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A Little overwhelming

2K views 16 replies 11 participants last post by  MiccosukeeMeatDog 
#1 ·
Guys/Gals,
Need some help, I am new to hunting ducks in South Florida and I am struggling on what 12ga load to use with our style of hunting. There is a huge variety of size, load, and price from every manufacturer. (It's a little overwhelming) My hope was in reaching out to the group that you all would make some suggestions on what (Size, load, and Manufacturer) to use so I can narrow it down. I hate crippling birds and wasting money experimenting, your experience is welcomed to a new hunter thanks in advance.
 
#2 ·
I can not tell ya anything about FL hunting, haven' been yet. But as far as shells, I can say, Bismuth shells in my Win. Mod. 1300 Waterfowler turns into a single shot, 1 round, take it apart, find a stick to drive out the spent shell, repeat!! I like 3" Black Cloud #2, they work well in my gun. This was in CT, Mallards, Blacks an occasional Teal & Canada Goose.
 
#4 ·
I shoot cheapos. Whatever is less expensive on the shelves works for me. Early season I like shooting light loads. More sporting to me and more BB's. Ive used Estate, Winchester Steel, Remington Steel, etc. Whatever is less expensive on the shelf I buy it. If you can shoot then I dont believe what manufacturer you buy will matter. As said I use light loads during early and prefer either #6 high brass or low brass. As the bigger birds make their way down I'll use #4, once again whatever is cheap. I still carry some #6 with me too late in the season to shoot cripples.
 
#5 ·
Kent or Federal (red box) #3's are my FAVORITE all around load. If i could only have one it would be the kents.... I mix it up alot. I'f i'm pretty sure its a teal shoot then i'll shoot 4's. If it's a diver or big duck shoot i may shoot 2's. I really like hte Blind side laods but the price keeps me from shooting them very often.

Anything in the 2-4 range will work in florida if you hunt birds the right way. Pattern your gun for the best results with your gun!!
 
#6 ·
As long as you're not taking hail-mary shots, there's nothing flying in S. FL that #6's won't drop like a rock. For that area, I prefer Kent 3" 6's, or Hevi-Metal 6's when I'm feeling rich. 4's would be my next choice...I shoot those just about everywhere else, and are a good "all around" load.
 
#7 ·
Solid advise and its appreciated, love this forum. I did get my hands on some Winchester xpert HV steel in 3in 1 1/8oz #3 shot (1550 FPS). What is everyone thoughts on this particular load for South Florida Ducks? :grooving:
 
#8 ·
Hunter1987 said:
Solid advise and its appreciated, love this forum. I did get my hands on some Winchester xpert HV steel in 3in 1 1/8oz #3 shot (1550 FPS). What is everyone thoughts on this particular load for South Florida Ducks? :grooving:
Good stuff.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#14 ·
Find the loads you are considering. Buy a box, shoot them at some paper. Find one that patterns well and stick with it. Federal blue box shoots well in both the guns I use as well as my son's, so that is what I shoot. #4 in North Florida, #3 at ducks in MS and #2 at Snow geese. I may take #3 if Cans are the mission, but 4s will kill them fine if you decoy them.

Don't be cheap. For all you spend, get a shell that shoots well in your gun. The cost of ammo is a drop in the bucket compared to your other expenses.
 
#15 ·
daddy always said, "It's not the arrow, it's the indian." If you aren't skyblasting and let them work in and don't shoot out of range, it won't matter what you shoot at em. Nothing will prepare you to shoot ducks like shooting ducks but the best investment in shells will be shooting some clays before you get out there and waste that high-dollar steel shot. Try to go shoot some 5-stand. It's a little more realistic than just shooting trap and skeet. Either way, good luck!
 
#16 ·
MiccosukeeMeatDog said:
daddy always said, "It's not the arrow, it's the indian." If you aren't skyblasting and let them work in and don't shoot out of range, it won't matter what you shoot at em. Nothing will prepare you to shoot ducks like shooting ducks but the best investment in shells will be shooting some clays before you get out there and waste that high-dollar steel shot. Try to go shoot some 5-stand. It's a little more realistic than just shooting trap and skeet. Either way, good luck!
Exactly. There is too many people out there paying a premium for shells so they can down ducks at 50+ yards. I patterned a whole mess of shells, and discovered that out of my sbe2 and cynergy, blue box federals pattern very consistently. It's not the best pattern, but it's the best for the money. Last season I hunted 66 days in TX AR GA FL, and shot several cases, so I couldn't pay $25 a box. Get ducks in close in the 5-25yd range and look at their eyeballs before busting them. That's what tickles my pickle.
 
#17 ·
chris_k said:
MiccosukeeMeatDog said:
daddy always said, "It's not the arrow, it's the indian." If you aren't skyblasting and let them work in and don't shoot out of range, it won't matter what you shoot at em. Nothing will prepare you to shoot ducks like shooting ducks but the best investment in shells will be shooting some clays before you get out there and waste that high-dollar steel shot. Try to go shoot some 5-stand. It's a little more realistic than just shooting trap and skeet. Either way, good luck!
Exactly. There is too many people out there paying a premium for shells so they can down ducks at 50+ yards. I patterned a whole mess of shells, and discovered that out of my sbe2 and cynergy, blue box federals pattern very consistently. It's not the best pattern, but it's the best for the money. Last season I hunted 66 days in TX AR GA FL, and shot several cases, so I couldn't pay $25 a box. Get ducks in close in the 5-25yd range and look at their eyeballs before busting them. That's what tickles my pickle.
Exactly!
 
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