20 Gauge Duckloads

Turkeyslayer 1300

Turkeyslayer 1300

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Russell, Ontario
I may be able to scrap enough money together for an upland gun this year. I was thinking a Browning upland Special, anyway I also do alot of duck hunting so was wondering whats out there in steel 20 gauge loads. I know, I know your favorite duckload involves some super metal or kryptonite or whatever but I'm a student and can't afford 3.50 a shell as I do miss occasionally. I know federal loads #1's and that these might be ok for the occasional goose over the decoys but I really don't know how effective the other shotsizes are pattenwise and actual killing power wise. Any help/anecdotal advice/actual experience?
 
I've never used my 20 for geese, but I have taken a number of ducks with it. Get the fastest steel you can find. Go with a lighter payload if need be, and use a tighter choke to fill up the pattern. Keep it close, over decoys. I've had success with #4 and #2. I still do want to try a non-steel alternative.
 
My kid was using Kent 20 gauge 3" #3 for ducks last year. They worked about the same as 2 3/4" steel 12s, but were hard to find. It's an enormous relief for me that he has grown into adult size guns now, and can shoot a 3" 12. It'll make life simplier.
Kent had steel shot figured out about 5 years ahead of their competition. Good stuff.
 
Definately get the Kents The Fasteels at 1550 kill birds way more efficiently than the other loads i've tried. The Federals and $hitty Winchester dry locks were garbage compared to the Kents. Just because two different boxes of shells have the same load specs and velocity doesn't mean they will shoot the same. Try a few different manufacturers and figure out which shoots best in your gun.
 
Kent Faststeel #3's for everything - ducks, geese over decoys, etc. My son used them for two years before graduating to the 12ga. It is the best steel load out there for the 20.
 
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