Posted: 1/26/2013 3:01:32 PM EDT
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So I'm heading out to Kansas to do some snowgease hunting this coming March. I am trying to get ready by buying some ammo and testing it out in my gun. I'm shooting a Maxus and am wondering what kind of 3 1/2" shells are best for shooting longer distances. I'm thinking of a lighter load, which has more velocity and going with the BBB loads.
Anyone know about Rio Royal Blue Steel? How about Blindside or Blackcloud. |
| 3.5" gives you very little over 3" shells and usually cost more. Honestly the lighter 1.25 OZ loads are fine however the loss of velocity is negligible on the heavier loads and you won't notice a difference. BB and BBB are good loads but remember a quality choke will do you better than any high priced box of shells. I would rather have a pattern master and some cheap bottom shelf steel shot than top of the shelf ammo with a factory choke. I would throw some 2's or 1's in there in case they are coming in close. If it were me I would buy a good choke and some kent fast steel. |
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Snow goose hunting is probably the one thing that the 3.5 inch shell does adequately. Shoot 1 3/8- 1 5/8ths loaded balls out. BBB is fine. Hopefully you burn a bunch of them. If I knew my snow goose hunt was not going to be a "high volume" shoot, I'd use a better no tox load in a 3" hull. |
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So it may be better to get the Kent stuff and spend some money on a better choke, rather than the chokes that came with my Maxus?
I don't think we are going to be shooting a ton of geese. I'd expect 10-15 a day for our 4 man crew for three days. I'd like to shoot some out of my 22 in. FN SLP too, since it can hold 8+1. |
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The Kent Fasteel is good stuff. I'd try a few through a factory modfied choke and see what it looks like at 50 yards. You may need to open it up to I/C depending on what the pattern tells you. I'd also buy a box of BBs, too. They are big enough to do the trick and for some reason have always patterned better than the humongous shot I've tried. I wouldn't go drop $50+ on a new tube. That stuff has gotten to a point where it's snake oil. |
| Thanks for the tip. A buddy has some Kents in 3" and 3.5" BB, so I should be able to borrow a couple shells before making a purchase. I think the Invector chokes on my Maxus worked pretty well with lead shooting skeet, but I'll test some at 50 yards and see how it goes. |
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Quoted:
So it may be better to get the Kent stuff and spend some money on a better choke, rather than the chokes that came with my Maxus? I don't think we are going to be shooting a ton of geese. I'd expect 10-15 a day for our 4 man crew for three days. I'd like to shoot some out of my 22 in. FN SLP too, since it can hold 8+1. Factory Maxus tubes are pretty good. Pretty sure you have to have a plug in limiting shell capacity to 2 in the mag and one in the chamber for migratory birds. |
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Quoted:
For most waterfowl, you do, but for snow geese, there is no limit on magazine capacity. I did not know that...every time I have gone I have left my plug in thinking it had to be plugged...anymore for me it doesn't matter, mostly shoot my over under. I like being the smart ass in the blind when the DNR officer comes around asking to check plugs..."officer, aren't you gunna check mine?" |