20 gauge Goose Hunts

[Tubby’s Canteen]

I shot 20gauge at geese here in Nova Scotia hevi shot number 2s out of a stevens 311 with slightly tighter than modified but not full chokes. I use hevi shot number 4s for ducks. I switched to a twenty after tearing a trap muscle at work.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

My old 870 twelve gauge magnum has fixed full. I shot tons of geese over several decades using steel shot. Those barrels are one of the very few that can take it. But nothing bigger than BB and no velocity above 1550 fps. They say fixed full shooting steel (besides blowing some barrels apart) does not pattern that well. I don't know because I never patterned it. I just shot birds and didn't worry. If the barrel didn't hold up, I'd buy another with choke tubes. Lots are always available. But it's held up fine.

 

[flatwater bill]

@Skinnersblade yes, a similar shoulder problem for me makes it easier to swing the 20, and light recoil isn't painful. @AustinH48 I have shot the BlackCloud for ducks but actually haven't patterned it with 2's. I have tried several brands of 2's without good results, though. I am now on the trail of 7 1/2 Turkey loads from Apex..............FWB

 

[Oldnerd]

Remember that this group consists of factory representatives and diehard supporters of one of the TSS producers.

 

[flatwater bill]

@Oldnerd We all have our favorites ........and our biases. But the posts on this thread have all been very informative and spot on IMO. Eg: One of my biases regarding hunting products in general, and the shotgun specifically, is this: if my initial experience is bad, I cannot go back and give the product a fair trial, or a chance at redemption. Bismuth shot and #4 steel fall into this category. On the opposite end, my limited experience with TSS was absolutely outstanding. Price being the only downside. But you make a good point and I will keep that in mind..............FWB