motty

It is obviously up to the individual what they decide to put through their guns. I experimented with steel shot after seeing "specialist" steel shot chokes (extremely tight) being used by a friend. I went on to buy a .655 constriction for the 12 and a .705 for the 10. I put big diameter steel through those with no ill effects. I figured that if that were the case I could put big steel through less tight - but still full- chokes. I have since done this with pretty much every gun I own, multi or fixed choked, steel proofed or not. I have to run into any problems.

It will depend upon the size in mm. To me, though, it makes absolutely no difference.

I have often struggled with trees putting me off. My dad, on the other hand, seems to ignore these and is therefore a terrific roost shooter. I have often marvelled at the effortless nature of his shooting whilst stood in a wood. Ps. I haven't told him this.

50 yards is a good bird, but certainly not out of range, even for 7 shot. That is a good ratio for such challenging shots!

Chris Potter is about as much use as a chocolate fireguard! When I told him I wanted an extended full Briley to shoot steel out of, he basically told me he wouldn't sell me one. Total clown!

The 1/2 choke "rule" is a common misconception.

A good result, J.

Cheers. I haven't been to the marsh as much this season (due to personal reasons), but I still had some great flights, putting a good amount of pinks in the bag. I know a few others that have had record seasons on the marsh. I will try a 1oz load in the 20. 👍

If you watch my recent video in the wildfowling section, you will see me in action with my Bettinsoli. It is a good, solid gun.

Thank you, sir!

Cheers! Thanks!

I'm glad you still enjoy the videos. I will hopefully make some more pigeon videos in the next couple of months. I am really looking forward to shooting some woodies again.

I do like to mix it up! Thank you!

I don't usually have a limit as such, but that was enough for me on that day. 8 was enough to carry 500 yards back to the truck with 3 guns, decoys and cartridges etc. I would have been quite happy with a couple, but I wanted to complete my "3 gun challenge".

Yes, I enjoyed it. I really wanted to get down the marsh, but alas it wasn't to be. Not a vintage season, but I'm sure you have made the most of your opportunities! Yeah, I'm not jealous of you lot up there! 😁

I much prefer shooting on the marsh, but that wasn't possible at the time. Also, it isn't all that often that I get pinks feeding on land that I have permission on. I'm sure you'll agree that these were more like flighted marsh birds than those hovering over decoys.

Thanks! In the 12 I used TSS 30-32gm 7s. In the 10 I used steel B, BB and BBB, around 42gm i would say. In the 20 i used 36gm hw13 4s. I don't know whether these loads don't pattern well or if I just shot poorly. The calling was done with a fairly cheap canada goose call. Thanks, J. They always look a bit further when using a gopro camera, but some were in the 60 yard bracket, I would say. That is not an unreasonable range for a medium sized goose like a pink. I first used TSS about 5 years ago. It is good stuff. It is expensive, but if used in small loads it isn't too bad. The right steel loads are also very capable.

I love seeing old shooting books, especially wildfowling ones.

Not strictly wildfowling, but I thought some might like to see some film of a recent foray shooting some pinks inland in Norfolk.

RC steel is plenty good enough for ducks.

Just hate the thought of all these guns getting their choke bored out.

If anyone shoots at a low bird and doesn't know what is beyond that, then they are an idiot.

Noooooooo!

I would go further than that and say a 12 with the newer shot types will easily out shoot an 8 with lead or bismuth. I would only consider an 8 for a bit of history etc. For me, other than that, it isn't really worth it.

It helps if you read through the thread before commenting.