Hevi Metal #2s on geese?

[Bob33]

I have an older 2 ¾” 870 12 gauge that I want to use on decoying geese at ranges of 20 to 35 yards.

I have a box of Hevi Metal #2s. I know it’s not the optimal load (or gun) but my question is how well can I expect them to work? Am I likely to have too many cripples?

[bowjunkie]

i aint no expert but i think you will be okay just dont try and reach out.

[bobcat]

That's the perfect load for that shotgun. You will have no problem killing geese at the distances you are talking about.

Actually you should be good to 45 or 50 yards as long as your shotgun patterns those loads tight enough out that far.

[RadSav]

As long as the gun is steel compaitable it sounds like it will be fine to me.  I like #2 for geese.  Killed a bunch with 2.75" over the years.

[Bob33]

As long as the gun is steel compaitable it sounds like it will be fine to me.  I like #2 for geese.  Killed a bunch with 2.75" over the years.

It's not, but with an open choke and just a few shots down the tube I'm thinking it will be ok. It's not an heirloom so if it kicks the dust I wouldn't be heartbroken.

[sakoshooter]

I have an older 2 ¾” 870 12 gauge that I want to use on decoying geese at ranges of 20 to 35 yards.

I have a box of Hevi Metal #2s. I know it’s not the optimal load (or gun) but my question is how well can I expect them to work? Am I likely to have too many cripples?

That's an excellent load even at a bit longer distances Bob. You'll be pleased.

[sakoshooter]

As long as the gun is steel compaitable it sounds like it will be fine to me.  I like #2 for geese.  Killed a bunch with 2.75" over the years.

It's not, but with an open choke and just a few shots down the tube I'm thinking it will be ok. It's not an heirloom so if it kicks the dust I wouldn't be heartbroken.

That gun IS steel compatible. You can choke it up to Mod as long as the choke manufacturer approves it for use w/steel. Some do. Some don't.
I have a 1975 Rem 870 choked full(fixed) and it's seen a few K of steel thru it. It patterns it fantastic also.

[Bob33]

Thanks for the info! This is a temporary situation so it sounds like I should be OK.

[Bullkllr]

I have the exact same shotgun. I actually prefer it (a bit weird, I know) over over my newer options with interchangeable chokes and 3" chambers. Those loads will work just fine. Might even be overkill if you really get shots at 20-35 yards. I've seen a lot of close range geese drop to 4s, 5's and even 6's ...back in the lead days. Heavy Metal 2's should outright smoke'em at those ranges.

[lokidog]

As long as the gun is steel compaitable it sounds like it will be fine to me.  I like #2 for geese.  Killed a bunch with 2.75" over the years.

It's not, but with an open choke and just a few shots down the tube I'm thinking it will be ok. It's not an heirloom so if it kicks the dust I wouldn't be heartbroken.

I shot steel out of my 1964 Wingmaster starting in 1976 and continued through 2002 or so.  It is a full choke and there was no damage to the barrel from shooting steel.  Also, we used to drop all of our geese (Central Flyway giants) with #4, 2 and occasionally 1's.  We kept our shooting under 40 yards and had no problems.  All of my geese last year were shot with #3's out to about 45 yards, no cripples.

That gun IS steel compatible. You can choke it up to Mod as long as the choke manufacturer approves it for use w/steel. Some do. Some don't.
I have a 1975 Rem 870 choked full(fixed) and it's seen a few K of steel thru it. It patterns it fantastic also.

[h2ofowlr]

I typically shoot the Hevi Metal 3" #2's for geese and do very well on them.  You will be fine if you are getting them into decoy range.   

[Commando]

Might want to pattern them. I tried patterning heavy shot 3" 2s and couldn't get a good patterning for anything huge holes in it and it always hit high and to the left if where I was trying to hit.

[Tealer]

I have been shooting 3s in regular steel all season. 2a in heavy shot should be fine.


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[Badhabit]

Post up a photo when you blow the choke part of your barrel apart. You already knew it was risky shooting hevi metal 2's thru your old fixed ckoke 870. Just look at what black cloud and blindside shot does to newer shotguns.  If it's an heirloom I wouldn't risk it.