Forums46
Topics537,769
Posts9,728,964
Members87,039
|
Most Online25,604 Feb 12th, 2024
|
|
|
Tell me about 20ga loads
#7620379
09/30/19 11:37 PM
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,087
2flyfish4
OP
Pro Tracker
|
OP
Pro Tracker
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,087 |
Just bought a new to me 20ga browning gold hunter. I have always hunted with its big brother in 12 gauge.
I dont plan to hunt with it but a few times this season. What duck loads do yall like for a 20ga? I was thinking bismuth #4s or #5s. Maybe even tungsten matrix in #5s.
What are yalls recommendations?
While were at it what dove and clay loads do yall like?
TIA
Instagram - 2flyfish4
|
|
|
Re: Tell me about 20ga loads
[Re: 2flyfish4]
#7620427
10/01/19 12:32 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,899
txtrophy85
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,899 |
Lets clear up some common misconceptions first.
A 20 gauge is just as powerful/more powerful in many cases that a 12 gauge.....it just holds less shot. so its not necessarily a handi-cap going to the 20 over the 12....I shoot my 20 gauge O/U much better than I do a 12.
I have a browning Silver Hunter and I liked the Kent Fasteel ( 7/8th's oz. of no. 4 shot at 1550 fps ) when shooting ducks over decoys. I never had a problem killing decoying ducks with that load. IMO....for a waterfowl gun, and especially with bigger shot sizes, I think a 12 is better due to payload.
For Dove and Sporting Clays, I like the Winchester AA's Super Sport Load 7 1/2's @ 1300 fps and Rio's of the same shot and speed.
For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
|
|
|
Re: Tell me about 20ga loads
[Re: 2flyfish4]
#7620465
10/01/19 01:05 AM
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,416
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
|
kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,416 |
Just bought a new to me 20ga browning gold hunter. I have always hunted with its big brother in 12 gauge.
I dont plan to hunt with it but a few times this season. What duck loads do yall like for a 20ga? I was thinking bismuth #4s or #5s. Maybe even tungsten matrix in #5s.
What are yalls recommendations?
While were at it what dove and clay loads do yall like?
TIA
Hypersonic #4’s for ducks, geese, turkeys, and pheasants 7.5 for everything else
|
|
|
Re: Tell me about 20ga loads
[Re: 2flyfish4]
#7620875
10/01/19 03:11 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,154
KWood_TSU
THF Trophy Hunter
|
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,154 |
Amat Victoria Curam - Victory Loves Preparation
|
|
|
Re: Tell me about 20ga loads
[Re: 2flyfish4]
#7620886
10/01/19 03:20 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,244
Hunt Dog
Veteran Tracker
|
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,244 |
I've used a Browning Citori lightning 20 ga for almost 30 years. For Duck I like a 3 in mag with #4 steel and I usually have Mod and Imp Mod chokes.
Sometimes I would hunt a pothole that was fast,close, pass shooting and I used 2 3/4 in #7 steel
There were days did better than guys with big ole 12s.
|
|
|
Re: Tell me about 20ga loads
[Re: 2flyfish4]
#7620911
10/01/19 03:43 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 5,424
RayB
red bone Bob
|
red bone Bob
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 5,424 |
Just bought this for ducks 20 Fair Goose SX600
There is time, and you must take it, to lay your hand on your dog's head as you walk past him lying on the floor or on his settle, time to talk with him, to remember with him, time to please him, time you can't buy back once he's gone" GBE
|
|
|
Re: Tell me about 20ga loads
[Re: Hunt Dog]
#7621069
10/01/19 06:18 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 492
RiverRunner
Bird Dog
|
Bird Dog
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 492 |
I've used a Browning Citori lightning 20 ga for almost 30 years. For Duck I like a 3 in mag with #4 steel and I usually have Mod and Imp Mod chokes.
Sometimes I would hunt a pothole that was fast,close, pass shooting and I used 2 3/4 in #7 steel
There were days did better than guys with big ole 12s. This^^^^ My son shoots a 20ga and I shoot my 20ga quite often...3" 1oz #4 Winchester Dryloks or Federal Black Cloud with Mod choke. They kill them just as well as the 12ga does.
|
|
|
Re: Tell me about 20ga loads
[Re: txtrophy85]
#7621142
10/01/19 07:32 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 166
tdogg
Woodsman
|
Woodsman
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 166 |
Lets clear up some common misconceptions first.
A 20 gauge is just as powerful/more powerful in many cases that a 12 gauge.....it just holds less shot. so its not necessarily a handi-cap going to the 20 over the 12....I shoot my 20 gauge O/U much better than I do a 12.
