Steel Shot = GARBAGE

J

Jseime

New member
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?
 
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.
 
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.
 
re:Jseime

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.
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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?;)
 
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?
 
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