Thread: What steel ammo for U/O for ducks

I’m keen to hear what steel ammo people are using (and rate) for ducks through an U/O 12 guage
If I’m using a semi auto i always use #2’s - 3inch ......but know some of the higher powered loads are probably a bit hard on an U/O - or maybe you don’t agree with that?
Cheers

we use and had good results with the winchester duck load...and the remington nitro load...both are 34grms of #3 shot gamebore and kent do good loads too.falcon not my favourite loading but find something with a 30-32grn payload if you finding recoil a bit harsh...the lighter loads kill just as good.

Thanks for that MD - had a reputable gunsmith tell me about 5 times ........don’t go using Magnum loads through an U/O !!
so good to hear what other hunters are using

I rarely use steel, cos most of my shooting is over paddocks. But last year I was helping with a bit of filming and the TV crew were sponsored by Federal, so I tried the Black Cloud ammo - I was very impressed with the way it performed, easy to shoot, killed birds well. So then I patterned a couple of loads and bugger me it patterned nicely. definitely worth a try, but it aint cheap.

1 1/8oz 3's, Falcon, Kent or winchester all patterned and worked well for me.

Originally Posted by Gfootey

Thanks for that MD - had a reputable gunsmith tell me about 5 times ........don’t go using Magnum loads through an U/O !!
so good to hear what other hunters are using

Arthur Cleland is not a reputable gunsmith.

Any reommendations for 2 3/4" loads thu o/u oprned chokes?

any of the above...my SxS got circumcised BEFORE I bought it...so no choke at all...1/4 at absolute most....it kills its share of birds every year. you can get away with 35grm loads to put a few more pellets in pattern if you feel need....Ive killed birds with just about any steel load we have tried in that gun.
winchester duck load would be good.winchester XPERT first choice closely followed by gamebore,remington nitro and kent.in 30-34grn loadings.

I haven’t spoken to him for years .....and have no opinion on that!

Originally Posted by Proudkiwi

Arthur Cleland is not a reputable gunsmith.

Originally Posted by Gfootey

I haven’t spoken to him for years .....and have no opinion on that!

Good call

Originally Posted by Gfootey

I’m keen to hear what steel ammo people are using (and rate) for ducks through an U/O 12 guage
If I’m using a semi auto i always use #2’s - 3inch ......but know some of the higher powered loads are probably a bit hard on an U/O - or maybe you don’t agree with that?
Cheers

It is more of a case of 'what U&O shotgun to use with steel shot' and the answer is 'bugger all!'. Most normal U&O's are simply too thin in the barrel walls, and too tight in the chokes to safely use steel shot. Use a modern pump or a semi-auto, cheap enough and built for the task.

The problem is .....under and overs are so nice to use. It’s Hard to beat the feel and the look of a nice one! Ive used a semi auto for 40 years but always loved using my mates U/O whenever i got the chance

Originally Posted by gundoc

It is more of a case of 'what U&O shotgun to use with steel shot' and the answer is 'bugger all!'. Most normal U&O's are simply too thin in the barrel walls, and too tight in the chokes to safely use steel shot. Use a modern pump or a semi-auto, cheap enough and built for the task.

I reckon the discussion is getting a bit ahead of itself... what specific U/O (make and model) are we talking about? That's going to make a difference to the recommendations...

I have a Miroku MK70 - advice so far is that something 32/33 grams is going to be ok - In my semi -auto I have been shooting Kent hi speed steel #2’s -I’m fairly sure they are 32grams

Originally Posted by PaulNZ

I reckon the discussion is getting a bit ahead of itself... what specific U/O (make and model) are we talking about? That's going to make a difference to the recommendations...

Last couple of seasons I've been running Falcon 2-3/4" 35g steel 3's through my Miroku mk10 - no complaints. I'm not an expert, but with a modern interchoke Miroku I reckon as long as you're not using shells longer than its chambered for or particularly tight chokes, feel free to run shells as high powered as your shoulder and wallet can stand. Interested to hear if someone considers differently.