fishingstar Posted July 17, 2016 Share Posted July 17, 2016 over the years I've waited to long to buy my shells. This year I'm going get then when there is a selection to pick from. Last year I tried Winchester's blind side. It sold me on new technology is something I should look in to. The blind side is more of a duck shell but the birds that we would hit would just fold up. We didn't have any coasters if we go feathers it went down. what kind of shells have you guys been have good luck with? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smalliehunter Posted July 17, 2016 Share Posted July 17, 2016 Federal premium- Prairie storm 3" #3 or #4 steel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ESSGuy Posted July 17, 2016 Share Posted July 17, 2016 In WPA's where I hunt , we use #2 or BB steel. Either hit them or you don't. a big rooster can take a big beating and run unless you break both legs, obviously. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobberineyes Posted July 17, 2016 Share Posted July 17, 2016 I'm a last minute shopper myself fishingstar. I do have some lead to burn up but I am a believer in fast steel. Most birds crumple when hit. 2 3/4 1 1/8 high velocity for me. Kent or federal ammo is my choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PurpleFloyd Posted July 17, 2016 Share Posted July 17, 2016 If money is not an issue I like Federal wing shok PF loads. http://www.federalpremium.com/products/details/shotshell.aspx?id=408 1500 fps in 4 or 5 shot really packs a punch. If budget is an issue than any #4 or 5 game load. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishingstar Posted July 18, 2016 Author Share Posted July 18, 2016 I mostly hunt state land I'm looking for a steel shell that has the power of a lead shell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PurpleFloyd Posted July 18, 2016 Share Posted July 18, 2016 2 hours ago, fishingstar said: I mostly hunt state land I'm looking for a steel shell that has the power of a lead shell. You need to go bigger with steel.If you want a heavier hit then try a non tox load like bismuth etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Down2Earth Posted July 18, 2016 Share Posted July 18, 2016 16 hours ago, ESSGuy said: In WPA's where I hunt , we use #2 or BB steel. Either hit them or you don't. a big rooster can take a big beating and run unless you break both legs, obviously. Same for me. It's also a plus that the meat isn't like a pincushion full of pellets when using BB like it is with higher loads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rundrave Posted July 18, 2016 Share Posted July 18, 2016 #2 Steel here for me also. I hunt too much public and dont want to worry about switching to and from lead. I dont have any issues with cripples and I knock plenty of late season birds down with no issues. I would suggest regardless what you shoot to spend some time patterning your gun and getting the appropriate choke for your style of hunting. bobberineyes 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainMusky Posted July 21, 2016 Share Posted July 21, 2016 On 7/18/2016 at 9:17 AM, rundrave said: I would suggest regardless what you shoot to spend some time patterning your gun and getting the appropriate choke for your style of hunting. This. Each gun will shoot loads differently. Many guys don't think of or think its important to pattern a shotgun because "I have a big pattern". Well, I have seen it first hand that some guns shoot low, some high, some left or right. It makes a huge difference when wondering why you are missing or crippling birds. Different loads and swapping choke tubes also make a huge difference. I like the Federal Prairie Storm loads #5 for lead. Steel I shoot #3 Federal. Ive had better luck with 2-3/4" steel than 3" for some reason. Tend to miss more birds with 3". No idea why. Tom7227 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobT Posted July 21, 2016 Share Posted July 21, 2016 I haven't been able to find it now and I don't recall all of the specifics but if my memory is correct, there was a test conducted and the result for steel was 2-3/4" 12 ga, #2 shot, 1-1/4oz provided the best all-around performance. Don't recall what the choke of choice was. It seemed that the kill percentage was best (#3 was about the same in this regard) but the larger pellets seemed to result with less feather being pushed into the wound for some reason. I don't recall if there was an explanation for that. Just going off my memory so.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishuhalik Posted September 17, 2016 Share Posted September 17, 2016 Depends. I used to shoot Kent Fasteel #2s, cuz where I was hunting, the only tall grass was next to ponds and I killed more than a couple ducks. See ducks coming, ditch the vest and hunker down for a minute. If it was specifically pheasants, 3" premium 4 shot lead. that stuff knocked birds down great for me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZachD Posted September 20, 2016 Share Posted September 20, 2016 Federal prairie storm loads or Herters select field pheasant shotshells #5 for lead And prairie storm steel #4 for steel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheetah Posted October 24, 2016 Share Posted October 24, 2016 Federal #4 steel, but I shoot very few birds and don't get out much. I am surprised to see so many replying with #2 or BB. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rundrave Posted October 26, 2016 Share Posted October 26, 2016 On 10/24/2016 at 3:35 PM, Cheetah said: Federal #4 steel, but I shoot very few birds and don't get out much. I am surprised to see so many replying with #2 or BB. The #2 pattern very well in my gun. And over the years I have realized if I shoot a pump or auto I dont get patient enough and just keep firing. I now shoot an O/U most days and it has made me a much better shot as I tend to take more time to aim knowing I only have 2 shots. Thus leading to the bird to being out a ways before I fire. At times when I have made a close shot I havent had any issue making pheasant hamburger. And #2 steel works great on late season birds with some thick skin. I am sure results may very. If your confident with what your firing thats all that matters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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