Old gun handed down by my Grandpa that l would really like to use on a hunt this year. The gun is not capable of taking 3” shells. I realize it’s not the ideal duck gun but which shot size and choke would you recommend if limited to 2 an 3/4”? The hunt will be on a small farm tank with shots not extending past 35 yards

I'd do full choke and this shell. It's out of stock right now, but call them and they might have something, or can tell you exactly when some is being made. https://bossshotshells.com/products/copy-of-28ga-2-3-4-magnum-7-8-oz-6-1350-fps-1/

If you can't shoot Bismuth, find you some 3 shot steel, I just can't recommend steel when Bismuth is a far superior load.

Check out tungsten matrix as well in #4 or even #5 shot.

Kent Bismuth is around $28 for a box of 25. 7/8 oz of #5’s at the 35 yards you specified, will ball up any duck that flies. At 35 yards a modified choke would be my choice and I hunt with a 20 gauge a lot.

Shoot a modified choke, if your shots are less then 30 yards you will pulverize a couple ducks that are in the 10-15 yard range with a full choke. I really think paying $30 for a box of shells is unnecessary unless you plan on sky blasting. Get some 4 shot and you will be fine. I normally shoot hevi-steel or monarch.

I never shoot full choke with steel. A 20 ga will knock them flat inside 30 yards.

I would caution you on shooting steel out of an older shotgun depending what "older" is. A quick google search will provide you some info to make your decision. I also agree with Wal that you should not shoot steel with a full choke even with a newer shotgun.

When it comes to choke size and steel, this is definitely important to check.

I shoot a 20ga O/U for ducks pretty often and either shoot Top-improved Bottom-modified or Top-modified Bottom-modified improved depending on where I'm hunting.

What shotgun is it? Being an old gun old enough to have been used by Grandpa, I probably would not shoot steel shot larger than #7 or maybe #6 and only through a modified or IC choke depending on what gun it is. Some shotguns should not be used with any steel shot.

Kent Bismuth and Tungsten Matrix would not damage your barrel and you could use it through any choke. Boss Bismuth I'm not familiar with, but I'm sure would be good too. Use the same choke size you would use for lead shot. I have had good success shooting Kent Bismuth #5 and #6 with my SxS 20ga guns, but that is a slower 1 oz upland load I use hunting wood ducks with IC/M under 35 yards. The waterfowl version is faster, with less shot and #4.

2,3 or 4 shot in a modified choke

Sniper John

The gun is a Winchester Model 50. I did not realize this till now, but choke is fixed at MOD. Basis what l have read online, steel should not be used in this gun.

However, lm having trouble finding whether Bismuth or Tungsten would be ok. Since these are not steel and comparable to lead are they definitely safe to use?

Really appreciate your help along with everyone else that has replied

Andrew

I'm pretty sure the bismuth is safe to use, it's a softer metal like lead.
I saw the tungsten matrix was safe to use on barrels etc, but tungsten is hard as s***, so I can't safely answer that.

Seriously though, call and talk to Brandon or meg at boss, you'll have a definite answer.

Tungsten Matrix is a Tungsten Powder and plastic compressed into a pellet which makes it soft like lead, but it is crazy expensive. Bismuth is soft like lead and safe in your Winchester 50.
A chart to help with choosing shot size from https://www.randywakeman.com/KentBismuthvsLead.htm



Bismuth isn't exactly cheap compared to steel shot either. I get my specialty shells like those when I find it on sale, free shipping, clearance kind of thing. I bought some Kent 7 1/2 steel from Midwayusa recently and remember seeing they had several Kent Bismuth loads in stock. Natchez seems to always have Rio Bismuth in stock. I have some but have not shot it yet, so can only vouch for the Kent stuff.

Not related to duck hunting, but another idea for you on hunting with Grandpa's shotgun. If you wanted to do some Quail or Dove hunting and wanted a more open choke, you could pick up some spreader loads in 7 1/2 or 8 lead and it will open the pattern up through your fixed modified choke to something similar to shooting an Improved Cylinder. I sometimes shoot those in my Grandfather's and Father's first shotguns passed down to me which have full fixed chokes.

Bismuth will be fine and is commonly used in old fixed choke shotguns where steel shot is not recommended