I have a browning Silver Hunter and I liked the Kent Fasteel ( 7/8th's oz. of no. 4 shot at 1550 fps ) when shooting ducks over decoys. I never had a problem killing decoying ducks with that load. IMO....for a waterfowl gun, and especially with bigger shot sizes, I think a 12 is better due to payload.
For Dove and Sporting Clays, I like the Winchester AA's Super Sport Load 7 1/2's @ 1300 fps and Rio's of the same shot and speed.
Just to stir the pot a little bit. There's no arguing that one is "not more powerful then the other" but with my 12 gauge I can shoot a shell that's 1 3/8 oz. A 20 gauge shell is normally a 7/8 oz shell. On average an one ounce shell #4 shot has 135 pellets per ounce., thus the 12 gauge shell has roughly 185 pellets vs 118 pellets in the 20 gauge. This means I have 57% more BB's in a shell, and thus a much better chance to hit a duck with the same shot from two different gauges. This might not mean much with close shots, but your more likely to land that lucky BB in the neck with those extra 60-70 pellets.
|
|
|
Re: Tell me about 20ga loads
[Re: 2flyfish4]
#7622048
10/02/19 08:16 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 415
kelvinator
Bird Dog
|
Bird Dog
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 415 |
My first 20 gauge was a Yildiz OU from Academy I got about 7-8 years ago. Haven't had a chance to hunt waterfowl with it yet but taking it pheasant hunting this November. Maybe there's just something about the way it fits me, but it is an absolute dove slayer. I shoot winchester heavy game loads with 1 oz.of #8 shot. Have the 2 most open chokes it came with in the barrels. A limit per 1 box of shells is the norm.
Kelvinator
|
|
|
Re: Tell me about 20ga loads
[Re: 2flyfish4]
#7622136
10/02/19 09:30 PM
|
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 11,530
rickym
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 11,530 |
|
|
|
Re: Tell me about 20ga loads
[Re: tdogg]
#7622245
10/02/19 10:54 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 5,038
jetdad
THF Trophy Hunter
|
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 5,038 |
Lets clear up some common misconceptions first.
A 20 gauge is just as powerful/more powerful in many cases that a 12 gauge.....it just holds less shot. so its not necessarily a handi-cap going to the 20 over the 12....I shoot my 20 gauge O/U much better than I do a 12.
I have a browning Silver Hunter and I liked the Kent Fasteel ( 7/8th's oz. of no. 4 shot at 1550 fps ) when shooting ducks over decoys. I never had a problem killing decoying ducks with that load. IMO....for a waterfowl gun, and especially with bigger shot sizes, I think a 12 is better due to payload.
For Dove and Sporting Clays, I like the Winchester AA's Super Sport Load 7 1/2's @ 1300 fps and Rio's of the same shot and speed.
Just to stir the pot a little bit. There's no arguing that one is "not more powerful then the other" but with my 12 gauge I can shoot a shell that's 1 3/8 oz. A 20 gauge shell is normally a 7/8 oz shell. On average an one ounce shell #4 shot has 135 pellets per ounce., thus the 12 gauge shell has roughly 185 pellets vs 118 pellets in the 20 gauge. This means I have 57% more BB's in a shell, and thus a much better chance to hit a duck with the same shot from two different gauges. This might not mean much with close shots, but your more likely to land that lucky BB in the neck with those extra 60-70 pellets. Why would you compare the 12 ga 1 3/8 oz to a 20 ga 7/8 oz? If I recall, his 20 ga Gold Hunter will shoot a 3" shell that has 1 1/4 oz of shot. That's 169 pellets vs 185 or 16 pellets difference.
|
|
|
Re: Tell me about 20ga loads
[Re: jetdad]
#7624673
10/05/19 06:32 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,037
Greekangler
Veteran Tracker
|
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,037 |
Lets clear up some common misconceptions first.
A 20 gauge is just as powerful/more powerful in many cases that a 12 gauge.....it just holds less shot. so its not necessarily a handi-cap going to the 20 over the 12....I shoot my 20 gauge O/U much better than I do a 12.
I have a browning Silver Hunter and I liked the Kent Fasteel ( 7/8th's oz. of no. 4 shot at 1550 fps ) when shooting ducks over decoys. I never had a problem killing decoying ducks with that load. IMO....for a waterfowl gun, and especially with bigger shot sizes, I think a 12 is better due to payload.
For Dove and Sporting Clays, I like the Winchester AA's Super Sport Load 7 1/2's @ 1300 fps and Rio's of the same shot and speed.
