There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on personal preferences and what type of waterfowl hunting you plan on doing. Some people prefer 12 gauge shotguns for their increased power and range, while others find 20 gauge shotguns to be just as effective but lighter and easier to carry. Ultimately, the best gauge for waterfowl hunting is the one that you are most comfortable using.
There are a lot of opinions out there about what gauge shotgun is best for waterfowl hunting. Some people swear by 12 gauge, while others prefer 20 gauge. So, which one is actually better?
Honestly, it depends on your personal preference and shooting style. 12 gauge shotguns tend to have more power and range, while 20 gauges are typically lighter and easier to handle. Ultimately, the best gauge for you is the one that you feel most comfortable shooting.
If you’re just starting out in waterfowl hunting, or if you don’t have a lot of experience with shotguns in general, then 20 gauge may be a good place to start. It’s less intimidating than 12 gauge and can still get the job done when it comes to bringing down ducks and geese.
However, if you’re an experienced hunter who wants maximum power and range, then 12 gauge is probably the way to go.
Just keep in mind that it can be harder to control due to its recoil.
Best 20 Gauge Duck Load
In today’s world, there are a lot of choices to make when it comes to picking the right shotgun ammunition. With so many different types and brands of ammo on the market, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. If you’re a duck hunter, you know that the type of shotgun ammo you use can make all the difference in your success rate.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best 20 gauge duck loads on the market today.
Whether you’re looking for traditional lead shot or something more modern like steel shot, we’ve got you covered. We’ve also included a variety of pellet sizes so that you can find the perfect load for your gun and hunting style.
No matter what your budget is, we’re confident that you’ll find an option on this list that’s perfect for you.
Lead Shot:
#1 Hevi-Shot Hevi-13 Turkey Loads
These high-powered shells pack a serious punch, making them ideal for taking down large birds like ducks. The hevi-shot pellets are also designed to penetrate deep into your target, ensuring a clean kill. If you’re looking for maximum power and efficiency, these are the shells for you.
#2 Winchester Super X Xpert High Velocity Duck Loads
Winchester is a trusted name in ammunition, and their Xpert High Velocity Duck Loads live up to the reputation. These shells pack a deadly punch thanks to their copper-plated lead pellets.
They’re also designed to resist wind drift so that your shots will be on target even in less than ideal conditions.
Beretta 20 Gauge Waterfowl
In the world of firearms, there are few companies with as much history as Beretta. Founded in 1526, Beretta is one of the oldest continuously operating businesses in the world. And their firearms have been used by militaries, police forces, and civilians around the globe for centuries.
Today, we’re taking a look at their 20 gauge waterfowl shotgun.
The 20 gauge is a versatile caliber that is popular for both hunting and target shooting. When it comes to hunting waterfowl, the 20 gauge has enough power to take down larger birds like ducks and geese, but is also light enough to be easily carried through marshy terrain.
The Beretta 20 gauge waterfowl shotgun features a 3″ chamber which gives you plenty of firepower for taking down even the biggest birds. It also has a 28″ barrel which makes it easy to swing on fast-moving targets. And finally, it comes with 5 choke tubes so you can customize your shot pattern to match your particular hunting situation.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just getting started, the Beretta 20 gauge waterfowl shotgun is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality firearm that will provide years of reliable service.
20 Gauge Duck Hunting Loads
There are a lot of different types of shotgun shells that are available on the market for duck hunting. The most popular gauges for duck hunting are 12 and 20. The 20 gauge is becoming increasingly popular among hunters because it provides good performance without being too heavy to carry.
When choosing a shotgun shell for duck hunting, you need to consider what type of gun you will be using and what kind of ducks you will be hunting. If you plan on using a pump action or semi-automatic shotgun, then you will want to choose a shell that has a high velocity. This will help to ensure that the shot pattern is tight and that the pellets have enough power to penetrate the thick feathers of ducks.
If you are using a double barrel shotgun, then you may want to choose shells with lower velocities so that they do not damage the gun.
The most important factor in choosing a shotgun shell for duck hunting is the shot size. The larger the shot size, the more pellets there are in each shell.
This means that there is a greater chance of hitting your target. For close range shots, such as those taken within 15 yards, it is best to use smaller shot sizes so that all of the pellets hit the target. For long range shots, it is best to use larger shot sizes so that fewer pellets miss the target.
12 Or 20 Gauge for Upland Hunting
There is a lot of debate amongst hunters as to what gauge shotgun is best for upland hunting. The two most popular gauges are 12 and 20. Here, we will take a look at the pros and cons of each gauge to help you decide which is right for you.
12 Gauge Pros:
-More power than a 20 gauge- this means that it can take down larger game birds such as geese or turkey.
-Has more recoil than a 20 gauge, but many hunters find that they can handle the recoil with proper practice and form.
-A wider variety of ammunition is available in 12 gauge than 20 gauge. This means that you can find the perfect load for your particular needs.
