Shop for me - 12ga duck loads

[outdoorsmunn]

So I normally hate these type of threads that ask too basic of a question but my research is just leading in circles. I am an avid competitive rifle shooter and occasionally hunter, not so much with the scatterguns. I owe a landowner for allowing me to host a PRS match on his land, but he refuses to take cash payment. I know he loves to duck hunt, so I want to buy a brick or two of shotgun shells and drop them off at his place. Kind of hard to refuse a gift if its not face to face right? Anyway, I need you guys with more experience to spend my money. I want to give him high quality ammo that performs well. I know at some point you reach diminishing returns, but I don't want to be a cheap bastard either. I also know that to get best results you should pattern the different loads in your gun, but that's obviously not an option here so I'm looking for ammo based off of reputation/your experience. In the competitive rifle world, I shoot Berger bullets because they are the best common bullets you can buy. Yeah there are some that cost more, but they don't really shoot any better. What is the "Berger Hybrid" of the duck hunting world? I'm looking for loaded ammo, and also where you would suggest buying online since my local stores seem pretty dry on shotgun ammo.

 

[Darryle]

12ga

3" Winchester Drylok Supreme 1 1/4ozs of #3 or #4 shot. Buy him a non-ported Carlson Mid-Range Cremator for his shotgunn as a special gift while you are at it.

No gimic pellets, no bold claims, they just flat out kill ducks dead efficiently.

I have about 16 cases taking up space in the closet of the spare bedroom, more than me, the hunting buddies and the kids will ever need.

 

[yankee outlaw]

what about a gift cert to his favorite sports store

 

[dogz]

Federal 3" number one's

 

[birddog 68]

I'm with yankee outlaw and the gift card. If he's a avid waterfowler he knows what he and his gun like. We can recommend a good brand but why spend $$ on something that his gun may not pattern. Gift cards are kind of the easy way out but you know he'll get what he likes.

 

[Coyote Shadow Tracker]

It's difficult with gift cards. We have had received gift cards for stores we never use and end up giving them away.
Depending on how much money you want to spend, think about something you can make him that he needs or would be a personal gift if you are mechanically inclined or have someone make something.
We have made things for people, given hard to get fruits homemade venison kelibas as well have received items and was A lot more personal than A gift card or ammo.
A really nice cookout and good meal is worth way more than a case of shot shells and can bring your families together.

 

[Quintus]

If I was in your shoes I would get him something in a shell he may not get himself. Maybe a case of Hevi Shot Heavy 12 or Federal Meateater or Kent Bismuth. A case of 3 inch will be $320 to $500. It is all good stuff. Not lead, but so much better than steel.

 

[Rem7mm08]

If you are dead set on gift cards try Macks Prairie Wings. Otherwise maybe offer help with some work around his ranch.

 

[Rflshootr]

I'd just start a conversation with him about duck hunting.....and then pop the questions, "Oh btw, what shot shells do you like for hunting ducks? What size shot do you think is best?" "What kind of gun do you use?" "What brand of duck calls are the best?" Then you have your answers.

 

[heelerx2]

Check out BOSS shot shells! Highly effective!

 

[jpndave]

The best waterfowl loads are Tungsten but they are very expensive per round. They also have a tungsten/steel blend which is a bit less. Bismuth is more of a niche for classic guns not steel safe. A buddy of mine swears by Federal Black Cloud in steel which are a more affordable option. You are probably safe with a 3" 12 ga steel load but if he is a hardcore waterfowler he may have a 3-1/2" 12 or even a 10 ga.

They are killing big geese way out there using a 28ga and full tungsten. That is just wicked stuff. I have some to try out loading up this year and I am excited to see how it goes. Shot sizes, ducks are usually smaller than geese and tungsten shot is MUCH smaller than steel. I you are interested in going one of these ways I would be happy to give some recommendations.

I agree with @Quintus to get him something he wouldn't get himself. If you are ok spending the $ and want to make is a super nice gift that he will appreciate and be a treat go tungsten.

 

[wolffo]

+1 for macks prairie wings
and/or find a deal on a case of shells from there
3" for sure
and in high velocity
study the fps do not just go by the fancy looking box and fast sounding name

 

[cornshank]

1 case of Kent fast steel 12 ga 3 1/2 " BB's For geese

1 case of Kent fast steel 12 ga 3 " , # 4 For ducks

1 Robo duck .

This is Ammo that works great , don't worry about
It fitting his shotgun chances are real good it will fit .
If it doesn't and he is an avid hunter , one of his buddies will trade with him .

 

[BigGriz]

I would place my vote on hevi metal 3" #3