Just to stir the pot a little bit. There's no arguing that one is "not more powerful then the other" but with my 12 gauge I can shoot a shell that's 1 3/8 oz. A 20 gauge shell is normally a 7/8 oz shell. On average an one ounce shell #4 shot has 135 pellets per ounce., thus the 12 gauge shell has roughly 185 pellets vs 118 pellets in the 20 gauge. This means I have 57% more BB's in a shell, and thus a much better chance to hit a duck with the same shot from two different gauges. This might not mean much with close shots, but your more likely to land that lucky BB in the neck with those extra 60-70 pellets. Why would you compare the 12 ga 1 3/8 oz to a 20 ga 7/8 oz? If I recall, his 20 ga Gold Hunter will shoot a 3" shell that has 1 1/4 oz of shot. That's 169 pellets vs 185 or 16 pellets difference. Those silver bullets AA knock the crap out of you. I shoot 1 oz feather lights or Fiocchi 1 0z for everything. I’ve knocked down dove at 70+ yards with 1oz loads as often as heavier loads- all it takes is one BB Tungsten for waterfowl. Cost more per shell- cripple a lot less waterfowl and can shoot smaller shot for larger count. Heavy X is best load on market - outside of heavyshot-which is 3x cost. Steel is a joke.
Last edited by Greekangler; 10/05/19 06:33 PM.
Take a kid Huntin
|
|
|
Re: Tell me about 20ga loads
[Re: Greekangler]
#7624696
10/05/19 06:50 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,154
KWood_TSU
THF Trophy Hunter
|
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,154 |
Lets clear up some common misconceptions first.
A 20 gauge is just as powerful/more powerful in many cases that a 12 gauge.....it just holds less shot. so its not necessarily a handi-cap going to the 20 over the 12....I shoot my 20 gauge O/U much better than I do a 12.
I have a browning Silver Hunter and I liked the Kent Fasteel ( 7/8th's oz. of no. 4 shot at 1550 fps ) when shooting ducks over decoys. I never had a problem killing decoying ducks with that load. IMO....for a waterfowl gun, and especially with bigger shot sizes, I think a 12 is better due to payload.
For Dove and Sporting Clays, I like the Winchester AA's Super Sport Load 7 1/2's @ 1300 fps and Rio's of the same shot and speed.
Just to stir the pot a little bit. There's no arguing that one is "not more powerful then the other" but with my 12 gauge I can shoot a shell that's 1 3/8 oz. A 20 gauge shell is normally a 7/8 oz shell. On average an one ounce shell #4 shot has 135 pellets per ounce., thus the 12 gauge shell has roughly 185 pellets vs 118 pellets in the 20 gauge. This means I have 57% more BB's in a shell, and thus a much better chance to hit a duck with the same shot from two different gauges. This might not mean much with close shots, but your more likely to land that lucky BB in the neck with those extra 60-70 pellets. Why would you compare the 12 ga 1 3/8 oz to a 20 ga 7/8 oz? If I recall, his 20 ga Gold Hunter will shoot a 3" shell that has 1 1/4 oz of shot. That's 169 pellets vs 185 or 16 pellets difference. Those silver bullets AA knock the crap out of you. I shoot 1 oz feather lights or Fiocchi 1 0z for everything. I’ve knocked down dove at 70+ yards with 1oz loads as often as heavier loads- all it takes is one BB Tungsten for waterfowl. Cost more per shell- cripple a lot less waterfowl and can shoot smaller shot for larger count. Heavy X is best load on market - outside of heavyshot-which is 3x cost. Steel is a joke. I'll disagree, I'll say boss is the best out there, and I patterned a lot of loads from my 20 gauge last fall.
Amat Victoria Curam - Victory Loves Preparation
|
|
|
Re: Tell me about 20ga loads
[Re: 2flyfish4]
#7627652
10/08/19 11:15 PM
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,087
2flyfish4
OP
Pro Tracker
|
OP
Pro Tracker
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,087 |
Thanks guys. Just placed an order for a box of bismuth #5 and 2 boxes of tungsten matrix #6. Well see which one I like more, or if there is any noticable difference between the two loads.
Last edited by 2flyfish4; 10/08/19 11:16 PM.
Instagram - 2flyfish4
|
|
|
Re: Tell me about 20ga loads
[Re: 2flyfish4]
#7628932
10/10/19 04:14 AM
|
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 64
The Olive
Outdoorsman
|
Outdoorsman
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 64 |
Good call on the Bismuth 5s, just know that much past 35yds your kind of on the ragged edge of killing ducks with that gun, unless you choke the gun down pretty hard...I would try LM choke extended no ports...the bore size is already pretty tight, Good Luck!
|
|
|
Re: Tell me about 20ga loads
[Re: The Olive]
#7629052
10/10/19 12:58 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,154
KWood_TSU
THF Trophy Hunter
|
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,154 |
Good call on the Bismuth 5s, just know that much past 35yds your kind of on the ragged edge of killing ducks with that gun, unless you choke the gun down pretty hard...I would try LM choke extended no ports...the bore size is already pretty tight, Good Luck! What does bore size have to do with it? Maybe you know something I don't. I'll have to get the book back and check, but I'm pretty sure that it's at 30 yards that a .410 has a wider pattern than a 12 gauge.
