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Old September 21, 2009, 06:02 PM   #1
Jseime
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Steel Shot = GARBAGE

I was out shooting geese Saturday morning at the completely goofy hour of 5AM and I am completely frustrated. I run a Mossberg 500 3 inch with Federal BB 3 inch magnums for geese.

Why is it that hunting in the middle of a field a mile from the nearest slough I have to still use steel shot? An untold number of snow, specklebelly and canada geese escaped from what should be a very good range. I know I am hitting the birds, I know I am close enough and the freaking things just fly off wounded. I had to hit a large Canada goose three times to bring it down and ended up chasing it a 1/4 mile across the field. I hit numerous birds, knocked the feathers off their bellies from right overhead and they would simply fly away.

Short of getting a Remington SP-10 and loading it with $5/shot shells what can I do?

I have been looking at several options for improved ammunition, hevi-shot, Wingmaster HD, and Black Cloud, are any of these good enough to warrant the extra expense?
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Old September 21, 2009, 06:07 PM   #2
zoomie
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What choke did you use? You could get a 3 1/2" gun.
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Old September 21, 2009, 06:14 PM   #3
RJM
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Call those things in closer and quit sky busting.
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Old September 21, 2009, 06:50 PM   #4
jmr40
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I've never had any problems with steel shot bringing down birds I hit. I have had to go up in pellet size, use a more open choke, and limit the range somewhat, but it seems to work if I do my part.
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Old September 21, 2009, 08:28 PM   #5
oneounceload
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maybe try some of the other heavi-shot offerings???????
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Old September 21, 2009, 08:34 PM   #6
Scubasimmons
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You should have no problems with 3" BBs. The many issues with steel are a bit overblown. Sure the heavishot stuff (bismuth and tungsten I think) is better, but not worth the price.
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Old September 22, 2009, 07:40 AM   #7
roy reali
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re:Jseime

Quote:
Why is it that hunting in the middle of a field a mile from the nearest slough I have to still use steel shot? An untold number of snow, specklebelly and canada geese escaped from what should be a very good range. I know I am hitting the birds, I know I am close enough and the freaking things just fly off wounded. I had to hit a large Canada goose three times to bring it down and ended up chasing it a 1/4 mile across the field. I hit numerous birds, knocked the feathers off their bellies from right overhead and they would simply fly away.
In the United States because the government says you must. We know that they always make decisions based on solid science and common sense, don't we?
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Old September 22, 2009, 08:36 AM   #8
oneounceload
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And it seems the Canadian gov't, (where the OP seems to be from), has done the same
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Old September 22, 2009, 08:48 AM   #9
Demaiter
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try some steel loads @ 1500 fps #2's. Kent Fasteels have worked wonders for many. They say 2's have enough power to penetrate the skull and the neck so no.2's might allow for a denser pattern for more neck/head hits... what are your patterns like with the BB?

Last edited by Demaiter; September 22, 2009 at 08:53 AM.
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Old September 22, 2009, 12:09 PM   #10
nutty ned
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Try F or T shot
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