16ga.com ~ View topic - Non-toxic waterfowl loads?

What works for you for ducks, handloaded or factory, in 16 gauge?

Member Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Posts: 451 Location: La-Tx

I use Kent TM when I use a 16. Just like shooting lead. If I ever run out of it I will load up some original HEVI in #6 and #7 1/2 shot. If I were going to shoot steel it would be hand loads or I'd buy some of Sporting Ammo's 16 ga. shells.

Joined: 26 Apr 2010 Posts: 3177 Location: NCWa

I haven't hunted waterfowl since the days of lead, but I did purchase some Classic Double shotshells awhile back in anticipation of getting a goose or two, but the fellow that I used to duck/goose hunt with has moved away, taking with him my half of the decoys and related stuff; so I haven't gotten it together enough to get re-equipped, so I'm not sure how soon I'll work waterfowl into the hunting schedule; but if/when I do, I'll likely be using those Hevi-Shot Classic Doubles.

Member Joined: 09 Jan 2013 Posts: 2168 Location: Florida

I load Niceshot and Bismuth , both work really good .

Joined: 16 Sep 2006 Posts: 334

Shoot 16ga exclusively for ducks and #1 choice is Kent T Matrix in #5 1 1/4oz which I understand they don't offer in 1 1/4 oz anymore and #2 is Nice Shot #5 in 1 1/8 oz home brews.Tried both Bismuth and ITX home brews and neither performed as well for me as #1 & #2 choices above.

Thanks fellas. Looks like I need to track down some Kent TM.

Joined: 08 Oct 2012 Posts: 72 Location: Hilton Head SC

I actually contacted Kent 10 days back or so asking if they were still making tungsten-matrix loads in 16 gauge. They responded back (quite quickly I might add) that they do plan on loading them and they plan to do so at the end of this month. I don't know when that means we may be seeing them at retail outlets but they are hopefully making them now or have already made a run of them and we should see them soon. I also inquired about the old 1 1/4oz load and they said that they had no plans to load that load at this time, only the 1 1/16th oz load.

Joined: 13 Dec 2006 Posts: 694 Location: MN

TM just crushes ducks and phez (on non tox land). You can easily go 1-2 sizes smaller on shot. I have shot #5 on ducks over decoys out of my Merk and the dog seldom has to track down a cripple. Worth the $$$...and no...I have no interest in Kent cartridge ..

Jon, at more than $3 a shot, I hope they work!

Member Joined: 09 Jan 2013 Posts: 2168 Location: Florida

None of the steel shot alternatives are cheap . But are money well spent IMO , considering the cost of hunting over all .

I roll my own NiceShot , and buy some Kent TungstenMatrix to fill in when I don't have time to load , Both work exceptionally well when I do my job . Tons better than steel

And I am a bit different
I use steel shot but have a good location,
good decoys, and call well and shoot them
at very close ranges, 15 -30 yards.
Dead is dead
Mike

Joined: 25 Mar 2013 Posts: 36 Location: Southern Michigan

I handload steel shot.

Member Joined: 25 Oct 2010 Posts: 199 Location: NJ

I've had good success with Nice and ITX in 2.5 inch low pressure loads...as long as I do my part as others so rightly said! Have brought down sea ducks and geese with ITX.

Joined: 27 Sep 2012 Posts: 38 Location: Portland OR

I shoot Hevi-shot in #4 at ducks - Hevi-shot 16 ga. duck loads are at about $3.80 per shell, so we are talking about an investment. As others have noted, however, the performance is worth it (a single pellet can be fatal) when weighed against the additional costs associated with hunting season. If you are paying a guide, paying for a lease, buying gas or a hotel room, you name it, spending money on shells is not so bad.