Duck Hunting Forum banner

shotgun shell??

2.1K views 11 replies 10 participants last post by  ducksrus@SML  
#1 ·
Im a new waterfowler and an wondering what the most popular, or even better the most effective ammo was out there. I shoot a benelli SBE2 and this January tried Blackcloud #4's in 3 1/2" and had poor results, especially on shots at or under 30yrds. I know this was largely due to poor shooting but I know I'm not that bad a shoot.

I visit gun show through out the summer and always look for good deals on ammo and want to know what I should be looking for to try for next year.

Any help as far as brand and shot size would be appreciated.
 
#2 ·
Anyone heard of or use the Kent Cartridge All Purpose Precision Steel™ Waterfowl Shotshell Ammo. There only in 3" shells but are $9.99 per/25 on bass proshops web site. Sounds almost to good to be true though.
 
#3 ·
have not heard of the Kent shells, but I have had my best luck through my Benelli with Winchester - Drylok 3-inch #3's for both ducks and geese. I typically shoot most shots within 30 yards over decoys, but have killed the occassional goose out to 40-45 yards with them.
 
#4 ·
wvlippo said:
I...tried Blackcloud #4's in 3 1/2" and had poor results, especially on shots at or under 30yrds.
Dude, it probably wasnt your shooting. The wads on those things are un-slit and very thick. This effectively negates the effect of any choke you have in (except full perhaps) and delays the separation of the shot from the wad. As a result, you get super tight patterns at your typical shooting ranges (30 yds) and miss shots you'd normally make with a regularly-wadded shell.

However, i hear that folks have gotten some excellent long range shots in with these shells which is perfectly consistent with my observations.

Nonetheless, I suggest that before you look to ammo to make the difference, you properly consider the appropriate choke selection for the range and species and spend some time at the sporting clays range this summer. Taking even a single lesson from a pro instructor generally yields significant improvements in the filed even for the hunter with decades of field experience.
 
#5 ·
A couple of things here..........
First thing you might want to do differently is shoot #2's or BB in January......4's are pretty small and best used on wood ducks and teal in early season......later in the season the birds have more fat and you need that extra little energy.
Second........a 31/2 inch shell has less energy than a 3 or 2 3/4 inch shell.............you have the same powder charge pushing a heavier payload with the 3 1/2 inch shell
Finally........I have shot and love Kent Faststeel, but every gun likes and dislikes certain loads..........pattern your gun with several different loads from different manufacturers and see what patterns best for you.........Good luck!
 
#6 ·
If i'm hunting in the swamp i use estate #1 because most of the shooting is close. When in the open water blinds on the river i use hevi-shot #2. I know hevi-shot is high $$ shooting but the way i see it you wait all year to shoot waterfowl, right? Then why not shoot at them with something thats going to do the job. Buy a box or two when you can. By next season you'll be ready. Most guy's pay $1000 or more for a gun to hunt with then buy the cheapest steel they can find and wonder why the gun is'nt killing.
 
#7 ·
I was using an IC choke, and unfortunately did not pattern the gun due to it being a Xmas/Bday gift (birthday 12/27). The black could wads do make a huge difference. The only ducks I hit were past 35 yrds, and missed every thing under.

I'm lucky shoot in clay leagues throughout the year through work, and Im certainly not the best shot, but I'm not the worst. But you can never shoot enough.

Heard the heavy shot was great, but want to try and not pay the price. Might end up paying the price though.

Thanks for all the help guys.
 
#8 ·
Speaking from experience, the BlackCloud shoots like a full choke load under 35 yards. But it's great after 40 plus yards. Most of this season, I used BB's with a modified choke in my SBE2.

If you range test the BlackCloud and other shells, you will see that the BlackCloud waddings travel about 10-15 more yards than others.
 
#9 ·
Kent fast steel is the shizzle and you can't beat the price. I don't understand why a British company can import a high quality steel shot shell for less than American Companies. Their other non-toxic shells are reasonable as well.

On the domestic homefront Winchester supreme in the black box.
This is my all time favorite steel shot when I can find it on sale.

The money thing is I am usually supplying a couple of teenagers shells as well and if you guys have ever been strafed by a knot of Ringers or Hoodies you know how unsettling that can be.

Now for my 2 cents on shot size. I am succesfull with 4's and 6's for ducks and use anything from 2's through BBB for Geese depends on what is in the tube when the shot is called. I have taken out geese with 4's and 6's at 30 yds or less but don't do it as a rule just happened to be in the tube when the shot was called.

the key to killing ducks cleanly is quantity of shot in the target. Smaller shot at reasonable range more shot on target.

:soapbox: :gatgun:
 
#10 ·
I've tried just about everything out there and that Black cloud stuff was the worst I've tried.

I really liked the Federal Premium High Density in #4 (even took a goose with it), it patterns well for me and the knock down power was insane. I was using an IC choke. There is a catch though... it costs a ton, but I did find I was doing less shooting.

I have to agree with Tantor sometimes spending more time shooting and having the odd lesson will net you the best results. But I will be spending the next few paydays buying up Federal HD for next season!
 
#11 ·
For most of my 9 years fowl hunting, Ive been shooting Winchester Drylok/Supremes. Ive used #4 exclusively for ducks and geese, throughout the whole season with excellent results using modified and full chokes. I really like the increased pellet count that #4 shot gives, and it seems to have an even and dense pattern out to 40+ yards. This is for both 12 and 20 ga.

This season I got stuck shooting #2's because thats all that was available locally. I really didn't like the pattern or the lack of pellets making it downrange. Its killing power was also sub par for me, on both ducks and geese. The pellets are too big, with not enough energy to make up for it, to penetrate the thick feathers on most birds.

My school of thought is this. Smaller pellets penetrate the feathers better because it takes less energy to push a smaller pellet through the feathers. (think nail vs needle) Now the bigger shot like BB and BBB makes up for its size with more downrange energy because it holds the energy better. There just arent enough pellets to satisfy me. So I stick to faster, smaller shot.
 
#12 ·
I shot Black Clouds #4's 3" 12ga in Saskatchewan this past year. I thought I was missing at first and shells junk as well (on the 1st mornings shot). Then I shot the head off a duck at 15+/- yards (in the decoys) and then the dog retreived 2 birds that were feathers with a huge hole in it. That's when I realized they shot to tight in a Mod. Crio tube. The same tube shooting BC's #BBB 3-1/2" 12ga at 45 yards on Snows and Canadas worked great. But I like the Drylok #2's or 4's 3" 12ga 1-3/8 oz. best on decoying ducks. They shoot slow like lead used too and hard hitting.

As for the Black Clouds don't shot them through a Pattern Masters. BC's need a Imp/Mod chokes to work. I found wads 60 yards from the layout blinds. That is humping a wad. And if the shot column is still together at 35+ yard watch out birdie.
Just my .02 cents