Shot size, steel and lead

So with the main Duck hunting season drawing to a close here what did you find the best size shot for the job.
Both Mai Mai and jump shooting.

For the mai mai on opening day I used Winchester steel size 3, 3"
my pond is small and that was probably over kill, last year I used Gamebore 2.75 and that was adequate. I bought the Win this year because it was cheap.

Got to admit I shot "at"two parrys this year on opening with the Winchester and was surprised neither fell.

I've since bought an Under and over and patterned the Win and a cheaper brand through it
Must say the cheaper brand gave me more coverage out to 40yrs, in close, 25-30, it made no difference.

What have you guys found works best.?

well the 3" 2s and #3s sure worked well for me
the 2 3/4'' mainly #4s we used opening weekend were ok but seemed to lack the legs out further and parries ....yeah nah I will stick to #2s

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Originally Posted by jakewire

So with the main Duck hunting season drawing to a close here what did you find the best size shot for the job.
Both Mai Mai and jump shooting.

For the mai mai on opening day I used Winchester steel size 3, 3"
my pond is small and that was probably over kill, last year I used Gamebore 2.75 and that was adequate. I bought the Win this year because it was cheap.

Got to admit I shot "at"two parrys this year on opening with the Winchester and was surprised neither fell.

I've since bought an Under and over and patterned the Win and a cheaper brand through it
Must say the cheaper brand gave me more coverage out to 40yrs, in close, 25-30, it made no difference.

What have you guys found works best.?

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you,ve raised the salient point jw with lead you could choose a mid range load[say 23/4 inch 32 0r even 36 grm] and expect by changing chokes you could get it to perform within its shotsize limitations of range.
but with steel its not quite so clear cut we are realising you dont need the bone smashing flesh ruining 3 inch 2,s for most hunting.
many use 2 3/4 inch 4 steel gamebore and only go up for geese, some dont bother and use 4,s or 3 s for everything by knowing exactly what they,l do thru thier favourite choke at normal ranges .
im using steel 3 inch 2,thru a impcyl choke for geese and ducks cos i have to at the lake and its all i can get for the 20 but given a better load choice and maybe a bigger wallet,id go smaller say 3,s for parries ducks and swans, which arent as hard to kill as a canada[given that long neck to target by leading the snout] .these might be ok for night ponds

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20 Gauge 2-3/4" 3/4 oz. # 7 1,325
1
Regular Price: $74.99

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these would be even better

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Hevi-Shot® Hevi-Metal® Pheasant Loads - Per Box
Check if this item is in stock locally
Gauge Shell Length (in.) Oz. Shot Shot Size Velocity (fps) Quantity Price
20 Gauge 2-3/4" 7/8 oz. # 5 1,300
1
Regular Price: $24.99
In Stock
No matter what the weather, Speed-Shok Waterfowl shotshell ammunition will perform reliably and consistently with every shot. Loaded with a high density plastic wad with a gas-sealing flange, this feature adds efficiency to the load for an even better performance!

Technical Information
Gauge: 20
Shell Length: 2-3/4"
Shot Weight: 3/4 oz
Shot Size: #4
Shot Type: Steel
Wad Type: High Density Plastic


Ballistics Information:
Muzzle Velocity: 1425 fps

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if we follow the bible when i used 5s and 6 lead on decoying parries i should be ok with 3 or 4 steel but untill i get some i cant confirm but the 3 inch 2,s at normal ranges was a wing breaking crippler as often as it was a clean killer.
.on geese im picking itl be fine and just as deadly on the black bombers that are swans with body shots.

Stuck with the normal federal 32g 2's for most of the season.
Did use some Remington 32g 4's until we ran out and couldn't get any more, worked well over decoys and will use again next season.

Like the federal as it suits the range of birds we get.... Just not the roosters

This season used a bit of a variety.
In the semi with mod choke:
3" Winchester 36gr 3s ................ worked ok
3" Remington 32gr 2s & 3s ............. average as
Changed to under over, mod & imp mod:
2 3/4 Gambore 3s ......... ok
2 3/4 Falcon 35gr 3s were the surprise of my last several years shooting steel, they killed and killed extremely well

I went outright falcon.mainly because I'm tight but also because it's good ammunition

Slab of 2 3/4" 35gr 4's for mai mai shooting which worked bloody well!

I bought some 3" 36gr 2's with the intention of river stalking but alas flooded rivers so I didn't really get in to them.

I shoot best with falcon even on clays so I was impressed to see it translated on birds even with a new Benelli that I'd barely shot before opening lol.

I might try these 35gr 2and 3/4 falcons, a couple of decent reports about them.