Best 12-Gauge for Duck Hunting
For duck hunters, the 12-gauge shotgun is the weapon of choice. But with so many different types and brands of 12-gauge shotguns on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one for you. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best 12-gauge shotguns for duck hunting, as well as what to look for when choosing a shotgun for this purpose.
When it comes to duck hunting, there are two main types of 12-gauge shotguns: pump-action and semi-automatic. Pump-action shotguns are typically cheaper and more reliable than semi-automatic shotguns, but they require more effort to operate. Semi-automatic shotguns are easier to use but can be more expensive.
There are also several different gauges of shotgun available, from 10 gauge to 20 gauge. The most popular gauge for duck hunting is 12 gauge, which provides a good balance between power and weight. Other gauges such as 16 gauge or 20 gauge may be suitable for smaller game such as quail or doves.
When choosing a 12-gauge shotgun for duck hunting, it’s important to consider the type of action you want (pump or semi-automatic), the barrel length (longer barrels are better for long range shooting), and the choke (a tighter choke produces a tighter shot pattern). It’s also important to choose a shotgun that’s comfortable for you to hold and shoot.
Credit: www.shotgunlife.com
Is a 20 Gauge Shotgun Good for Duck Hunting?
A 20 gauge shotgun is a great choice for duck hunting. It is light enough to carry easily, but has enough power to take down most ducks. The ammunition is also relatively inexpensive, making it a good choice for budget-conscious hunters.
What Shot Size for Waterfowl?
What shot size for waterfowl?
There is no definitive answer to this question as the best shot size will vary depending on the type of waterfowl you are hunting, the distance you will be shooting from and your personal preferences. However, we can offer some general guidelines to help you choose the right shot size for your next waterfowl hunt.
If you are hunting small ducks such as teal or widgeon, a smaller shot size like #6 or #7 should suffice. For larger ducks like mallards or pintails, a heavier shot like #4 or #5 will be necessary to ensure a clean kill. And if you are planning on taking long shots at geese, the largest shot sizes like T or BB will give you the best chance of success.
Ultimately, it is important to experiment with different shot sizes to see what works best for you and your equipment. So get out there and start testing until you find that perfect combination for a successful waterfowl hunt!
What is the Best Shotgun Shell for Waterfowl?
There is no one “best” shotgun shell for waterfowl, as the type of shotgun and the game being hunted will both play a role in determining which shells are best suited for the task at hand. For example, a 12-gauge shotgun firing 3-inch magnum shells loaded with #2 steel shot is going to be better suited for hunting geese than a 20-gauge shotgun firing 2-3/4 inch shells loaded with #6 lead shot.
That said, there are certain factors that all good waterfowl shotgun shells should have in common.
First and foremost amongst these is reliability; you want a shell that is going to fire when you pull the trigger, regardless of whether it’s cold and wet or hot and dry. Second is pattern density; you want a shell that delivers a tight pattern of pellets at long range, as waterfowl tend to be relatively small targets that are often far away from the hunter. Lastly, velocity is important; faster pellets penetrate deeper into the bird’s body cavity, increasing your chances of bringing it down.
With those criteria in mind, here are five great waterfowl shotgun shells that should serve you well out in the field:
1) Federal Premium Black Cloud FS Steel – These 12-gauge 3-inch magnum shells come packed with 1-1/8 ounces of #2 steel shot, and they have a muzzle velocity of 1,550 feet per second (fps). They’re reliable, they deliver tight patterns even at long range, and they pack enough punch to take down even the biggest birds.
2) Winchester Super X Xpert High Velocity Steel – Another great option for 12-gauage shooters, these 3-inch magnum shells come packed with 1 ounce of #2 steel shot travelling at a muzzle velocity of 1,625 fps. Again, you can expect reliable performance and tight patterns from these shells.
3) HeviShot Hevi13 Turkey Load – This isn’t strictly speaking a waterfowl load (it’s designed for turkey hunting), but it would make an excellent choice for duck hunting as well.
It comes in both 12 and 20 gauge varieties (with 3-inch or 2-3/4 inch chambers respectively), and it packs 1 ounce of #5 lead shot travelling at 1,300 fps.
Is a 12 Gauge Or 20 Gauge Better?
There is no simple answer to the question of which gauge is better, as it depends on a number of factors. The most important factor is what you intend to use the gun for. If you are looking for a gun for home defense, then a 12 gauge may be the better choice.
If you are looking for a gun for hunting, then a 20 gauge may be the better choice. Other factors that can affect your decision include personal preference, ammunition availability, and cost.
12ga versus 20ga Shotgun – How Do You Choose? | Gun Talk
Conclusion
In general, 12 gauge shotshells are going to be your best bet for waterfowl. They tend to have more power and better penetration than 20 gauge shells, making them better suited for taking down larger birds. That being said, there are some situations where a 20 gauge might be the better choice.
If you’re going to be shooting at smaller birds, or if you’re looking for a lighter recoil option, the 20 gauge could be a good choice for you. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which caliber is best for your needs.