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

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.

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

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.

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

Originally Posted by Woody

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

gamebore 30 gram steel or eley 31 gram stuff is what im using now
found the kent faststeel little to much noise and recoil for a double gun

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.

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.

Thru my SxS I use Falcon 32gram 2 3/4 in #4 shot. Works well, but all I've tried in it.

I shifted to Remington Nitrosteel #4 shot last year and think it improved kill rates quite considerably.
I went thru a couple of slabs of Blackcloud in #3 and #4 this season and it went real good.
Both patterned well thru my M2.

I've run Falcon ultra steel. 2 3/4 35gr in both 3s and 4s. When I had my o/u it was a honey to shoot. It is my go to load irrelevant of which shotgun I'm running and it kills really well at a cheap price point. Plus you're supporting a kiwi company too. Farmlands charges about $15ish a box from memory