Ammo for Waterfowl

[Jeff S]

I've admired many photo's of proud "fox owners" posing with ducks and geese. I'm assuming that no one is shooting steel shot in these old guns. What no toxic ammo do you guys use that won't harm your barrels? Jeff

[Jim Cloninger]

Hi Jeff, I use Bismuth in my CE and Bismuth and Tungston Matrix in my HE. Jim

[Jeff S]

Thanks for the information. Just out of curiosity, why do you use Bismuth in the CE and Tungsten in your HE? If my memory is correct, an HE has a heavier barrel. Should I stick with Bismuth in my "A"?

Jeff

[Stan Hillis]

Bismuth in my BE and my HE, 2 3/4" and 3" respectively. When I shoot steel it is in my B-SS.

That said, Worth Mathewson wrote in his book BIG DECEMBER CANVASBACKS that he shot a tightly full choked L.C Smith for years with steel shot as large as 2s before taking it to a gunsmith for some other problem and finding that it was choked so tightly. He said the barrels never exhibited any problem.

I don't use it in my vintage doubles, but my B-SS gets a regular diet of it every year during duck season. I won't worry Browning with it if I ever have a problem.

SRH

[Big Friend Ten]

I have shot steel shot through Damascus barreled Parkers. I do not make a habit of it but modern steel shot has wad thickness the size of Rhode Island!

Steel shot of today is much better than that of the first generation. That stated while your barrels will probably survive the buttstock will take a beating. Steel shot loads develop high muzzle velocity which in turn produces high recoil, i.e. shock to the head of the stock.

I normally hand load Nice Shot which is devastating on waterfowl. An once and a quarter in a 12 and an ounce and three eighths in a 10 gauge.

[Researcher]

Back when steel first became mandatory, my cousins took a Remington KED-Grade that had been in the family since the late 1920s or early 30s out to Western Minnesota for geese and bulged the chokes and popped the ribs.

[fox-admin]

I would never shoot steel shot in any Fox or any other vintage SxS regardless of the chokes---just my opinion (I have inspected vintage guns with bulges just behind the choke). I use TM 1 3/8 oz in my Supers and Model 21 Duck and handloaded 1 1/8oz bismuth (8000psi) (1 1/4 oz in 10 ga 2 7/8") in my other vintage sxs guns including damascus guns (Parkers and LC Smiths). I have shot 100's of duck with my handloads with very good results, Recently, I started using TM on late season birds that tend to be longer shots and more feathered up (impressive stuff!!). Rio now makes bismuth shotshells but friends have had problems chambering them in Super Foxes. I figure the cost of non-toxic shells is a minor expense considering the total investment one makes in waterfowl hunting. We drive to our hunting spot in a $30K truck burning $3.00 gas with enough equipment to fill a small barn accompanied by a retriever we have spent untold hours training and then worry about shooting $35.00 worth of ammo---makes ya wonder? Treat your Fox to the correct non-tox ammo and it will last your lifetime.

[gwsmith]

Are you guys shooting Rio Bismuth, handloading or do you still have shells left from the Bismuth Cartridge Company? I shot Rio this year but had problems with a handful of shells. I've never been a handloader so I'm wondering if there are better options I can find somewhere.

[Jeff S]

Thanks for all of the advice regarding waterfowl loads. I shot my first duck with my dad's side x side .410 lefever and then moved up to his 16 ga. SXS. The past 38 years I've been using semi autos, but I love all the pictures of you guys with your side by sides. I promise that next year I'll post a picture from our marsh with my A grade.

[snakeeater]

About Rio shot shells, I used #5 Rios in my SW 32 in. with fine results on Canvasbacks, Red heads & Blackheads. Now I have to tell you we were only shooting out to 35 to 40 yds. We had very few cripples. As for steel I only use that in my CZ !2 bore don't like it & never did. I still have some old Bismuth & it still kills ducks. Very Respectfully, Fritz