Kent TM 20ga, 2-3/4”, #5?

[Tom Flanigan]

Originally Posted by Jay Gardner

Anyone know where I might be able to find 2-3 boxes of 20 ga, 2-3/4”, #5’s?

Thanks,

Jay

Jay, just a suggestion, you might want to pattern #5's and #6's from your 20 bore. Through much pattern testing with Parker 20 bores, I have found that the #6's pattern measurably better from a 20 bore. Your gun may be different, but I don't use anything larger than 6's in the 20 bore and 7 1/2 in a 28 bore. No doubt there are 20 bores that handle 5's well, but I don't own one. 20 bore #6's will handle ducks well out to about 40 yards or so from a full choke gun, in my experience extensively shooting ducks in Saskatchewan and locally. In my opinion, that is the maximum distance for the 20 bore and only in full choke. Try to stretch the 20 bore and you will wind up with wounded birds some of which don't drop where they can be recovered with a good dog.

When shooting a 12 bore at geese and ducks, I use only the old pigeon load of 3 1/4 drams (1200 fps) and 1 1/4 ounce of shot. Relatively light recoil and short shot strings make for a superior waterfowl load. I like 6's for ducks and 4's for the geese. I don't skybust and make sure the waterfall are well within the range of my loads.

[Double Lab]

Jay,

I suggest you get some Bismuth 5's and pattern them in your gun.
Last year I killed geese with my VHE 30" 28ga with F/F chokes using 3/4oz. #4's. Search back in the Hunting with Parkers forum.
I also shoot 1 oz. #5 Bismuth out of my 30" 20ga. Fox with F/F chokes. Same results. Do your part in getting them within 40yds and head shoot them. You did'nt mention whether you were shooting ducks or geese but if those loads will kill a Canada cleanly then you should have no problem on ducks. Good luck.