Favorite shot loads??

[Go Big Red!]

If it hurts too much, shoot the 2 3/4" Kent..... If you can handle it....              

[FireRanger]

Just my opinion here......

I shot a mixed bag of black cloud, heavy shot, kent and winchester loads this year.
Just to see how each performed.
I personnally did not see a difference in the loads....but, that was me....

I could knock my geese down with a rock if I had to. 

Not bashing any particular brand, but when your on.....your on. 

Again, it just my opinion.

 I agree totally 100%. It doesn't matter what shell you have in your gun if you don't know the basics of pointing and leading a bird. There is an endless amount of ways a bird may come in for a shot. When your on and the shells are flying your way, the leads are perfect....then it just doesn't matter. I've hunted with guys that shoot six times and get six ducks using nothing but 2 3/4 #4 shot. I started out hunting with guys like this and it was embarassing. I'd shoot two boxes to they're half box. Don't get me wrong though....you still have to know your shells capabilities. I use 3" #2-4 for my ducks and will sometimes throw a 3 1/2 in for the odd goose that may happen by and I'm just fine with that. Xperts BTW.

[snow]

Maybe so,close in but what about longer range shots,decoy shy birds,call shy birds might not commit inside of 40yds,or pass shooting high flying snows in strong wind,then what? Sure you can throw the dice and load up some 3.5 BBB's and spray and pray 50/50 chance of a headshot or clip a wing,but don't count on body penetration,steel just does'nt have the down range energy,its to lite,thats how we see 1700fps these days, for the shooter that wants consistency and is tired of feathering a bird and watching it fly away,there is an answer.But for the average hunter that enjoys waterfowling a handful of times throughout the season,kill a few birds and call it a day,nothing wrong with spending $10/box of ammo,it will work just fine over dekes..

Just a few thoughts from an older,weathered waterfowler that misses the days of shooting lead~

[HD]

Yup,I hear ya..... some older fella's need that extra edge. 

[HUNTER2]

I use to love shooting my handloads. 1 1/2oz of 4 shot for ducks and 6 shot for pheasents. The good old days.

[FireRanger]

Maybe so,close in but what about longer range shots,decoy shy birds,call shy birds might not commit inside of 40yds,or pass shooting high flying snows in strong wind,then what? Sure you can throw the dice and load up some 3.5 BBB's and spray and pray 50/50 chance of a headshot or clip a wing,but don't count on body penetration,steel just does'nt have the down range energy,its to lite,thats how we see 1700fps these days, for the shooter that wants consistency and is tired of feathering a bird and watching it fly away,there is an answer.But for the average hunter that enjoys waterfowling a handful of times throughout the season,kill a few birds and call it a day,nothing wrong with spending $10/box of ammo,it will work just fine over dekes..

Just a few thoughts from an older,weathered waterfowler that misses the days of shooting lead~

I agree with your points on distance for sure. I guess in my case I am used to passing on birds outside of a certain range because of my shell's capabilities. If I could afford the better shells then I would invest in them and get more quality longer shots. Eventhough I am a hardcore waterfowler, I still have to be responsible and can't justify spending the cha-ching on the 'heavier', more expensive shot loads. I am fine with decoying in my ducks and hoping they don't flare to soon. I also miss the days of lead....steel is incredibly terrible in comparison.