10 gauge non tox shell recommendation.

[Phil C]

I have an Ithaca grade 3 10 gauge magnum. Chambered for 3 1/2” shells.
With our quail numbers way down I am planning on concentrating on doing a lot more duck hunting this year.
I would like recommendations on which brand of shot shells you recommended and shot size.
Thanks in advance.

[6pt-Sika]

Ive got bismuth loaded for ducks and or geese . I use 30 grains of SR7625 and weighed 1 1/4 ounces of whatever shot size I want mostly 1-2-4-5 . I’ve not bothered putting buffer in these and seems to me I didn’t need spacers or if so very little . I also believe I’ve only loaded it using SP-10’s and not the BPI wad . Oh yeah these were in 2 7/8” hulls . I have a set of Belgian made fluid steel barrels that were fitted to a Grade 2 top lever 10 that have 3 1/2” chambers , I believe this was a Don Kaas gun at one point . Anyway I shot some factory 10 gauge 3 1/2” buckshot slugs and turkey loads in that almost 10 pound gun and recoil was still noticeable .

[Phil C]

Thanks Craig but I am not set up for reloading 10 gauge ammo yet.
Any recommendations for some factory loads are appreciated.
Also any feedback on modern steel loads as far as being safe to shoot.