Waterfowl loads for a 20 gauge SX4

[RocketRob16]

Like others have noted, Kent Fasteel is my favorite as well. It’s all about how the choke/load combo work though. Spend some time shooting at paper to find what works best for you. If you are thinking about Boss shells, just be aware that they have been known to have primer issues here and there. Had a buddy shooting them a while back and Boss sent him a bunch of new shells when he told them about the issue. Hopefully they’ve got that all straightened out now, they perform phenomenally on ducks and geese.

 

[Timplant]

I picked up a 24'' SX4 20ga this year as well! shot a limit of teal opening day with #2's and a code black duck (or goose can't remember) choke, I have a 28'' 12ga SX3 I've had for 12 years that i absolutely love. all of hunting partners shoot benelli and browinings, and I'm the only one who takes one gun on trips because I can cycle light stuff (7/8 low brass) for grouse/squirrels and clays.

 

[Duckhunterbrad]

I've had great luck with Boss 3in 5's. I burn through about 3 cases a year and have 0 complaints. Go one choke tighter than normal steel and you will be very happy with the results.

 

[livingandlearning]

For you guys that are shooting the 3” Kents are you shooting the 7/8 load or something else? I just picked up a couple boxes as I’m switching to the 20 gauge Benelli m2 this year.

And on that note, any choke recommendations? I’d like to stick to a factory Benelli if I can but not opposed to buying a new one.

 

[mtmiller]

I've been very happy with Black Cloud 2's or 3's 3" for a few years on late season mallards and Canadas over decoys.

 

[Taudisio]

I've been very happy with Black Cloud 2's or 3's 3" for a few years on late season mallards and Canadas over decoys.

The black clouds are only 1350fps, really restricting the 20 gauge distance IME. Fine for 20/30 yard decoying birds, but you’ll have to pass on more of the skirting birds.

Great photo, looks like a perfect day!

 

[Rufus]

Love shooting a 20. Had excellent results on pheasants, ducks and sharp tails with either Steel 2’s or 3’s going 1500 to 1550fps. Kent fast steel or Winchester xperts were what I used the most. Also Fiocchi. With that said, my all time favorite was the Kent impact (tungsten matrix) loads. #5’s were just awesome. Never felt handicapped at all with that load. Can’t find them anymore. Wish I could. Thanks. -Rufus

 

[Rogue Bay]

I can’t thank you all enough for the great information!

 

[Luvbowhuntn]

I went to strictly 20ga for everything a few years ago.Simply bc my kids were using a 20ga and it cut down on carrying multiple types of shells. Once I saw how effective the 20ga was for me I saw no need to ever pick up a 12ga again. I use Boss 3" #5's for ducks and geese and have never felt undergunned on any bird I should be shooting at. Ive absolutely stoned geese at 40yds that were dead before they hit the ground. Ive hunted alongside guys using 12ga and I kill just as many as they do. A few of them have even swapped over to 20ga now bc of that. I will add that in my personal experience #2's are skirting the area of not having enough pellets and more importantly the pattern density to do what I want done. #3's and 4's in steel do a great job. The advent of bismuth loads for waterfowl and tss loads for turkeys completely changed the game when it comes to subguages and game birds. enjoy the new 20ga. I expect when you see what it can do in the field you'll buy another 20ga for you or you'll be toting her gun more than you imagined.

 

[Kurts86]

I think the real secret sauce to shooting a 20 gauge or smaller for ducks is to use Bismuth or Hevi shot instead of steel shot with a good choke. The efficiency of the more dense shot can offset the 25% loss in payload, it just comes at a higher cost per shell.

 

[David Gough]

Boss 2.75" #5s or 4s. Find the factory choke it patterns best with and you won't look back.

I moved to a 28 gauge last season and now the 20 gauge is my backup gun.

 

[cuerro viejo]

I only hunt ducks/geese/cranes with 28ga or 410. #7 or #8 TSS

 

[Rogue Bay]

Now I feel silly for even worrying about this. You all have put my mind at ease and I’m excited to give it a try. I really appreciate everyone that has taken the time to reply and share so much great information. Thank you all!