Ammo for snow geese?

[ashersdad]

Haven't waterfowl hunted in years and got invited to hunt snow geese in Idaho.

What size shot and brand do most of you use for geese? I have a Benelli Nova that will take 3 1/2" shells and my trusty 35 year old model 870 that will take 3" shells. I prefer the 870. Looking online it looks like there is a wide variety that could work. Any suggestions on what has worked for you? Thank you.

 

[Sask hunter]

Go with steel 2’s. Snows are weak they only take a pellet to two to drop. I would go with a 3” 1.25 oz load as I find the bit slower loads pattern better usually vs the 1550 fps ones

 

[NR_Hunter]

Anything from BB-2 works good for me. I get whatever is cheapest at the time. Don't really see the point in getting super expensive stuff for low percentage shots, plus I mag dump on singles when I'm really bored, which is most of the time I'm snow goose hunting.

 

[Nick87]

Go with steel 2’s. Snows are weak they only take a pellet to two to drop. I would go with a 3” 1.25 oz load as I find the bit slower loads pattern better usually vs the 1550 fps ones

This or if you can find some 1's they work great too imo. No need for 3.5"

 

[SD_Prairie_Goat]

I love 3.5" personally, but not required.

I'm a fan of Winchester snow goose shells, it's a mix of 1's and 2's. I've had great success with Canada's using it, and a few snows (not the target of the hunt, more a bonus bird)

 

[Stocker]

A lot. Extend the choke tube and get as many sky carp as possible.

I used to snow goose hunt but I gave that nonsense up, my buddies that still do all run extended choke tubes and most of them hold 13.

 

[MThuntr]

The tough part will be finding ammo that only costs you just an arm & a leg vs both arms & legs.

I have had luck with both 1-1/8 and 1-1/4 though I haven't noticed a pattern difference as I was not comparing same brands. I used to shoot a lot of 3.5oz loads and realized they didn't do much other than recoil more.

 

[Nick87]

all run extended choke tubes and most of them hold 13.

You start a little early today? You mean extended magazine tube?

No judgement, I'm making jerky and have started already myself.

 

[Stocker]

You start a little early today? You mean extended magazine tube?

No judgement, I'm making jerky and have started already myself.

No, just my typical idiotic self. Not sure why I said choke tube. I guess if you extend the choke out to lengthen the barrel it may help.

I haven’t drank for a couple days. My mind is fuzzy.

Edit to add: I’m not editing my previous post. I embrace my stupidity and misuse of common terms.

 

[Wind Gypsy]

Go with steel 2’s. Snows are weak they only take a pellet to two to drop. I would go with a 3” 1.25 oz load as I find the bit slower loads pattern better usually vs the 1550 fps ones

This.

Used to buy 4 or 5 cases at a time of federal blue box 3" 1.25 ounce #1s, Bs, or BBs for snows. The good old days when you could always get a case (10 boxes) for $90-100 shipped from rogers sporting goods. Still have a couple cases sittin around.

BB - 2's will work depending on what you find. More pellets, less speed = better pattern and the 3"ers wont pound you as bad as 3.5's as you empty a mag tube.

 

[OntarioHunter]

This or if you can find some 1's they work great too imo. No need for 3.5"

^^^^
Exactly! BBs or #1 @ 1550 fps. Speed kills when using steel shot. Modified choke is probably best though I shot those steel loads through my fixed full 870 for almost thirty years with no issues. Modified will give you a better pattern.

 

[Deleted member 38069]

I’d say, whatever you can find in this shortage.

 

[Sask hunter]

This.

Used to buy 4 or 5 cases at a time of federal blue box 3" 1.25 ounce #1s, Bs, or BBs for snows. The good old days when you could always get a case (10 boxes) for $90-100 shipped from rogers sporting goods. Still have a couple cases sittin around.

BB - 2's will work depending on what you find. More pellets, less speed = better pattern and the 3"ers wont pound you as bad as 3.5's as you empty a mag tube.

First Covid year idk what was going on but you in Canada they had some good deals on shot shells. I got federal blue box for 15$ a box then federal had a $4 a box rebate. Ahh the good old days

 

[Sask hunter]

This.

Used to buy 4 or 5 cases at a time of federal blue box 3" 1.25 ounce #1s, Bs, or BBs for snows. The good old days when you could always get a case (10 boxes) for $90-100 shipped from rogers sporting goods. Still have a couple cases sittin around.

BB - 2's will work depending on what you find. More pellets, less speed = better pattern and the 3"ers wont pound you as bad as 3.5's as you empty a mag tube.

First Covid year idk what was going on but you in Canada they had some good deals on shot shells. I got federal blue box for 15$ a box then federal had a $4 a box rebate. Ahh the good old days

 

[nettereo16]

First Covid year idk what was going on but you in Canada they had some good deals on shot shells. I got federal blue box for 15$ a box then federal had a $4 a box rebate. Ahh the good old days

I hit this same Federal rebate in Nov 2020, couldn't believe it!! Wonder how many years till we see that again, if EVER!

 

[ashersdad]

Thanks for all the responses. I stopped at 2 different Sportsman's Warehouses today and the first didn't have anything even close. The 2nd store had some 3" BB for $20.99/box. They also had some 3.5" BB for almost $50/box. I decided to go with the cheaper option.

 

[fishing4sanity]

I think your choices are going to be more determined by what exists. Prices are lousy too. I'd say 3" is adequate and I used to use Kent Fast Steel BB or 2 because of price back when you had choices.

 

[jlmatthew]

All geese get Hevi-Metal 3.5" BBB from me.

 

[KoolBreeze]

Want to know the best recipe for a snow goose? Boil it in water with a leather boot. Throw away the goose and eat the boot.