Best loads by bird for 12 gauge

[Bolete]

Hi all,

I just picked up a new Mossberg 835 28” 12 gauge and would like some advice on what kids to start with for duck, geese, chukar, pheasant and quail. I live in Redmond and will probably try to find some walk in spots to jump shoot some ducks before making a trip over to shoot chukar on the east side. I’m new at duck hunting and Haven’t hunted for birds in a while. I’m looking for a good source of knowledge which seems to be found in this forum (you all know your stuff) and possibly a mentor to take me out or give me advice, tips, etc. for getting going.

If there’s a post already out there that talks about good loads per bird and/or specific to this shotgun I’d love to hear it.

Thanks everyone.

Also, I bought this gun at the Redmond Dicks sporting goods and had never seen so much judgement/wonder in my direction. Might not be a place known for selling guns or something.

[Bob33]

Here's a pretty good chart. Size will depend on shot material and distances. For waterfowl and non-toxic areas you cant use lead but may for upland birds in some areas. Steel is the most common and least expensive non-toxic shot metal.

http://www.internetarmory.com/shotgun_hunting.htm

[YoungFowler]

Page 40 of the migratory bird regs has a good chart that covers different birds at different ranges and the appropriate shot size.

https://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/02003/wdfw02003.pdf

[Stein]

I shoot #3 for ducks and BB for geese.  Most common steel duck shot sizes are #2-#4.  The important thing is to hit them, if I do that any shot seems to kill them.

[Tjkride]

I agree with Stein. I use steel #3's all season on duck and for geese within 30 yards, #2's work fine but usually use BB.
For all the upland birds I use lead #6's or #5's, depending on which I find for cheaper in cases in the federal load my gun likes.

[huntingfool7]

Steel Ones for geese, steel Threes for ducks and steel Fives for all upland birds.  But I'm a little odd.

[ASHQUACK]

Worry less about what sizes to shoot (within reason)and more about patterning your gun and chokes with different load sizes and brands. Try lots of combinations my 870 likes federal blue box 3 inch #2's with a factory modified chokeand my Maxus likes 3 inch 3's in Hevishot's hevimetal. My son shoots an Sx3 with the Hevisteel and kills the crap outta birds. As for upland I shoot an old A5 20 gauge with 25 year old Federal high brass 6's. So take your gun to the range set up patterning boards and shoot. Pellets on target mean dead birds.

[Bolete]

Thanks everyone. I’m loving the advice. Gotta get to the range and see why this sucker likes to shoot.