What Size Shot for Duck and Geese?

[Jason Freeland]

100% of my current shotgun round stash is geared towards self defense, basically 00 Buck or Slugs and some that has both. I would like at least one case of general hunting ammo, but want to make sure it would bring down a duck or goose. I'm thinking somewhere in the 4 to 6 shot range, the question is what? Only scattergun I have at the moment is my KS-12, which is a Saiga 12 clone from Kalashnikov USA. It has been tuned to work with all types of ammo, so I'm good to go there (adjustable gas port) and the only scenario I would be using it for hunting is if the SHTF. I may be talked into a cheap 12 gauge pump in the future, but have no intention of hunting unless I'm hungry. Thanks.

 

[wolfkpr]

Since ducks and geese require steel shot- #2-4 size shot for ducks, # 2 to BB for geese..

 

[dlbleak]

Well, migratory birds are limited to 3 total rounds in the gun. But, I suppose a SHTF scenario wouldn’t matter. Steel shot is required by law but then again, SHTF.
2-4 for ducks and 1-BBB for geese.

 

[Jason Freeland]

Since ducks and geese require steel shot- #2-4 size shot for ducks, # 2 to BB for geese..

Why steel?

 

[Jason Freeland]

Well, migratory birds are limited to 3 total rounds in the gun. But, I suppose a SHTF scenario wouldn’t matter. Steel shot is required by law but then again, SHTF.
2-4 for ducks and 1-BBB for geese.

So conceivably the 00 would work in a pinch for geese?

Edit: They make a 2 round magazine for them for this reason, but I have never had cause before to pick any up.

 

[HFS]

Why steel?

I think it's something like, lead shot was banned from waterfowl areas because the birds consume it, pick it up from the marsh and get lead poisoning. (Somebody will be along in a minute to tell me how wrong my memory is.)
You have to use non-toxic shot for ducks and geese. Steel, bismuth, etc.

 

[Oklahomabassin]

If you are just looking for SHTF hunting ammo, I would get high brass 4, 5 or 6 shot in lead.

Ducks and geese are mostly migratory and here October-early March. SHTF could occur other months.

The shells above would work on local small game like rabbit, squirrel, oppossum, raccoon etc as well as duck and geese.

 

[okcBob]

Never used anything bigger then BB for geese

 

[Hooper]

Elevation and distance from the little rascals. Small Caliber.
I would go with a 17 mm Remington from the 70's.
Never could hit anything on the fly with a shotgun. Never could get the lead figured.
I suppose it is because I always carried a Rifle growing up.
Just be sure you have enough elevation that your, round goes in the dirt or water at a good angle.

400 Yards is the ideal shot distance.
Follow up for multiples is a problem though. After the first shot they all disappear.

 

[swampratt]

I quit hunting waterfowl for years when they went to steel shot being mandatory.
Before that #4 3" magnum lead got it all done.

I decided one day to get some geese and purchased #4 steel for the 12 gauge and I hit some geese at 35-40 yards and it did not work out in my favor.
I will never shoot those again at geese and really do not want to send them at a duck.
That steel shot is not nearly as good as lead.

So what others have said I would think #2 steel as a minimum for geese.