What size of a load do you use, no, not that one

[blindpig]

I go duck hunting about once a year.  I have been shooting a 12-gauge semi-auto. I use BB, 1's, 2's, and 4's.  What is your favorite and why?

[yelp]

3" 4's or 3" 3's if I can find them...I also shoot 3 1/2" 2, 4 BB's when hunting the River.

[wrangler]

jump shoot with 3" 4's or 6's and outa the blinds i'll use 2's.

[blindpig]

Thanks guys that helps a bunch.  I had much success with the four's.

[Ray]

For Ducks I use #4. For geese I like #2.

[Antlershed]

Ducks, #3 or #4 shot. Geese, Anywhere from BBB to #2 depending on the situation

[Gobble Gobble]

It looks like a lot of you are shooting 12 gage chambered in 3" & 3 1/2". What is good for those (like ME) who shoot 2 3/4"? My wife is shooting a 20 Gage in 2 3/4 or 3"? I've been shooting #2 & 3 shot and my wife #4 (all we can find in 20 gage).

[road.kill]

I like #2 shot for big ducks. If i was targetting teal or something smaller i would probably reconsider to a #4

[Yummy and Tasty Animal]

I've been using #2 Federal Speed Shok or whatever lately, but when I run outta those I'm gonna try some #3.

[ridgefire]

i can only shoot 2 3/4" out of my old wingmaster and i was using #4 shot but switched to #2 and my kills to wounded went way up

[road.kill]

i can only shoot 2 3/4" out of my old wingmaster and i was using #4 shot but switched to #2 and my kills to wounded went way up

Meaning now you are getting more clean kills with the #2, or now you are getting more cripples with the #2 ?

[blindpig]

Thanks for all the replies, its very helpful to get different ideas and opinions.  Thanks again, and have a great hunting season this year.

[ridgefire]

im getting alot more kills with the #2 

[bobcat]

For ducks, #2 and #3's, for geese BB's and T's.  (steel shot)

[Gobble Gobble]

Any of you ever have a brain fart? Well, I had one this weekend and it would explain why I couldn't down any birds.

I have been shooting my fathers old Winchester model 59 (made 1959) 12 gage, it's a nice piece chambered in 2 3/4" with wood stock & hand guard, detailed engraving and a lightweight steel lined fiberglass barrel. It has two chokes with it a Modified (Mod) and an Improved Modified (I Mod).

This is where I have the brain fart, after cleaning it last I had removed the choke and when I went to go put the choke back in I couldn't remember which one I had in the Mod or the I Mod. Me thinking Improved Modified is better than Modified I put that one in.

Well, me and the Misses went out Saturday and I $h!t you not I shot a bird it landed on the water and then stood up on the water and flapped it's wings like it was drying its self after a bath. Then it just swam away slowly and dove as if nothing had just happened. I had a couple other birds that didn't even bat an eye lash either.

Pissed with my in ability to hit a bird I was complaining over a beer to dad about it and he asked what choke I had used and I told him the I Mod. He laughed and said it has a wide shot group meant for birds like quail that are small, that I should have been using the Mod choke. Apparently I Mod is the same as improved cylinder and the Mod is the same as Full. Needless to I was laughed too but still wasn't happy coming home birdless. I wont be making that mistake next weekend.