Shells - Do they matter?

[ALW]

Winchester Expert steel - Remmington - Wolf - Does it matter for Ducks?

[D Duck]

Yes! One thing to remember with steel shot, it is harder and less dense than lead. This gives somewhat of a whiffle ball effect during flight and with no pellet deformation upon impact, energy transfer is decreased as well. That being said, I am a strong proponent of the speed kills theory (I will get a lot of dissenting opinions I know). I prefer a load doing at least 1500fps in #3's or #4's (faster is even better) and usually that limits you to 1-1/8oz of shot in a 3" shell. Kent IMHO makes the best factory ammo available - high quality products and consistent velocities and shot count, although they are not waterproof.

[DUCKWHACKER]

The difference in cost from junk steel shells and quality steel shells is not that much greater per box. Check Cabelas or Macks and get ya some Kent Fasteel. :icon_salu

[Randy Clark]

used hevi steel remington last year thouhgt it was pretty good

[RutnNStrutn]

I am a strong proponent of the speed kills theory
Me too. Since I switched to hi-V loads, aim is less critical (I know that sounds bad, but there is more room for error is my point) and hits are more effective at longer ranges. It's a win-win!! :icon_salu

[D Duck]

I don't think you really meant to say that aim is less critical (you point a shotgun, not aim...), but rather that it is easier to judge leads with faster loads.

[duckmanJR]

I like slugs.....Good solid hits! :tard:

For early season dumb teal that I'm shooting at 20 yds...#6 expert is fine. Late season divers at 40 yds...#2 works well... Most everything in between can be handles with #4 shot.... Buy a couple boxes of each "brand" and see what YOU prefer....

[Converted]

I'm a believer also. SPEED KILLS! ....Errr, sorry Karen, I don't want to pizz off any anti's SPEED HARVESTS!

I like Kent 1 1/8oz 3" #4. It patterns great out of all my guns and is a good all around load. If I'm strictly teal hunting over the deks then 6's may be the way to go but the 4's kill errrr harvest them just as well. 2's are nice for divers and later in the season pass shooting.

I usually buy the kents from Autolife. They will sell by the case at case price but you can mix and match.
2 boxes 2
6 boxes 4
2 boxes 6

I tried the 3's but for some reason I was not hitting as well with them. I never got around to patterning the 3's so I'm not sure what was going on.

[Wilbur]

Yes speed kills... but when its dead its been harvested! As for me #4 Expert HV. 3" magnum 1 1/8 oz shot 1550 fps. Same stuff only #3 shot later in season if birds arent decoying well. Being financially challenged I have to shoot within my budget.

[RutnNStrutn]

I don't think you really meant to say that aim is less critical (you point a shotgun, not aim...).
Since I've started shooting hi-V loads, "point" is less critical. :icon_twis