I went duck hunting today for the first time. We were pass-shooting near a preserve. Shots were looking to me like 30-40 yards. Could clearly see the ring around mallard necks. My partner was a long-time duck hunter. I watched what he shot at, and tried to match range.
Shot a full box, no hits.
My buddy took 10 shots or so, no hits.
I was using commercial 3" BB loads at about 1300fps. He was using hand-loaded "heat seekers" (his name) shooting an ounce of 2's at about 1700fps. Yes, they made his shoulder sore.
My buddy told me to lead them a lot further than I thought was reasonable. Told a story of his youth. 6 ducks fly by in a straight line. He takes a very long lead on the first duck, fires, and the fourth duck drops.
I tried all kinds of leads. I tried taking 3 shots at one duck, with 3 different leads.
Any tips before I waste another box on my next outing?
Shot a full box, no hits.
My buddy took 10 shots or so, no hits.
I was using commercial 3" BB loads at about 1300fps. He was using hand-loaded "heat seekers" (his name) shooting an ounce of 2's at about 1700fps. Yes, they made his shoulder sore.
My buddy told me to lead them a lot further than I thought was reasonable. Told a story of his youth. 6 ducks fly by in a straight line. He takes a very long lead on the first duck, fires, and the fourth duck drops.
I tried all kinds of leads. I tried taking 3 shots at one duck, with 3 different leads.
Any tips before I waste another box on my next outing?