[adamb]

alright now my question is what shells should i use for ducks and geese? the last two times i've been out i used 2 boxes of 12 ga, 3 in., 1550 fps, 1 1/8 oz, 2 shot and the brand is remington sportsman, it cost $11.50 per box at sportsmans warehouse and have only got one mallard. so should i go with a different brand and shot and weight or a different choke?
any ideas?

 

[huntducksordietrying]

Pattern your gun. Use different chokes loads shots and brands. It may cost at first. It will save you a ton on shells from wounded birds and missed birds.

 

[Duurty1]

i shoot remingtons right, and haven't had a problem with them. i shoot both 2 and 4's. i wouldn't have both them because i usually shoot kents, but my dad bought me a case of them last year. oh yeah i shoot them out of a nova with a brily duck choke

 

[Ducks-til-I-DIE]

I would suggest trying Kents faststeel. Its 10.99 a box at sportsmans wharehouse. i have tried winchester and remington, they just didnt seem to be as consistant. i buy Kents by the case now. i shoot a Nova with a modified choke.

 

[wingmanck]

I'll say it again. Go shoot some pigeons!!! It sounds like your setup is fine. Unless your perception of 30 yards is actually 80, the only reason I can see for only dropping 1 duck with 2 boxes is your aim is off. Don't mean to sound harsh. Just sounds like you're worrying about things that aren't to blame. I just shot 2 rounds of skeet this afternoon with my friend because he's been struggling with his shot the past week and he's been shooting the same setup for 15 years. We all need practice. He figured out what he was doing wrong though and is ready to start whacking birds again. I on the other hand shot a great first round and then stunk up the place with my second so tomorrow's hunt will probably suck for me.

 

[Spry Yellowdog]

+1Wingmanck

Theres some good advise in your post.
At 20 to 30 yards theres plenty of pattern no matter what your shooting if you put it where it belongs..
Practice a smooth consistant gun mount at home. Keep your eyes on your target (like the corner of a room)smoothly mount the gun and swing down the wall to cealing seam. Slide a AA minimag flash light down the barrel and it will show you where your aim is. Take your time
one properly placed shot works much better that three speedy ones.
Keep your head down on the gun, Keep your eye on your target, and Poof!! it is gone!!

Spry

 

[adamb]

alright thanks guys

 

[Riverrat77]

Wow... those guys are good.... pretty much saying lines right out of a couple "better shooting" books I've read. I'd guess they know their business. My only other info I'd put in here would be a +1 to try Kent out of your shotgun. It patterns well out of my 870 and I shoot a completely stock setup. Mod choke, 28 inch barrel, Kent 3 inch #2s. Good luck man...hope you get the shot figured out.... two boxes a pop gets awful spendy in a hurry. I was kinda torqued because I blew through eight shots (even trying to be careful) out at the lake the other day and came home with no birds for those shots.... if I spent two boxes, I'd be having a heart attack. :lol:

 

[dkhntrdstn]

try differnt brands and maybe you can try 2 3/4 and see what happnes in the brand your shooting and other brands. I was shooting 3in numbers and then was having a hard time geting a good pattern so i went back to my 2 3/4 numbers and got a good pattern back. but like said up above. try and find out what works for you and your gun. good luck.it a long season.