Though I agree with a lot of what you say, I think there is real value in patterning and shooting what patterns best which can actually increase your range you can shoot birds too. I have made noticeably farther shots with 3" #2 low velocity(1450) that pattern well than all the BB and heavy hitting loads that don't pattern well in my gun and usually head shots at that. Taking a look at my patterns tell me why that by taking one quick look at the pattern.
Size bb for some reason the spread no matter what is hollow in the middle which mean around the target but you can’t tell me a shell that is hex stacked with 25% more pellets I and a better spread isn’t more affecting then the cheapest steel shot
Thank you, you answered one of my questions. BB vs No 2. I just wanted to have a one-size shoot for everything. So No. 2 can cover all bases? I was looking for number 1 as a compromise but I can't find it.
Great info. I’ve always told hunters struggling to hit game, instead of spending all that $ on expensive guns and ammo to make you a better shot spend it on the skeet range or shoot some sporting clays in the off season.
All I shoot are 3.5” shells. If you want to see recoil, I have a light weight mountain rifle chambered in .375 Remington Ultra Mag. That’s recoil. 3.5” shotshells aren’t bad to shoot at all.
Lots of good data in your video. Modern cheap ammo works very well, especially for decoy work. Only thing I would add is don't forget #1 shot. It patterns better in my gun. Have a great season.
Have been in the field for early 50 years - always used good old 2 3/4" in an old modified choked 1100. And I promise you, I can keep up with anyone. (But I have to admit that I sure miss using lead shot!) Your video is spot on.
@@rolltide9547 Its not about the shell - its about shooters ability - and like i said - in 50 years i can keep up with anyone. 3.5" is an expensive gimmick.
@@rolltide9547 The vast majority of waterfowl are taken within 40 yards. Very few hunters can consistently kill birds at 50 yards including myself. My opinion is based on 60 years of experience. I could give you numbers but I prefer not to. The only advantage that a 3.5 has over a 2.75 is the longer shot column if your lead is off.
I know this is a old video but never know someone might answer. So cheap 3 inch #2 got it. What choke construction would you suggest for speckle belly geese at 30-40 yards?
Great info. I bought a 3.5 inch supernova just for the option of shooting 3.5.but I didn't plan on doing so unless needed anyway. Question though, how high is too high when they're flying above? Let's say compared to the average steel bead on a shotgun. How big would the target be? I don't want to be wasting shots on geese that are too high. But I also don't want to let easy shots go if they were actually low enough. Thanks!
I have seen some guys knock birds down at 80-90 yards. Dont be afraid of wasting ammo thats the only way you will understand your effective range. Practice on a target before hunting and see how far away you can still spray a target
I use a 10gauge with BB and I have had other people shoot it to with back cloud at 60 yards its right on but using federal and Winchester they shoot low. If I switched to a 12 gauge would it be better when I was younger I was told that the more shot was better.
There is nothing wrong with a 10 gauge. The ammo might be more expensive and harder to find though. Since you can kill every category of waterfowl consistently using a 12 guage, a guage 10 isnt really necessary. However, there is nothing wrong choosing either they both kill birds at roughly the same distance
I agree totally. As a baby boomer who grew up with lead, modern high speed steel will kill as good as lead at any reasonable range. The last couple of years I have even moved down to a 20 gauge sometimes, not always though. I prefer 3 s if I have them.
What ever brings the pattern you are looking for. You have to pattern test. That's a given. Shot size and choke can change a pattern. Don't hunt without knowing your pattern, period. Then if you miss, adjust where you position the barrel at your target. Under? Over? Dead on? How high, how low at the target? And lead only when necessary. Most can be taken with only a 3 to 6 inch lead.
Thanks for the help does it matter the size of the shell like I’m just now switching from 20 to 12 and I don’t know if I could get a smaller size shell to work my way up
Hey Buddy, I think you will find it slightly easier to bring down birds with a 12 gauge gun. I would stick to the same shot size for your shells though regardless if you use a 12 or 20 guage.
I have used steel shot shell size 2,3,4, can't hit turkey over 50 yards. I had no problem with lead, but since the law have changed in California, I missed my target a lot on steel shots. I am using Benelli 12 gauge 28 inches. Will expensive shotgun change the game? I'm thinking about buying a browning 12 gauge 28 inches for $1500.
