What size shot for both ducks & geese?

[bobcat]

This weekend we will probably be hunting a field that last week when I was scouting on Friday was full of widgeons. There are also lots of geese in the area and if we hunt the field with layout blinds where the widgeons were, it's also likely that geese could come in as well. I've got steel, BB's, 1's, and 3's, all 3 inch shells. I would like to use the 3's for widgeons and BB's for geese, but I also don't really want to be constantly having to change out the shells in my gun. So I'm thinking use the 1's for everything? Good idea, or not?

[frazierw]

I like 2's for ducks and at least BB's for geese.  I use 3 1/2's for geese though.  My go to's are 3" 2's for ducks and 3 1/2 T's for geese.

[vandeman17]

My personal preference is 3" #3 for everything. I would just be aware of range and pass on shots that are a stretch distance wise. If you are hunting a field, most likely there won't be as much pass shooting so #3 should work fine.

[bobcat]

Thanks for the replies. I should add that my shotgun only has a 3 inch chamber.

[vandeman17]

Thanks for the replies. I should add that my shotgun only has a 3 inch chamber.

After years of shooting 3 1/2" shells, I came to the conclusion that I killed just as many birds with 3" and enjoyed the reduced price and recoil. In the off season, or if you get a chance, pattern your gun with different brands and loads. Another thing to consider is adding a choke that extends your distance.

[frazierw]

Thanks for the replies. I should add that my shotgun only has a 3 inch chamber.

After years of shooting 3 1/2" shells, I came to the conclusion that I killed just as many birds with 3" and enjoyed the reduced price and recoil. In the off season, or if you get a chance, pattern your gun with different brands and loads. Another thing to consider is adding a choke that extends your distance.

 

[bobcat]

I would definitely like to do some patterning when I get a chance.

[Buckewe]

I use 3in 3s for everything. If it's to far for them to kill it I didn't do my job right. Get them close and anything with a good pattern will kill them.

[Special T]

Im a big fan for ken 3" #3.
 Additionally  hoaning the inside of your barrelnwith a scothbrite pad helps the pattern on any shotgun.

Take a pice of the green scotch brute pad 3" ish long 1" ish wide so that it fits in your shotgun patch cleaner attach rod to drill lube with some atf. Put in barrel spin it up and hoan. It it will clean and polish the barrelhelping the was travel with out resistance.

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[bobcat]

Thanks for all the advice. Lots to think about. First thing I've got to get done or shot size won't even matter, is my new layout blind needs to get mudded up.

Yeah I grew up hunting ducks when lead shot was legal. I know exactly what size lead shot I'd use in different scenarios. For ducks with geese a possibility I'd be using 2 3/4 inch, 1 1/4 ounce of lead 4's. Or maybe 5's, and possibly 1 3/8 ounce.

But with steel shot I'm still just not quite as confident in what works best.

[WSU]

1's or bb for geese.  Any of the above for ducks.  Also, get an after-market choke and you'll be well served.  It makes a big, big difference.

[carpsniperg2]

I like #1 if I am hunting geese and ducks at the same time.  I run 3 or 4 just for ducks.

[KFhunter]

12g   3 1/2 in. BB shot is what I used to use until I cracked the breech on my POS 835 Mossberg utili-mag, now the spent shot shells won't eject they're stuck tight I have to ramrod them out once I force the action open.  It needs a new barrel. 


Now I think 2 guns is the way to go

[Badhabit]

Are you going to be pass shooting the geese or in the decoys? Pass shooting BB's for sure, in the decoys out to 40 yds 1's for both ducks and geese. Decoying ducks out to 30 yds I shoot 4's.

[bobcat]

Not pass shooting, will only shoot if they decoy. Expecting mostly widgeons but I'll have a better idea when I'm out scouting Friday morning. Can't shoot geese until Saturday.