bobby b Posted February 17, 2014 Report Share Posted February 17, 2014 Which 3 1/2" non toxic cartridges are everyone using and why? I've just been getting a 3 1/2" twelve and was wondering which cartridges to buy? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiffy Posted February 17, 2014 Report Share Posted February 17, 2014 (edited) i use two different 3 1/2 carts, only one for fowling though first ones gamebore mammoth magnum 42g - 1 for my wildfowling, does the job on geese and ducks.. could have used a bigger pellet size for the geese but thought id go with a 1 as it still works but gives me a few more pellets as im no george digweed http://www.gamebore.com/products/35/12g-mammoth-steel-3-12 second ones fiocchi ultra magnum 63g - 0, not for fowling but for fox, only had one fox so far but have started doing fox shoots with a group of guys and always have these loaded just in case, used some on a roost shoot recently as well as it was VERY windy and the wood was really high so thought id risk a few big carts.. did the job nicely http://www.fiocchiuk.com/site/index.php?pag=790&linea=7&titolo_prod=Magnum Edited February 17, 2014 by kiffy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Mat Posted February 17, 2014 Report Share Posted February 17, 2014 Remington or Gamebore steel, you wont go wrong with either ( you don't particularly need the 3 1/2" though ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandalf Posted February 17, 2014 Report Share Posted February 17, 2014 Gamebore Mammoth BB for geese. Remmington Superspeed No 1's for ducks. 26" barrelled Benelli with a Patternmaster after choke. Gives you all the hitting power you need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobby b Posted February 17, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2014 Thanks guys I would think I'll end up with the gamebore mammoth's as my local shop stocks them I've heard a few bad reports about the Remington's. Has anyone had any experience with them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiffy Posted February 17, 2014 Report Share Posted February 17, 2014 ive used 42gramm 70mm remingtons and their lovely.. nut i wouldnt know a good cart from a bad one my mate uses remingtons (and winchester) in his 10 bore for fowling and LOVES them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kes Posted February 17, 2014 Report Share Posted February 17, 2014 Nothing much wrong with the Remingtons I've used and they tend to be rather fast and hard-hitting. Generally Gamebore are good - never tried fiocchi. I've had a 31/2 magnum for a few years and its supposed to be the nearest thing to a 10 without actually getting one. Shot 3 geese one after the other near Shap when the wind was wild, and the range was 40+, all but one were dead and that one was a bad shot but came down - its a very hard hitting combination. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted February 17, 2014 Report Share Posted February 17, 2014 Once you get onto anything but steel loads the 3 1/2" super mag 12 ga gives nothing. 3" lead and tungsten, TMX, bismouth etc will meet your needs. I have used Gamebore mammoth and Remington Nitro steel (too many Nitro opened out too long to clear the port of my SX3 so I stopped using them but they killed well in BB and BBB, outclassing the Gamebore. No point in using smaller than number 1 steel in a super mag, the idea is to get the pellet count up when using pellets that are of larger than what you might use in lead (you know the up two sizes theory). Remember lead takes less volume in the case for weight than steel. 12ga super magnum does not equal a 10 ga, I own both and have even tested them side by side with equal factory loads. The patterns in the 12 loose the plot at greater range (I suspect to many pellets hit each other in a longer string) 2oz lead loads are horrid things through the 12 and can really ring you bell some, 2 -2 1/2 oz is not bad at all through a heavier 10ga though just a big push. If I was buying for fox and duck with occasional geese I should get a 3" every time, if I was buying for fox, duck with more geese I should get a super mag if I didn't own a ten but should only use 3" on fox (lead loads) and duck (fast steel) reserving the bigger 3 1/2" shells for trips out specifically for geese (WITH STEEL) Fact is we never needed a 3 1/2 case in the 12 ga before steel and we still don't if you don't want need to shoot geese with steel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kes Posted February 18, 2014 Report Share Posted February 18, 2014 (edited) Once you get onto anything but steel loads the 3 1/2" super mag 12 ga gives nothing. 3" lead and tungsten, TMX, bismouth etc will meet your needs. I have used Gamebore mammoth and Remington Nitro steel (too many Nitro opened out too long to clear the port of my SX3 so I stopped using them but they killed well in BB and BBB, outclassing the Gamebore. No point in using smaller than number 1 steel in a super mag, the idea is to get the pellet count up when using pellets that are of larger than what you might use in lead (you know the up two sizes theory). Remember lead takes less volume in the case for weight than steel. 