I was out goose hunting one day a few years back, and still had an unfilled turkey tag. I ran across turkeys while driving in. Even though I wasn't set up for turkeys, I decided to go after one since I had time. After an hour of stalking them down, I shot one at 43 yards with Improved Cylinder #2 shot. If you hunt turkeys exclusively with that gun, you may want to use a scope or a red dot, but in either case you need to pattern and test until you find the right choke/ammo combination and learn exactly how to hold your gun to hit where you want, because "aiming" isn't always the right approach.
Needed this. Doing a conservation hunt in March. And as we all know finding any steel shot now days is a reach. Only been able to find federal #2 3”. I’m not a brand snob I just wanna shoot birds. But never shot any geese of any kind.
Thanks buddy the name of the song is "We are born to hunt". My friend and I wrote it: heres a link to the full song th-cam.com/video/uRUhBmbQoCQ/w-d-xo.html
This video was full of fantastic information! Glad I chose 3" #2 and BB shot. Personally, 3 1/2" shell is just plane mosaicism. "A miss is a miss." FACT! And yes, skeet shooting is a fantastic way to both break in your shotgun and work on your accuracy.
Perhaps build on this video and back it up and compare the less expensive shells like federal blue box to the expensive ammo like Boss in both patterning and penetration. See if there is any real noticeable difference.
To each their own. I do not have a shared experience. As someone who could slaughter a limit of Pheasants on a regular bases yet also spend 15+ years with mediocre results buying the cheapest ammo I could find on a Walmart sale for Geese, I finally got wise enough to experiment on paper. Here’s what I discovered through three different brands of shotgun. Cheap steel high velocity ammunition is garbage for holding a tight enough pattern to ethically kill past 25 yards. This is both with factory choke tubes and a couple quality choke tube brands such as Kicks and Pattern Master. Interesting enough, the high velocity ammunition actually scatters much worse with a aftermarket choke than with a factory choke. I used a pallet with paper stapled to it. This still was not a big enough target to capture the full pattern from cheap ammo with any choke combo at 25 yards. With this cheap ammo You will wound plenty of Geese, but that’s not really my cup of tea. That Winchester ammo is a little easier on the pockets upfront, but when you have to shoot 2-3 times the amount of shells to actually kill, it’s not really the most intelligent choice unless you’re shooting at close range over decoys. Most of my Goose hunting is pass shooting. My advice to anyone looking to instantly increase their kills in a pass shooting situation is this. Pattern Master Choke tubes are worth every penny! Check out some reviews for yourself. I personally run the Code Black Goose with ammo of a velocity of 1300-1500fps. I have mainly been shooting 3” because it’s all I can seem to find in my area. Kent, Hevi, Federal, from #2 - BB will do the trick. If you’re not killing more geese within the first outing or two then you need to work on accuracy and timing. I personally went from shooting a few Geese per season to killing 2-5 per hunt by simply changing to this setup.
@@NorthCountryOutlawi agree. I’ve been shooting 3” 12 gauge since i was 8. If you have issues with that load it’s time you and your wife both see other men
Only made it to the 1:57 mark. Arrogant. Patterning is the first thing that should be mentioned. I don’t care how accurate you are if YOUR shotgun is shooting patterns with holes the size of bowling balls accuracy means nothing. Go watch surviving duck seasons newest videos and figure it out.
Our point is its unnecessary. 3 inch shells can consistently kill geese within range. If you think you need 3.5, either your birds are too far out or your accuracy is poor imo
3.5”’ and 3” typically have the same velocity but there load is greater which requires more power to propel them. No difference in killing power or distance if the velocity is the same. This is coming from a former 3.5” shell shooter who was duped into all the myths and marketing. Velocity is velocity regardless of shot shell length.
So your the one, who killed my brother, I will get revenge someday!
A Canada goose killed my puppy during training. I have made a vow to kill every goose i see now.
OK that makes sense.
@@schoolofthehunt8927 (i have taken 5 months thinking of a response but i just want to wish your puppy a well rest)
@@schoolofthehunt8927how does a goose kill a dog? It was on you if you sent a small dog to retrieve in water.
