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Forums10
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Jul 28th, 2025
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 14
Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 14 |
I have been jump shooting ducks in a ditch (mallards and teal) at close range (all shots within 30 yards) with bismuth 1oz #5 12ga shells. I am switching to a Ruger Red Label so I can now shoot steel. The chokes are Skeet 1 and Skeet 2, and I bought some 1 oz #6 shot, and 1 1/8 oz #4 shells. Both are 2 3/4" 12 ga. Are those the right chokes, or should I screw in some tighter ones? Any help would be appreciated.
-Daniel Andrews
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 12,082 Likes: 379
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 12,082 Likes: 379 |
Daniel A:
I prefer open chokes, but I wouldn't choose the #6 steel unless you intend to shoot cripples. I've also found that when you switch to steel you tend shoot a little more ahead and you almost always have to shoot the duck twice.
Kind Regards,
Raimey
rse
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 638
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 638 |
I use a skeet choke shooting Hevi Steel #4 and #2. Within 30 yards you should hammer those ducks.
If you have time it would be best to pattern your gun at 40 yards using a 30" circle. Ensure the pattern is centered, even and there are no duck-sized gaps in the pattern.
USMC Retired
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 25
Boxlock
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Boxlock
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 25 |
my experience with ducks is #2's - #4's is your best bet and i would go with a modified choke or a full. maybe even both mod in your first barrel and full in your second. im just barely getting into doubles but i shoot 3.5 #2's at 1625fps win xpert steel full choke out of an 870 super mag and thats absolutely deadly on ducks. 1 lost cripple out of 39 this year.
i dont care who you are if you cant shoot it dosent matter steel, hevi-anything or lead your not going to hit sh**
eddie
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 638
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 638 |
Eddie,
Your 870 might survive shooting steel through a full choke but I would not subject one of my doubles to it. A Full choke being a constriction of .030". As your 870 is a 3.5" gun the full choke that came with it might not be anywhere near .030" but would still deliver a full choke pattern using steel shot.
Steel shot doesn't squeeze very easily and after a while something will give. A barrel may just bulge or split.
Last edited by MarkOue; 01/08/08 11:10 AM.
USMC Retired
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,961 Likes: 9
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,961 Likes: 9 |
We did an extensive test with a 390 and a Gold and found that the best choke for getting a good pattern at 40 yards was a Briley extended I Mod. We used 2,BBB, and T sized shot in the three major brands. The extended choke not only shot a great pattern but it also protects the gun barrels because the choke part is in the the part beyond the barrels.
bill
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 262 Likes: 4
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 262 Likes: 4 |
In my experience if you are shooting puddle ducks at 30 yards or less I'd use an IC choke, #3 steel shot and shoot 1 1/8 oz loads for speed. With steel more speed is a better killer than more payload.
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