[Dogface]

I hunt both big and small waters. I use #4 and #3 for most small waters depending on what I'm hunting say teal vs mallards. BTW either will work out to about 35 to 40 yards.

I use 3s and 2s for most everything else.

Here are two suggestions.

1. Find a load or two that your gun likes. BTW the most expensive stuff is not always the best stuff.

2. Verify that your getting decent patterns at the range you'll be hunting with the load you picked. I pattern at various distances with various chokes. For instance if I'm hunting a creek for woodies I might test 4 shot at 20 to 30 yards with skeet or LM chokes. If I'm shooting mallards on the river I might test 2 or 3 shot at 40 yards with LM or Mod. For divers on the bay I may stick with 1 or 2 shot and a choke that patterned tight out to 40 or 45 yards.

There is an ongoing dispute among hunters about speed vs payload. I prefer speed but there are many who prefer payload. My suggestion would be to ignore both and "shoot for" good patterns at the desired distance.

 

[Dogface]

I just watched your video. Your off to a good start.

I have a lot of different manufacture's shells in my "stock pile". Some will never get used for hunting because they are junk as you found out. I don't have much Kent because if I'm not shooting reloads I'm probably shooting Kent. It is cheap and it works.

 

[Dogface]

Some more info you might want to look at regarding your SG.

Your patterns seem to be trending to the left but your camera seems right on. This will help you determine POI. There could be an issue you'll want to address.

http://www.claytargettesting.com/POI/Point_of_Impact_and_Pattern_Testing_at_13_Yards.pdf

 

[Dogface]

Windwalker

You may find this interesting.

 

[Dogface]

Interesting test, shows you do not need real big shot for ducks, I have always believed in more shot as opposed to larger shot.

I've been using smaller shot, 4 and 3, for most of my hunting. I've been happy with the results. I usually take a laser ranger finder with me for two reasons. One to make sure I'm not in a safety zone and second to mark the range of my furthest decoy. I usually limit myself to 40 yards when shooting. I place a goose or diver decoy 40 yards from the blind if I'm in an open area and use those to gage distance. Shooting under 40 yards and smaller shot work well for me.

 

[Dogface]

Federal did a control penetration shot. It met the standards. The Federal gel was stored in a controlled environment. We do not know how the KPY was stored or if it met the standard penetration test.