Though I agree with a lot of what you say, I think there is real value in patterning and shooting what patterns best which can actually increase your range you can shoot birds too. I have made noticeably farther shots with 3" #2 low velocity(1450) that pattern well than all the BB and heavy hitting loads that don't pattern well in my gun and usually head shots at that. Taking a look at my patterns tell me why that by taking one quick look at the pattern.
Size bb for some reason the spread no matter what is hollow in the middle which mean around the target but you can’t tell me a shell that is hex stacked with 25% more pellets I and a better spread isn’t more affecting then the cheapest steel shot
I would say if you dont want the 3inch recoil go to the 2 3/4 with heavier shot. Bismuth....
Thank you, you answered one of my questions. BB vs No 2. I just wanted to have a one-size shoot for everything. So No. 2 can cover all bases? I was looking for number 1 as a compromise but I can't find it.
Numbers 2s are the best for all around waterfowl hunting
Wondering the same thing thanks for asking!
Great info. I’ve always told hunters struggling to hit game, instead of spending all that $ on expensive guns and ammo to make you a better shot spend it on the skeet range or shoot some sporting clays in the off season.
Let them come in close take your time and select your shots.
Great video. Learning to improve your accuracy is almost everything but you have to make sure they are in range.
All I shoot are 3.5” shells. If you want to see recoil, I have a light weight mountain rifle chambered in .375 Remington Ultra Mag. That’s recoil.
3.5” shotshells aren’t bad to shoot at all.
Lots of good data in your video. Modern cheap ammo works very well, especially for decoy work. Only thing I would add is don't forget #1 shot. It patterns better in my gun. Have a great season.
Have been in the field for early 50 years - always used good old 2 3/4" in an old modified choked 1100. And I promise you, I can keep up with anyone. (But I have to admit that I sure miss using lead shot!) Your video is spot on.
At the right range a 410 is enough. But ur not competing with 3.5 inch shells
In 50 years I would have thought you would have figured out 2 3/4 can't compete with 3 1/2 mag.
@@rolltide9547 Its not about the shell - its about shooters ability - and like i said - in 50 years i can keep up with anyone. 3.5" is an expensive gimmick.
@@rolltide9547 The vast majority of waterfowl are taken within 40 yards. Very few hunters can consistently kill birds at 50 yards including myself. My opinion is based on 60 years of experience. I could give you numbers but I prefer not to.
The only advantage that a 3.5 has over a 2.75 is the longer shot column if your lead is off.
@@johnpaulii7667 Why not just using a 410 or 28 guage then.
I agree, the best shells are the cheapest shell available, I use 2 3/4 number 2 steel 1/16
I know this is a old video but never know someone might answer. So cheap 3 inch #2 got it. What choke construction would you suggest for speckle belly geese at 30-40 yards?
Improved modified is what i would use in my gun. Best to pattern your gun on cardboard before the hunt
Thanks for the input. What is the maximum lethal range? Thanks again for that video.
Great info. I bought a 3.5 inch supernova just for the option of shooting 3.5.but I didn't plan on doing so unless needed anyway.
Question though, how high is too high when they're flying above? Let's say compared to the average steel bead on a shotgun. How big would the target be? I don't want to be wasting shots on geese that are too high. But I also don't want to let easy shots go if they were actually low enough. Thanks!
I have seen some guys knock birds down at 80-90 yards. Dont be afraid of wasting ammo thats the only way you will understand your effective range. Practice on a target before hunting and see how far away you can still spray a target
Facts! I love this video! It’s the honest truth about ammo. Glad you made this content. Definitely subscribed
I use a 10gauge with BB and I have had other people shoot it to with back cloud at 60 yards its right on but using federal and Winchester they shoot low. If I switched to a 12 gauge would it be better when I was younger I was told that the more shot was better.
There is nothing wrong with a 10 gauge. The ammo might be more expensive and harder to find though. Since you can kill every category of waterfowl consistently using a 12 guage, a guage 10 isnt really necessary. However, there is nothing wrong choosing either they both kill birds at roughly the same distance
Thank you
Good one, i really like your intro man!! 👍
I agree totally. As a baby boomer who grew up with lead, modern high speed steel will kill as good as lead at any reasonable range. The last couple of years I have even moved down to a 20 gauge sometimes, not always though. I prefer 3 s if I have them.
