Calling all duck hunters

[CopperFouling]

I hope you enjoyed that pun.

I've been using Black Cloud for the last few years. It's worked decently, although I've had a few cripples. Does anyone have enough experience with Kent Bismuth or Hevi Metal to know if they're worth the extra dollars in terms of effectiveness? I want to say that Hevi Metal is about 30 percent more expensive than Black Cloud, and I know the bismuth is even higher than that.

Thoughts / suggestions / experiences welcome. Thanks in advance (not from the ducks, though).

 

[Bull Nutria]

I suggest that you pattern your gun with #2 steel loads, kent fast steel, or other premium brand. Modified choke is usually best for 35-40 yds shots, imp cyl best for closer shots. Blind side and black cloud are gimics to make money for shell manufacturers. perfect spherical shot is proven to be the best for consistent patterns. bismuth and other heavi shot loads are effective because they are heavier than lead but cost is $3+ a shell. unless cost is no object you can do very well with premium steel inside 40 yds with out the exorbitant cost of bismuth and hevi shot.

Bull

 

[Nature Boy]

I've gone to using nothing but my 10ga Browning and #2 steel for duck hunting

 

[CopperFouling]

I should pattern my shotgun with the Black Cloud that I have. I haven't done so with that type of shot yet. I'll bring along some Kent, too. Thanks.

 

[chas08]

Bull Nutria hit the nail on the head. I had an opportunity to clean out a stores supply of Remingtons version of the tungsten shot a few years ago for an average of $14 a box. But an ounce and a quarter of #2 steel equals dead duck inside 45 yards for a quarter of todays cost of the premium tungsten or bismuth loads.Sadly cripples happen with both and I believe are more the fault of the shooter than the load itself.