[Hunting7mm]

I prefer 3" #4 reloads going 1650 fps.  I just reloaded 100 shells last night.  I know your looking at 2 3/4 but 3" seems to be my best duck load.

[nickhunter9]

*also no choke

[Blacktail135]

 Number #1: 65 YARDS? ARE YOU PUSHING OUR LEGS? You're not one of those are you? If so, then we need to rein you in a bit. 20-30 yards used to be about the norm but in the last few years the distance (reach?) has been increasing (probably due to competition (my straps bigger than your strap thing) and lack of proper tutoring). I know some may say 10 yards with #6 shot and some will say 80 yards with F shot but, those are extremes. I personally use 3" #4 and most shots are around 20 yards. If I had to say what is the most common duck hunting cartridge I'd say a 3" #2 steel (hopefully used inside of 40 yards).
 Number #2: Will that adjustible choke even shoot steel without damaging it? I really do not know. I've never shot steel shot through a gun designed to shoot lead shot. It may shoot it but, will it cause damage? Happy hunting.

[lokidog]

Your shells are just fine but #3's will give you more pellets in the air.
 
 You say your shotgun has a veritable choke, ...........I would use the modified setting ( which gives you a full choke with steel shot) and limit your shots to 45yds or less. You may damage the barrel or choke with the choke set on full. Mod or IC is recommended


Good luck, hope this helps

I shot steel out of a full choke 1963 rem 870 Wingmaster for almost twenty years, not a bit of damage to the barrel.  Just test out your choke adjustments until you get a pattern you are happy with at the range you are comfortable shooting.  I do like #3 for the pellet count versus energy downrange for most shooting conditions.

[sakoshooter]

Those Poly Chokes pattern fantastic. And they'll shoot steel shot just fine. Like mentioned above, pattern it by testing it from open to tight and back again and settle on a couple settings. One more open for early morning close shots for example and a slightly tighter setting for longer shots for decoys shy birds in the middle of the day etc. Have fun and good luck.

[wildweeds]

I don't think he is shooting 65 yards, if you look at the poly gizmo on the end  in his picture ,there is markings of choke constriction AND below them(toward the  is a distance marking.What I get from his post is that he has it set on "Full" and "65 yards". If in fact he is shooting 65 yards I'd think hiding better,calling less and waiting until the landing gear is DOWN would be a better plan for success.

[cowboycraig]

Was using the 65 yard setting on choke, but was shooting much closer (within 40 yards most of the time if not 30).

THANKS! for all the endless amazing information. I am heading out again with #2 Heavy Metal http://www.hevishot.com/catalog/hevi-metal/ I like that it is a hybrid and not so $$$
and a bunch of regular steel #3.

That is what I could find around town. Will see how it works.

Have been to the trap range and dialing back my choke has made a big difference (and maybe treating the choke better). Want to check the shot spread with different mixes but not sure when I will make it out to public land to do that. Be nice if shotgun ranges had a spot for that.

My JC. Higgins was made in 1954 or so and don't want to kill it.

THANKS!
Craig