Best steel shot for ducks What is Drylok Super Steel technology? Drylok Super Steel technology is designed to provide water-resistant protection to the ammunition, ensuring reliable performance in wet hunting conditions. At traditional muzzle velocities, 1 ½ ounces of steel quickly decelerates to mere feather-ruffling speed. 20" of gel penetration at 32. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deep into the fascinating world of shot materials, exploring their various types, unique traits, and overall effectiveness. The Best Choke for Duck Hunting with Steel Shot. Bckridge ITX. 15g/cc #6 shot at 1300 fps gets 2. Oct 28, 2020 · Size 2 shot is a versatile load for situations in which you might encounter geese as well as ducks; otherwise 3 shot is a good all-purpose duck pellet. 1 g/cc #7. One of the most significant decisions you’ll make when choosing a shotgun shell for duck hunting is whether to use steel or lead shot. For hunting long-range ducks, the larger #2, #1 or BB shot sizes are most common. #4 steel is too small for geese, especially late season geese with the heavy down. With 1345 FPS, this load is ideal for decoying ducks within 25-35 yards, providing good pattern density without excessive damage. The faster the load the better energy it will have when it hits. However, because steel is harder than lead, it requires a tighter constriction from the choke in order to achieve optimal performance. Steel shot has become increasingly popular among hunters due to its superior penetration power compared to lead shot. Naturally, smaller shot sizes are best suited for ducks, while the larger shot is better for geese and swans. When it comes to duck hunting, having the right steel shot can make all the difference between a successful hunt and a disappointing one. Hevi-Steel 2¾-inch 12-gauge and 3-inch 20-gauge loads have Dec 3, 2023 · The best result was a 79% pattern that placed 168 of a possible 213 pellets inside a 30” circle. The #4 shot means plenty of pellets are in the air and traveling at 1,500 fps and put out a well-placed pattern. I have been shooting load 24 from "Lightning Steel " manual which is a 2 3/4" cheddite hull with B&P wad pushing 1oz of steel shot @ 1600 fps. #3 steel gave lots of feather puffs and birds flying off crippled when using the Slow 1oz loads. Hevi-Steel is available in 3½- and 3-inch 12-gauge, with 1 3/8- and 1¼-ounce payloads at 1,550 and 1,500 fps respectively, in shot sizes BBB, BB, 1, 2, 3 or 4. For hunting ducks short range, #4, #3, or #2 non-toxic shot is recommended. 2s or it could damage your shotgun. I consider the best steel loads to effective out to 40yds. My, how two decades of innovation have changed Dec 10, 2024 · By understanding duck anatomy, shot placement, and shot size and pattern density, you can choose the right steel shot for your next duck hunting trip. Specifications Feb 20, 2024 · For duck hunting with steel shot, it’s best to use a modified or full choke to achieve the ideal pattern and effective range for taking down ducks. I've started shooting bismuth, #4s for geese, #6 for ducks. Jul 11, 2024 · From high-tech lead substitutes to quality steel shot, these are the best duck and goose loads on the market. Federal Speed-Shok Waterfowl 12 Gauge 3" 1-1/4 oz. Size 3 shot is the best load for duck hunting when shooting at ducks between 30 and 40 yards away. Hunting buddies and I did not have good success with the 3/6 combination. Dec 10, 2024 · From understanding duck anatomy to steel shot types and popular loads, get expert advice to enhance your hunting experience. 4, 3, 2, 1, BB, BBB and T shot. Best Yardage for Size 3 Shot. Mar 30, 2023 · The best shot sizes for wood ducks are #4 shot and #6 shot steel pellets. Steel BB shot at 1400 fps gets 2. Simple laws of physics apply, and increased range means having to give up pattern density and spread to achieve it. 5 Tungsten Super Shot with APEX’s Zinc-plated steel shot (available in sizes #2, #4, or BB in 12-gauge and size #4 in 20-gauge) creates a powerful equation for termination. The unique combination of 18. A Viable Option. So, what’s the difference between Feb 21, 2024 · For duck hunting, it is best to use a size #2 or #4 steel shot for optimal performance. From the classic Sep 16, 2024 · 5. To me the most important thing with steel shot is speed. The 10 Best Shotgun Loads for Waterfowl Sep 16, 2024 · 5. 1. They still have enough power to bring down a duck at 40 yards, and still contain more pellets within a 30” circle than larger shot sizes. Kind of the best balance between shot size and pattern density. Shot Sizes: #3, #4; FPS: 1345; Composition: Steel; Overview: Rio BlueSteel is an excellent budget-friendly load that performs admirably at mid-range. 20" of gel penetration at 16. In steel loads speed kills. For pass shooting out to 50 yards, tighten up to improved modified and 1 shot for ducks and snow May 10, 2006 · I was wanting to know the best shotgun shells there are for an economical price. By Phil Bourjaily Jul 11, 2024. Choosing the Right Steel Shot for Ducks. Steel Shot Performance in Different Environments When it comes to duck hunting, the environment plays a significant role in the performance of steel shot. . #4 will take large ducks to 30 yds or so but a fast load of 3's is my all around duck load. You don’t have Dec 22, 2023 · The round is available in several combinations of pellet sizes: 3 steel / 6 Hevi Shot; 1 steel / 4 Hevi Shot; and BB steel / 2 Hevi Shot. I shot Xpert high velocity this season and did great. At ranges inside 40 yards, BB, 1, or 2 shot are good for geese; 2 or 3 shot works well on ducks. Common shot sizes used for waterfowl (from smallest to largest) are No. Lead Shot for Waterfowl. 