What size shot for 20 gauge for decoying mallards?

[Marc]

Soooo in the past year or more I've been getting pain running down my right shoulder and neck. Had x-rays done and now diagnosed with Degenerate Disk Disease (Cartilage disks between vertebrae dissolving or non existent) in neck pinching the nerves that are running down to my shoulders and arms.

That being said, I'm starting a new chessie pup who will want to hunt like crazy come next fall and I want to be able to shoulder something that isn't going to cause a big degree of discomfort for ducks.

I have some blindside #5's that are good for teal but would feel a little inadequate for bigger ducks. I shoot #3's out of the 12 gauge for ducks and love the way they work on ducks but not sure how 1 oz #3's would patter out of the 20 gauge.

Looking for a load that will handle mallard size ducks within 30 yard range. Has anyone tested any loads on paper? What choke etc?

Your thoughts and recommendations please.

Thanks,

Marc.

[ACB]

Have you tried a different 12 ga.? Like a Beretta A-400 with kickoff? Myself I think if I was to hunt ducks with my 20 ga. I would try 3in. mag. #1's or BB's for mallards with a mod. choke, late season ducks can be tough to kill.

[f350ps]

I would pattern a few different 3” #3’s and go from there. A 20 gauge is very effective over decoys. K

[Foxton Gundogs]

I shoot 2s for ducks and BBs for geese IC over deeks and Mod for pass shooting SA08 20 ga, 26" barrel.

[Marc]

Have you tried a different 12 ga.? Like a Beretta A-400 with kickoff? Myself I think if I was to hunt ducks with my 20 ga. I would try 3in. mag. #1's or BB's for mallards with a mod. choke, late season ducks can be tough to kill.

I do have a gas operated 12 gauge that I use for geese and ducks looking for something a little lighter to swing from a layout boat or blind for that matter. Thanks for the input .

[Marc]

I would pattern a few different 3” #3’s and go from there. A 20 gauge is very effective over decoys. K

Seems everyone is out of number 3’s on the island. I did manage to find a box of #2’s locally. I will have to place an order through one of our sponsors and do some testing on paper to see what patterns the best.

[Blockcaver]

20 ga Beretta A400 with Kickoff recoil reduction system in the stock. Perfect as they are light and soft shooting.

[lorneparker1]

I shoot #4 out of my 20 all day and kill em just fine

[Marc]

What speed you talking about Lorne? What brand of shells?

[labguy]

I shoot #4 out of my 20 all day and kill em just fine


This......^^^^^^

Number 4 is ideal for decoying ducks. There is very little difference between 12 ga. and 20 ga. in terms of killing power. The major difference is fewer pellets in the 20 ga. so accuracy (being a good shot) is the key. With steel shot the faster FPS the better.

[Marc]

Went out this morning and got a chance to throw some Federal Speed Shok 3 inch 7/8oz 1550fps #2's at a couple mallards. I have to say I was a bit skeptical about hitting anything with these little shells but they did the job quite well.

The drake was skirting the decoys in the 30-35 yard, I think I missed on the first shot, and connected on the second. Pellet in the neck, broke a wing, pellet center top back and on through the side of his buttocks. The hen was flying right to left when I intercepted her at 20 yards. Two pellets to the neck one to the chest and broke the closest wing in the process.

My go to for ducks pretty much since Canada switched to steel shot has been #3's so I think I'm going to try and find some 20 gauge 3 inch 7/8oz 1550fps #3's.

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/Ducks_and_20_gauge_29Dec2020.jpeg

[tightgrouper]

Ive been using 20g #2's for decoyed ducks(with a modified choke) and do much better than with my 12g with a full choke.

[Dano]

Whatever works in 12ga will work with 20 also if speed remains the same.
I used a lot of 4’s this year at 1560fps with my 12ga. and they were awesome. Lorne’s reply above was positive for 4’s in 20ga at about the same speed as I shoot so they are worth patterning and trying. Foxton’s reply is what I shot for years in 12ga until I switched to 4’s last season. I use an Light Modified choke with 4’s, IC for 2’s and BB like Foxton recommended.
I’m on 2’s now mainly because I ran out of 4’s and have lots of 2’s.
I would go 3” if your gun is chambered for them. Pattern the different loads as was suggested. With fewer pellets per 20ga shell (in any shot size compared to 12ga) it’s important to know if you have a good pattern!

[Dutch]

I have to say I am impressed with the Kent fasteel 2.0 Dano.They worked like nothing I have had before in the patternmaster choke 20g I shoot with #2 shot in 3".Have hit a few that I would have hesitated even with my 12 but that shell really does work. Shooting a 20g I don't think imho I would use anything else on ducks.