#6 shot?

[Grousehunter19]

Due to the ammo shortage I cannot find any shotshells for duck hunting. However I still have a couple boxes of steel shot from pheasant hunting (around #6 I think). I was wondering if you guys think that’s to small for ducks.

[kselkhunter]

You'd need to be close for #6.  Close decoying birds.   

Here's a good sight on shot sizes, loads, ballistics, etc.  He covers quite a few topics.  But the penetration difference of various shot sizes and types at various ranges is helpful.
https://pipesf16.wordpress.com/small-ducks-shot-size-and-ranges/

[KP-Skagit]

Depends on your situation. I have a similar situation but I have a case of 5s. I am thinking field hunting it will be ok. Also jump shooting. That said, I also hunt the bayfront frequently with less committed birds and think I am out of luck there. Longer shots and more important to kill them outright.

[baldopepper]

Best load I ever used on ducks was 3" 7 1/2 shot.  6's are more than adquate for ducks and my preferred shot for turkeys.

[metlhead]

What is the load? 1 1/8 oz@1500 or heavier, you will be surprised how effective 6s are. If you have decoyed birds, most will be well under 30yds, and it creams em. DO avoid pass shooting, as most people cannot tell the difference between 30 yds and 50yds when shooting straight up. I shot 3/4oz loads of 6s this weekend in my 20, which happen to be my quail loads. Hammered both limits. Granted, the longest shots were 20yds with most about 15.

[lokidog]

My  ...

I like #6 for swatter/cripple round up rounds, but I think decoying close would be fine.

[kselkhunter]

My  ...

I like #6 for swatter/cripple round up rounds, but I think decoying close would be fine.

   Always have some #6 steel on me as my swatter load.  I shoot TSS18 hand loads, and don't like wasting that expensive stuff on swatter loads...granted with TSS I get fewer cripples.   But I'd keep #6 steel shots to 25 yard range if using as primary shot.  Depends on the velocity of the load though. 

[Stein]

My  ...

I like #6 for swatter/cripple round up rounds, but I think decoying close would be fine.

   Always have some #6 steel on me as my swatter load.  I shoot TSS18 hand loads, and don't like wasting that expensive stuff on swatter loads...granted with TSS I get fewer cripples.   But I'd keep #6 steel shots to 25 yard range if using as primary shot.  Depends on the velocity of the load though.

 

Same here as well, they kill ducks plenty good when you hit them solid at shorter ranges.

[Delta Duckman]

#6 shot will kill them, particularly if you are shooting at teal.  Trying to sky bust big ducks might not work very well.

[boneaddict]

I’ve killed a lot of ducks with 6

[Sneaky]

there is still steel shot in better sizes for ducks available online. Granted its probably not what I would buy and prices are higher than normal, thereare options especially if you can run a 3.5" shell.  I would be hesitant to shoot #6 steel at anything but very committed decoying birds.

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/winchester-super-x-xpert-hi-velocity-waterfowl-steel-shotshells

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/kent-fasteel-20-precision-plated-steel-shotgun-shells


aaaaaand just for laughs :

https://www.presleysoutdoors.com/apex-ammunition-waterfowl-blend-12ga-3-1-1-4oz-250-round-case/