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Author Topic: Shot size you use?  (Read 8690 times)

Offline kevinp16

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Shot size you use?
« on: December 14, 2011, 07:04:42 AM »
Looking for some advice on the proper shot size and brand used. I've been using  3 1/2 BB size and I'm starting to think it's not strong enough to drop birds. Any advice would be great.
Thanks

Offline BOWHUNTER45

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Re: Shot size you use?
« Reply #1 on: December 14, 2011, 07:13:41 AM »
WHAT ?  :yike: I use #2 shot 3" mag and it drops sheet right now !! You have to be really on with your leads if your using BB because you do not have that much shot to play with as you do if you were using 2 shot ...plus if your using steel shot you need to let birds get with in 30 yrds or better yet 25 yrds.... :tup: :twocents:

Offline rtspring

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Re: Shot size you use?
« Reply #2 on: December 14, 2011, 07:15:46 AM »
I use 2's . Maybe try letting them get closer... :chuckle:
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Offline Heartsblood

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Re: Shot size you use?
« Reply #3 on: December 14, 2011, 07:19:02 AM »
That's was my first thought after reading the post - maybe he's shooting at them when they're out of range? Maybe let 'em get closer? I mostly use #3 shot, 3" but have used #2's and also smaller length to good results. 2's and 3's are really gonna chew up your smaller birds at close range tho'....
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Offline Heartsblood

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Re: Shot size you use?
« Reply #4 on: December 14, 2011, 07:20:27 AM »
I guess I assumed we're talking ducks here? I'd go 2's or bigger for geese...
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Offline et1702

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Re: Shot size you use?
« Reply #5 on: December 14, 2011, 07:31:24 AM »
Definitely #2 in 3" Hi velocity steel or heavy shot shells.  Great for ducks and Geese w/in 35 to 40yrds w/IC or improved mod choke.  What choke are you using?  A buddy of mine shoots BB and he is a great shot.  He uses either IC or Mod choke.  FYI, you shouldn't use more than a Mod w/steel shot (unless you have one of them spendy choke tubes made especially for steel shot).  Pattern your gun w/the BBs and see how many pellets you are working with at 30 and 40yrds (i.e., not many).  Good idea to pattern it anyway, even if you choose anotehr shot size.

Offline kckrawler

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Re: Shot size you use?
« Reply #6 on: December 14, 2011, 07:43:28 AM »
2's for ducks, BB for lessers, BBB for canadians...all 3 1/2"  :twocents:
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Offline Glockster

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Re: Shot size you use?
« Reply #7 on: December 14, 2011, 07:48:31 AM »
3" #2's.  Getting a rangefinder is a good investment for duck hunting.  Set the farthest decoy at 40yds and don't shoot at anything past it. 

Offline 270Shooter

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Re: Shot size you use?
« Reply #8 on: December 14, 2011, 08:06:10 AM »
3" 3's or 4's

Offline singleshot12

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Re: Shot size you use?
« Reply #9 on: December 14, 2011, 08:16:49 AM »
I assume everyone is talking about "steel"  You always want to go bigger when using steel, I used to go with 4's when using lead but now use 2's in steel for geese,ducks, and pheasants.
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Offline MP123

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Re: Shot size you use?
« Reply #10 on: December 14, 2011, 08:21:29 AM »
I use 2 3/4 inch #3 or #4 steel for ducks and pheasant.  I don't shoot much past 35 yards though.

Are you hunting ducks or geese?  3 1/2 BB is a pretty hefty load...  How far out are they?  What choke are you using?

Offline Curly

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Re: Shot size you use?
« Reply #11 on: December 14, 2011, 08:24:27 AM »
If 3.5" BB's aren't getting it done, maybe they are too far out or you need to switch to a 10 ga. :twocents:  :o
« Last Edit: December 14, 2011, 12:01:53 PM by Curly »
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Offline goosegetter79

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Re: Shot size you use?
« Reply #12 on: December 14, 2011, 09:06:38 AM »
Jump shooting I use 2 3/4" 3's and 4's for decoying i'll use 3" #2's for ducks and 3" bb's for geese.
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Offline D-Rock425

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Re: Shot size you use?
« Reply #13 on: December 14, 2011, 09:08:15 AM »
2's normally for me.

Offline Blacktail135

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Re: Shot size you use?
« Reply #14 on: December 14, 2011, 09:08:24 AM »
 3" #4 shot Federal UltraShok steel for mallards and 3" #2 HeviShot for Canadas.

 


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