I found No 1 steel made by Kent Fasteel. Do you think that is a good compromise for ducks and geese?
Can you please tell the best chokes for snow geese?
Just got started waterfowl hunting. What is the best 12 gauge choke to start with for duck and geese?
modified choke for steel shot or improved cylinder depending on how your gun patterns
What ever brings the pattern you are looking for. You have to pattern test. That's a given. Shot size and choke can change a pattern. Don't hunt without knowing your pattern, period. Then if you miss, adjust where you position the barrel at your target. Under? Over? Dead on? How high, how low at the target? And lead only when necessary. Most can be taken with only a 3 to 6 inch lead.
Thanks for the help does it matter the size of the shell like I’m just now switching from 20 to 12 and I don’t know if I could get a smaller size shell to work my way up
Hey Buddy, I think you will find it slightly easier to bring down birds with a 12 gauge gun. I would stick to the same shot size for your shells though regardless if you use a 12 or 20 guage.
Just wondering would number 3 shot be good for geese to?
Not big Canada Geese. Smaller lessers would be okay
3 1/2 #2s are my preferred choice
Great video not what size choke do you use for your average shot?
I like #2’s for mixed hunts. If it’s a GOOSE hunt usually 1’s or BB. Have used 3’s as well.
What is the song in the beginning
Do you like mod or full for choke I’ve always used BB but that’s just what Dad used
I use improved modified and finds that patter works best for me. I try to finish birds pretty close
Up here in Alaska, I like to shoot 1 1/8 steel 2s for ducks, will 1 1/8 2s be fine for Canada Geese?
Yeah that should be fine
I have used steel shot shell size 2,3,4, can't hit turkey over 50 yards. I had no problem with lead, but since the law have changed in California, I missed my target a lot on steel shots. I am using Benelli 12 gauge 28 inches. Will expensive shotgun change the game? I'm thinking about buying a browning 12 gauge 28 inches for $1500.
50 yards is a far shot for steel. A different gun wont change that unfortunately. You will need to try and draw the turkeys in closer to 40
I was out goose hunting one day a few years back, and still had an unfilled turkey tag. I ran across turkeys while driving in. Even though I wasn't set up for turkeys, I decided to go after one since I had time. After an hour of stalking them down, I shot one at 43 yards with Improved Cylinder #2 shot.
If you hunt turkeys exclusively with that gun, you may want to use a scope or a red dot, but in either case you need to pattern and test until you find the right choke/ammo combination and learn exactly how to hold your gun to hit where you want, because "aiming" isn't always the right approach.
Needed this. Doing a conservation hunt in March. And as we all know finding any steel shot now days is a reach. Only been able to find federal #2 3”. I’m not a brand snob I just wanna shoot birds. But never shot any geese of any kind.
Glad you found it helpful buddy! Let us know if you have any more questions we should make videos about
What’s the name of song playing I beginning of video? Good information, 100% agree. Thanks
Thanks buddy the name of the song is "We are born to hunt". My friend and I wrote it: heres a link to the full song th-cam.com/video/uRUhBmbQoCQ/w-d-xo.html
Green and learning...
Thanks for the video n' God bless
This is the first time I've heard such logical talk
What is the name of the song
The first one we were born to hunt?
I always say that there is no substitute for accuracy.
This video was full of fantastic information! Glad I chose 3" #2 and BB shot. Personally, 3 1/2" shell is just plane mosaicism. "A miss is a miss." FACT! And yes, skeet shooting is a fantastic way to both break in your shotgun and work on your accuracy.
Love all the puns!
2 3/4 " 1 1/2 oz load 4shot . Fastlead is good too
Thank you. Subscribed.
Excellent info
What shot size #1?
Size 1 is fine if you can find it.
@@schoolofthehunt8927 I have 8 boxes of #1
8 gauge, 2 1/2oz BB bismuth , fibre wads, homeloads, 60 yards , Zabala Greylag , no survivors
Any suggestions for our next hunting video?