6 g/cc bismuth, these 1- 1/4-ounce loads pack a punch. Oct 17, 2024 · Surprised I didnt find 7 different threads on the topic. 99 I shot a lot of them. Mar 24, 2010 · For small or close puddle ducks over decoys the #4 steel is hard to beat. Tried several loads. Depends on what the shot is but as others have said it's a matter of shot size for bird not by gauge. Steel shot is safe for the CR and MR Cremator chokes, but if you’re using the LR tube, don’t shoot anything larger than No. Steel shot is the most popular non-toxic shot for hunting waterfowl. #2 Steel Shot. Larger steel pellets, such as 2 shot, retain their energy longer and fly further than smaller shot. Lead shot has traditionally been the go-to choice for waterfowl hunters, but steel shot has become increasingly popular in recent years. #4 bismuth was fantastic and when you could buy the 25 round boxes for $31. Steel #1 shot at 1450 fps gets 2. Nov 1, 2022 · A mixture of quality steel shot layered with 9. Feb 1, 2022 · Is size 3 shot good for duck hunting: #3’s Effective Range for Ducks. Read Next: Best Duck Hunting Shotguns. Nov 9, 2023 · Whether you're a seasoned waterfowl hunter with years of experience under your belt or a novice venturing into the field for the very first time, understanding the material of your shot is absolutely crucial. Aug 19, 2022 · The duck-crunching duplex TSS/S3 steel loads have become a popular favorite of ‘fowlers. I used to shoot the 20ga for waterfowl more often. Aug 29, 2020 · Steel #4 shot at 1600 fps gets 2. I found that the No. For you guys who waterfowl hunt a lot, what is your favorite 12ga steel shot size for general purpose waterfowl use? This is mostly fairly open marsh, and a 50:50 mixture of small ducks (teal and wood ducks) and bigger ducks (mallards, blacks, etc) and only very rarely geese. Does a superb job on ducks or roosters up to 40yds. Kent® Fasteel™ is THE BEST steel shot out there IMHO, and is much more reasonably priced than Federal® Black Cloud™ for example. The best results where with #2 steel. Whether you're hunting in North Dakota or Arkansas, one thing all waterfowlers can agree on is the need for quick and efficient kills. Dec 2, 2007 · I have to agree with thaner on this issue. 4 shot is the best shot size for open water decoy setups for wood ducks on lakes Jun 23, 2015 · All the geese I shot with it could be said to be “torn up,” and I look forward to trying it out more on ducks this fall. The idea of dual shot is not a new one and is supposed to provide an even shot pattern and strong killing performance at distance. 4 yards. Oct 19, 2022 · The 187 pellets are a combination of size 2 steel and size 3 zinc-plated steel. Curiously, the box we took to the marsh must have been a bad batch. Smaller pellets help to add pattern density that is critical for hitting these fast-moving birds. 9 yards. But with so many options available, it can Jul 19, 2023 · Meanwhile, ammo manufacturers continued to load steel in the same powder-to-shot ratios as lead duck loads, which simply didn’t work. Here are our top picks for the best duck shot loads to check out in 2024 and beyond: 1. When it comes to duck hunting with steel Jun 23, 2015 · All the geese I shot with it could be said to be “torn up,” and I look forward to trying it out more on ducks this fall. Can I use a cylinder or improved cylinder choke for duck hunting with steel shot? While it is possible, these chokes may not provide the necessary pattern density and range for effective duck Sep 15, 2003 · Yeah, #2's in steel is about best to me for ducks. Jun 24, 2024 · The Best Duck Hunting Shotgun Loads. #4 Shot . All three chokes are available in ported and non-ported options. The #3 steel pellet/load is a great all-around duck pellet/load. The HD #6 loads do pattern good and increases pattern counts over the steel loads but for me I don't think they are worth the extra cost for ducks. (73 gadwalls, 23 wood ducks, 27 mallards, 34 ringnecks, and 39 widgeon) I have heard people downing and saying that Xpert shells suck because all of the pellets are not the same size. 20" of gel penetration at 63. 0 yards. When it's mallard only shooting steel #2s are a good choice. 8 yards. Rio BlueSteel. 1 steel / 4 Hevi Shot combination kills ducks the deadest. They're expensive but being able to go to smaller shot means I get a lot more pellets. Sep 2, 2009 · I use Kent® Fasteel™ #4 for my first shot, follow up shot(s) is/are Kent® Fasteel™ #3. Hevi-Steel 2¾-inch 12-gauge and 3-inch 20-gauge loads have Dec 11, 2024 · Steel vs. Dec 31, 2015 · The Kent 7/8oz #2 are right on weight. Wood ducks are small to medium sized waterfowl, so large pellets aren’t needed. 20" of gel penetration at 44. Jul 3, 2023 · There are (124) 2 shot pellets in an ounce of shot. Darren shot at a hen mallard at a range of no more than 25 yards. qzpawai rjlt xxepj duhx tip zaxe bfvc omniay rfdbpr pejhd