Amat Victoria Curam - Victory Loves Preparation
|
|
|
Re: Tell me about 20ga loads
[Re: The Olive]
#7629084
10/10/19 01:27 PM
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,087
2flyfish4
OP
Pro Tracker
|
OP
Pro Tracker
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,087 |
Good call on the Bismuth 5s, just know that much past 35yds your kind of on the ragged edge of killing ducks with that gun, unless you choke the gun down pretty hard...I would try LM choke extended no ports...the bore size is already pretty tight, Good Luck! Why the non ported extended choke tubes?
Instagram - 2flyfish4
|
|
|
Re: Tell me about 20ga loads
[Re: The Olive]
#7629181
10/10/19 03:46 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 492
RiverRunner
Bird Dog
|
Bird Dog
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 492 |
Good call on the Bismuth 5s, just know that much past 35yds your kind of on the ragged edge of killing ducks with that gun, unless you choke the gun down pretty hard...I would try LM choke extended no ports...the bore size is already pretty tight, Good Luck! Huh??? where do you come up with that? Ragged edge of killing ducks is 35yds with a 20ga? What is the ragged edge of killing ducks with a 12ga? What does gauge of the gun have to do with killing distance? Shooter's ability, choke/pattern, and downrange energy of the shot do matter, but not sure where the gauge of the gun comes into play there???
|
|
|
Re: Tell me about 20ga loads
[Re: tdogg]
#7629392
10/10/19 07:50 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 104
TDH
Woodsman
|
Woodsman
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 104 |
Lets clear up some common misconceptions first.
A 20 gauge is just as powerful/more powerful in many cases that a 12 gauge.....it just holds less shot. so its not necessarily a handi-cap going to the 20 over the 12....I shoot my 20 gauge O/U much better than I do a 12.
I have a browning Silver Hunter and I liked the Kent Fasteel ( 7/8th's oz. of no. 4 shot at 1550 fps ) when shooting ducks over decoys. I never had a problem killing decoying ducks with that load. IMO....for a waterfowl gun, and especially with bigger shot sizes, I think a 12 is better due to payload.
For Dove and Sporting Clays, I like the Winchester AA's Super Sport Load 7 1/2's @ 1300 fps and Rio's of the same shot and speed.
Just to stir the pot a little bit. There's no arguing that one is "not more powerful then the other" but with my 12 gauge I can shoot a shell that's 1 3/8 oz. A 20 gauge shell is normally a 7/8 oz shell. On average an one ounce shell #4 shot has 135 pellets per ounce., thus the 12 gauge shell has roughly 185 pellets vs 118 pellets in the 20 gauge. This means I have 57% more BB's in a shell, and thus a much better chance to hit a duck with the same shot from two different gauges. This might not mean much with close shots, but your more likely to land that lucky BB in the neck with those extra 60-70 pellets. And to stir the pot even more...…. your argument wouldn't be an argument if you spend enough time at the range during off-season. Shoot a round of sporting clays once a month during off-season, know your comfortable range, take the shots you can make and you'll have no problems with whatever gauge you decide to shoot. This is a win-win for everyone at the lake, imagine no skyblasting, pray and spray and ducks that die in the decoys...…...
|
|
|
Re: Tell me about 20ga loads
[Re: 2flyfish4]
#7631435
10/13/19 05:25 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 16,733
68rustbucket
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 16,733 |
Just bought a new to me 20ga browning gold hunter. I have always hunted with its big brother in 12 gauge.
I dont plan to hunt with it but a few times this season. What duck loads do yall like for a 20ga? I was thinking bismuth #4s or #5s. Maybe even tungsten matrix in #5s.
What are yalls recommendations?
While were at it what dove and clay loads do yall like?
TIA
You’ll like the Gold Hunter, I’ve had one for many years. For dove and quail I prefer Federal 1 oz. loads in 6, 7.5, or 9. Depending on wind and time of season.
|
|
|
Re: Tell me about 20ga loads
[Re: 2flyfish4]
#7635388
10/17/19 09:59 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 744
Mr. Jeem
Tracker
|
Tracker
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 744 |
1 ozw #6 Heavishot BGH IC choke, not just for teal.
Last edited by Mr. Jeem; 10/17/19 10:01 PM.
|
|
|
Moderated by bigbob_ftw, CCBIRDDOGMAN, Chickenman, Derek, DeRico, Duck_Hunter, hetman, jeh7mmmag, JustWingem, kmon11, kry226, kwrhuntinglab, Payne, pertnear, rifleman, sig226fan (Rguns.com), Superduty, TreeBass, txcornhusker
|