collapse

Advertisement


Author Topic: Hevi Metal #2s on geese?  (Read 4162 times)

Offline Bob33

  • Global Moderator
  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2009
  • Posts: 21742
  • Groups: SCI, RMEF, NRA, Hunter Education
Hevi Metal #2s on geese?
« on: December 30, 2015, 04:36:13 PM »
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?
Nature. It's cheaper than therapy.

Offline bowjunkie

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Hunter
  • ***
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 243
  • Location: The Skagit
Re: Hevi Metal #2s on geese?
« Reply #1 on: December 30, 2015, 04:40:51 PM »
i aint no expert but i think you will be okay just dont try and reach out.

Offline bobcat

  • Global Moderator
  • Trade Count: (+14)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2007
  • Posts: 39187
  • Location: Rochester
    • robert68
Re: Hevi Metal #2s on geese?
« Reply #2 on: December 30, 2015, 04:49:41 PM »
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.

Offline RadSav

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 11342
  • Location: Vancouver
Re: Hevi Metal #2s on geese?
« Reply #3 on: December 30, 2015, 04:53:23 PM »
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.
He asked, Do you ever give a short simple answer?  I replied, "Nope."

Offline Bob33

  • Global Moderator
  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2009
  • Posts: 21742
  • Groups: SCI, RMEF, NRA, Hunter Education
Re: Hevi Metal #2s on geese?
« Reply #4 on: December 30, 2015, 04:55:43 PM »
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.
Nature. It's cheaper than therapy.

Offline sakoshooter

  • WFW Board of Directors
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Nov 2009
  • Posts: 3597
  • Location: Puyallup
  • Groups: Life Memberr NRA, Life Member Sumner Sportsmans Association
Re: Hevi Metal #2s on geese?
« Reply #5 on: December 30, 2015, 05:38:35 PM »
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.
Rhinelander, WI
Home of the Hodag

Offline sakoshooter

  • WFW Board of Directors
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Nov 2009
  • Posts: 3597
  • Location: Puyallup
  • Groups: Life Memberr NRA, Life Member Sumner Sportsmans Association
Re: Hevi Metal #2s on geese?
« Reply #6 on: December 30, 2015, 05:42:47 PM »
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.
Rhinelander, WI
Home of the Hodag

Offline Bob33

  • Global Moderator
  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2009
  • Posts: 21742
  • Groups: SCI, RMEF, NRA, Hunter Education
Re: Hevi Metal #2s on geese?
« Reply #7 on: December 30, 2015, 05:56:14 PM »
Thanks for the info! This is a temporary situation so it sounds like I should be OK.
Nature. It's cheaper than therapy.

Offline Bullkllr

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Aug 2007
  • Posts: 4915
  • Location: Graham
Re: Hevi Metal #2s on geese?
« Reply #8 on: December 30, 2015, 06:06:14 PM »
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. :twocents:
A Man's Gotta Eat

Offline lokidog

  • Trade Count: (+6)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Mar 2009
  • Posts: 15186
  • Location: Sultan/Wisconsin
Re: Hevi Metal #2s on geese?
« Reply #9 on: December 30, 2015, 09:06:57 PM »
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.

Offline h2ofowlr

  • CHOKED UP TIGHT
  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Dec 2008
  • Posts: 9120
  • Location: In the "Blind"! Go Cougs!
Re: Hevi Metal #2s on geese?
« Reply #10 on: December 30, 2015, 09:48:46 PM »
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.   :tup:
Cut em!
It's not the shells!  It's the shooter!

Offline Commando

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jan 2013
  • Posts: 648
  • Location: Kitsap
Re: Hevi Metal #2s on geese?
« Reply #11 on: December 30, 2015, 11:50:18 PM »
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.

Offline Tealer

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2009
  • Posts: 811
Re: Hevi Metal #2s on geese?
« Reply #12 on: December 31, 2015, 10:46:27 PM »
I have been shooting 3s in regular steel all season. 2a in heavy shot should be fine.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Offline Badhabit

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: May 2007
  • Posts: 1227
Re: Hevi Metal #2s on geese?
« Reply #13 on: December 31, 2015, 11:37:46 PM »
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.

 


* Advertisement

* Recent Topics

2025 Draw Results by 6haase6
[Today at 11:37:25 AM]


2025 OILS! by vandeman17
[Today at 11:08:12 AM]


Antlerless Moose more than once? by Whitpirate
[Today at 10:46:58 AM]


Cowiche Quality Buck by tvandy45
[Today at 10:19:45 AM]


Share your out of state experience by CasterlyRock
[Today at 09:45:12 AM]


Vancouver Outdoor Expo. WHOA WHOA WHAT? by nwmein199
[Today at 09:39:47 AM]


SE raffle tags holder by trophyhunt
[Today at 09:34:07 AM]


Son drawn - Silver Dollar Youth Any Elk - Help? by TC_outdoorsman
[Today at 09:29:53 AM]


Anterless 1334 muzzle loader by avidnwoutdoorsman
[Today at 09:28:10 AM]


Maple creek outfitters by nwhunter
[Today at 08:17:17 AM]


Bow mount trolling motors by GWP
[Today at 07:32:25 AM]


Nevada guide draw Mule Deer by High Climber
[Today at 07:18:34 AM]


11th Annual 'Pull For Scouting' Clay Crushing Classic by high_hunter
[Today at 12:27:18 AM]


AKC lab puppies! Born 06/10/2025 follow as they grow!!! by high_hunter
[Today at 12:21:33 AM]


Ritzville Rifle Buck - GMU 284 by high_hunter
[Yesterday at 11:49:16 PM]


Nooksack Muzzleloader Bull Tag by high_hunter
[Yesterday at 10:42:24 PM]


My wife drew quality deer DESERT rifle 10/18-10/26!!!!! by high_hunter
[Yesterday at 10:17:15 PM]


Palouse buck deer by blumtnelkndeer
[Yesterday at 10:14:00 PM]


Drew Quality by Jimmer
[Yesterday at 09:34:00 PM]


Quality Swakane by Rainier10
[Yesterday at 09:09:17 PM]

SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2025, SimplePortal