Perhaps build on this video and back it up and compare the less expensive shells like federal blue box to the expensive ammo like Boss in both patterning and penetration. See if there is any real noticeable difference.
i reload my own ammo right now, before i used federal and kent, T to 3, 7/8 to 1 1/4oz, 2 3/4 and 3 inch shell
Spot on👌
To each their own. I do not have a shared experience. As someone who could slaughter a limit of Pheasants on a regular bases yet also spend 15+ years with mediocre results buying the cheapest ammo I could find on a Walmart sale for Geese, I finally got wise enough to experiment on paper.
Here’s what I discovered through three different brands of shotgun. Cheap steel high velocity ammunition is garbage for holding a tight enough pattern to ethically kill past 25 yards. This is both with factory choke tubes and a couple quality choke tube brands such as Kicks and Pattern Master. Interesting enough, the high velocity ammunition actually scatters much worse with a aftermarket choke than with a factory choke. I used a pallet with paper stapled to it. This still was not a big enough target to capture the full pattern from cheap ammo with any choke combo at 25 yards. With this cheap ammo You will wound plenty of Geese, but that’s not really my cup of tea. That Winchester ammo is a little easier on the pockets upfront, but when you have to shoot 2-3 times the amount of shells to actually kill, it’s not really the most intelligent choice unless you’re shooting at close range over decoys. Most of my Goose hunting is pass shooting.
My advice to anyone looking to instantly increase their kills in a pass shooting situation is this. Pattern Master Choke tubes are worth every penny! Check out some reviews for yourself. I personally run the Code Black Goose with ammo of a velocity of 1300-1500fps. I have mainly been shooting 3” because it’s all I can seem to find in my area. Kent, Hevi, Federal, from #2 - BB will do the trick. If you’re not killing more geese within the first outing or two then you need to work on accuracy and timing.
I personally went from shooting a few Geese per season to killing 2-5 per hunt by simply changing to this setup.
25inch bolt action shotgun
FIOCCHI GOLDENGOOSE 3 1/2, #1, 1 5/8oz. OUT TO 63 yrds WITH MY SX4 !!! "MICHIGAN GOOSEMAN" !
Well said. Totally agree with you 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I accidentally bought a box of 2 3/4 inch BB steel this year for goose instead of my regular 3 inch. I didn’t notice any difference.
#3 work great #2 as well BB is okay but gotta aim better.
Good vid bro
What about ducks?
th-cam.com/video/GVZGAkXsouc/w-d-xo.html
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Summary: for geese, cheapest 3" steel shot with shot size 2 or BB.
I think 'BB' is perfect bro.
If a 3” shell bruises your shoulder you need to drop your purse
ok Hercules
Or go buy some tampons 😂
@@NorthCountryOutlawi agree. I’ve been shooting 3” 12 gauge since i was 8. If you have issues with that load it’s time you and your wife both see other men
Man hurt feelings straight out the gate didn’t he
You are not acounting pellet spread
how does a guy become a professional hunting mentor?
Ammo goose
Amongus
God bless you
Ya, it's not my equipment... It's me!
A bad workman always blames his tools
Only made it to the 1:57 mark. Arrogant. Patterning is the first thing that should be mentioned. I don’t care how accurate you are if YOUR shotgun is shooting patterns with holes the size of bowling balls accuracy means nothing. Go watch surviving duck seasons newest videos and figure it out.
Amogus ammogoose
hit on nose and used no 8
Brand doesnt matter but dont buy Winchester biggest garbage out there
3.5” has way more jam than 3”.
Our point is its unnecessary. 3 inch shells can consistently kill geese within range. If you think you need 3.5, either your birds are too far out or your accuracy is poor imo
3.5”’ and 3” typically have the same velocity but there load is greater which requires more power to propel them. No difference in killing power or distance if the velocity is the same. This is coming from a former 3.5” shell shooter who was duped into all the myths and marketing. Velocity is velocity regardless of shot shell length.
100 PERCENT CORRECT. put eotech 65 moa ring on 20 gauge stoeger auto. .perfect leed every time
But 3 1/2 inch shells looks sick!