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Shotgun and loads?
Just curious, and actually wanting to get the page jumpin...so what is your shotgun choice for waterfowl and what loads do you use?
I shoot a Beretta Extrema 2, 24" Mod and always shoot 3 1/2 #2 Drylock
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I shoot a Beretta AL 390 with limbsaver added. Love this gun for several reasons, but one is how easy it is to completely break down for cleaning. Not really looking to start the controversial "i never clean if and the first time I did it wouldn't shoot" controversy, but for the best chance of reliability year in, year out with your semi-auto, clean it frequently. This is even more crucial for the gas autos vs the inertial autos. The Beretta AL390 fits this requirement for me, no tools needed. My ammo choice is 3inch magnum 12 of whatever steel I can find on sale traveling at a minimum of 1500-1575 fps. Some past faves are Federal HHV's and black clouds if I can find some on BIG sale
Grover the Convalescent
Writing on my iPhone from a hospital somewhere in memphis
@Auto5man
I find the Browning Light 10ga loaded with #5 3 1/2" turkey load of any brand with a standard light-mod choke to be most effective. "My friends" kill alot of ducks that way. Sure, it's expensive, but you will see the savings by never needing a plucker again. Hell, you don't even have to cook 'em. The powder burn is adequate to temperatures up to medium-rare. A splash of Dales and a shake of Tony's and you'll have yourself a pit snack that will rival Bradley's mustard sardines! Mmmmm Upsize your waders and sell your duck straps. Let's get it on!
I shoot a Benelli SBE II, 12 gauge, 28" barrel with both 3 & 3.5" shells. Blackcloud 3", 3 shot is for ducks & Blackcloud 3.5" BBs for geese.
I changed from Winchester Xpert load to Blackcloud two years ago for the same reason as above (wouldn't bring em down). If you can find them on sale (Rogers Sporting Goods is who I normally buy Blackcloud from, you can get them as low as $0.79/shot).
I shot with the Manufacturer's Improved Modified choke all season. I've purchased Carlson Blackcloud chokes for both ES (early season) & LS (late season) for the upcoming season. With Blackcloud & manufacturer's choke, I have consistent kills @ 50+ yards. I'm hoping to improve this season with Carlson chokes.
Been using SBE II for two years & have only had one time gun jammed.
I've purchased HeviMetal 3", 3 shot to supplement the Blackcloud. I will insert the HeviMetal first (my last shot) & then insert two (2) Blackclouds (my first & second shots).
My son shoots a Benelli Nova Pump, 12 guage, 26" barrel with same configuration as above & loves it.
I shoot a hand me down(thanks to a dear friend) browning gold hunter 10 gauge and I love it....so far. So far, two seasons and haven't cleaned it yet with 5+ cases and not that many jams. I worried that if I clean it, she'll start jammin. Marcus advised me of this as it's how he keeps his equipment in good working order.
-Hunter
Follow @3RiversDuckClub
two years? Come on Hunter, bring it to be I'll at least put a water hose on it...LOL
Randy
I shoot a Beretta A 390 with a kicks high flyer Mod. I shoot Hevi Metal 3 in #2 for early season and Hive Shot 3in #4 for late season.
Steve, I tried that Hevi Metal last year. The folks at Avery talked me into it. I must admit I said several foul letter words after my first three shots. That Crap kicks like a mule. Now I'm a big fella and have never been weak when it comes to shooting the "big loads" but Geeez, I gave the rest of it away..LOL.
Randy
I have a question for you Randy. Do you ever have trouble with your gun cycling the 3.5 in loads? I have had trouble with both the above guns when it gets cold. I bought the Extrema because of this and I'll be damned if it didn't jam up from day one in the cold weather. I sent it back to the factory, and they claim to have fixed it.... I guess we will find out. I have been shooting Winchester Xperts 3.5 in # 2. I love the performance of the shell (and the price), but dont like having a single shot. Has anyone else ever experienced the same problem with either of these guns?
Squatch
as your lubricant, I highly recommend it. When my Beretta 390 was new I had some cold weather "singleshot" problems as well, once I started using breakfree I've never had another failure.
@Auto5man
Brad I have had my Extrema for 4 years now and I have never had issues. I hunted in 8 degree weather and didn't have a problem. Didn't shoot a whole lot of ducks in 8 degree weather but did have an ice shoot...LOL, we were throwing chunks of ice up like skeet just to pass the time..LOL I know I know, childish behavior but hey aren't we really all just big kids?
My son shoots the Experts because of price and he shoots three times at every duck...I thought about getting him a single shot. I just prefer the "extra" (1 9/16) shot in the Drylock. I'm getting old, can't see that well and I need all the help I can get...no matter the cost.
Come get in a blind with me and we'll show folks what Extrema shooters can do !
Randy
Look forward to hunting with you my man, dont know if I would be the best to represent Extrema, but.... I do love to shoot!!!
Squatch
I use a Beneli 3" auto, 24" barrel. I have found with the new loads like hevi-steel I can shoot as far as i am interested and bring anything down.
what I really like is the fit of the gun,lightweight and easy to clean.
Mike Fay
Mike Fay