"Do you still like 20ga #3s for large ducks, and what commercial load?"

[Old Critter]

With Joe's data it's easy to see , you wouldn't be handicapped shooting a 20 with the proper size pellets !
Thanks Joe !!

You will still be at a bit of a handicap. An amped up 20 ga. load will not perform like a similar load in 12 gauge gun.

 

[sharkman]

You will still be at a bit of a handicap. An amped up 20 ga. load will not perform like a similar load in 12 gauge gun.

I don't know, that 20 gauge Remington Nitro-steel magnum 1oz #2 steel looks real good, i don't see much of an disadvantage with that load.

 

[Old Critter]

It has all to do with the bore of the two guns. The same payload will generally perform better out of the larger bore. I shoot ducks and geese with 28s, 20s and 12s. All have their place.

 

[roy123]

You will still be at a bit of a handicap. An amped up 20 ga. load will not perform like a similar load in 12 gauge gun.

Same as a 12 we’re never perform like a 10 ga. And a 20mm cannon will never perform like a 30mm. The comparisons can go on and on. Is a 20 ga really disabling you if you use it effectively and performs as intended? Same as any other tool I suppose. Use the right one for the job. A 6lb sledge doesn’t hit quite like an 8lb. If I’m using a 20 to try and down 45 yd geese then I’m obviously handicapping myself. I’ve never felt handicapped when folding a 30 yd bird with one.

 

[roy123]

I don't know, that 20 gauge Remington Nitro-steel magnum 1oz #2 steel looks real good, i don't see much of an disadvantage with that load.

Years ago when I was in college I was a manager at a gun shop/hunting store. An old goose guide was in there one day and he asked me for some 20 ga #2 steel shot for his “specklebelly gun”. I’ve shot a lot of ducks with a 20 but being a marsh hunter I only goose hunted with friends. I asked “how do those #2’s kill specks out of that little 20?” He replied “the same way #2’s do in a 12 ga.” I remember getting a good laugh about that. He was shooting them up close and didn’t need bb’s to do the job. I only shoot 2’s in a 12 ga and usually it’s when ducks or geese would be available. Never liked 2’s in a 20 for ducks.

 

[NW BIRDHUNTER]

Any of the 20 gauge offerings in 1550 FPS will get it done. If I can get it done with a 410, you should have no problem!

 

[Billy Bob]

Choke down the 20 and pattern it. If the patterns good, 2's kill like 2's. People used to tell me the same BS when I was shooting 2 3/4" 12ga not being enough. People got almost unhinged when I started hammering ducks with steel dove loads in 20ga. 7 birds in my hand but those shells don't work...

 

[bustsducks]

Who says #4's don't work on big ducks!

I love #4 shot. They work great for my style of hunting.

 

[Mountain Duck]

In the 12, I found #3s to be the best compromise between 4's and 2's (duh). I've just consistently had better luck with big ducks and #3s. Cursed the old box of Nitro #4s I tried long ago. Completely different experience with the Fasteel #3s. 100% chance it was 60% mental!

 

[roy123]

Who says #4's don't work on big ducks!

I love #4 shot. They work great for my style of hunting.View attachment 518043

Great picture. As a SW Louisiana hunter I can only dream of limits that look like that. Very impressive!