12ga super magnum does not equal a 10 ga, I own both and have even tested them side by side with equal factory loads. The patterns in the 12 loose the plot at greater range (I suspect to many pellets hit each other in a longer string) 2oz lead loads are horrid things through the 12 and can really ring you bell some, 2 -2 1/2 oz is not bad at all through a heavier 10ga though just a big push. If I was buying for fox and duck with occasional geese I should get a 3" every time, if I was buying for fox, duck with more geese I should get a super mag if I didn't own a ten but should only use 3" on fox (lead loads) and duck (fast steel) reserving the bigger 3 1/2" shells for trips out specifically for geese (WITH STEEL) Fact is we never needed a 3 1/2 case in the 12 ga before steel and we still don't if you don't want need to shoot geese with steel Each to his own, I've fired 64 grams of lead through mine, the pattern is great and the gas ram helps with recoil as does a gel-tec butt pad. Steel seems to work on geese rather well, no problem with pattern and TBH the odd mallard at George Digweed ranges are satisfying. Edited February 18, 2014 by Kes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted February 18, 2014 Report Share Posted February 18, 2014 Gas ram? new one on me . I love the way you follow that statement up with gel tec recoil pads and such, this means you are mindful of the recoil which is the bad thing (expecting it). Yes I can shoot 63 grm one handed off my forearm but still I no longer think they are worthwhile on balance. Steel for geese yes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B525 LIGHT Posted February 28, 2014 Report Share Posted February 28, 2014 I use 70mm home loads in steel at 1600 fps plus. You don't need 3.5" shells but of the factory fodder go with gamebore Mamoths in BB for geese or 1's for both ducks and geese. Or try remmie Nito steel. Don't be mislead by Remmie sportsmans they don't achieve 1550fps they are a high volume shorter range shell. There's a reason they cost much less than the nitros. Trouble is we only get the 44 gram 3.5" Nitros this side of the pond. They are on the slow side. Best in BBB but hard to come by. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ayano3 Posted February 28, 2014 Report Share Posted February 28, 2014 I think everyone has their own thoughts and preferences. If your first few shots with a particular load are X*@# the cartridges are no good. Someone else shoots well with them and they are the best thing since sliced bread. Example...I was shooting a splash with a friend one evening and I gave him some cartridges to try, I never told him what they were, he shot well with them but later in the season suggested that particular brand and load was rubbish and would never use them!!! I have had a fair mixture of different loads and sizes and without making it into a science I have done fine with them all. I have used what I think have been the right load and size for the job and shot in range. I have used Remington, Eley's, Gamebore and Express. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motty Posted February 28, 2014 Report Share Posted February 28, 2014 I use 70mm home loads in steel at 1600 fps plus. You don't need 3.5" shells but of the factory fodder go with gamebore Mamoths in BB for geese or 1's for both ducks and geese. Or try remmie Nito steel. Don't be mislead by Remmie sportsmans they don't achieve 1550fps they are a high volume shorter range shell. There's a reason they cost much less than the nitros. Trouble is we only get the 44 gram 3.5" Nitros this side of the pond. They are on the slow side. Best in BBB but hard to come by. I've used 1 3/8 oz Nitros. I think everyone has their own thoughts and preferences. If your first few shots with a particular load are X*@# the cartridges are no good. Someone else shoots well with them and they are the best thing since sliced bread. Example...I was shooting a splash with a friend one evening and I gave him some cartridges to try, I never told him what they were, he shot well with them but later in the season suggested that particular brand and load was rubbish and would never use them!!! I have had a fair mixture of different loads and sizes and without making it into a science I have done fine with them all. I have used what I think have been the right load and size for the job and shot in range. I have used Remington, Eley's, Gamebore and Express. There is a lot of truth in what you've said. Pigeon shooters are no different. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandalf Posted March 1, 2014 Report Share Posted March 1, 2014 Tried 'em all. Missed with them all. Is it that the cartridges are no good or is it me? On very rare days I've hit 'em all. So then the cartridges were good? It's choice and the pattern plate results. If your gun throws a good pattern then it gives you confidence and you will shoot much better for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strangford wildfowler Posted March 1, 2014 Report Share Posted March 1, 2014 Well people have there preferences but it no good saying that a good cart like mirage imo pattern well but its no use if arent on to the birds an rfd tlld me every gun shoots staight it just the person that pulls the trigger ( hope that makes sense) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ayano3 Posted March 1, 2014 Report Share Posted March 1, 2014 You could give the best shot in the world the best cartridge in the world and he would miss on the marsh. Especially once his feet were firmly planted in the bottom of the creek and sunk to his nuts in mud. get a gun that fits well and use the same principal as all shooting sport, get used to the cartridge your using. Can we really tell the difference between a load of steel flying through the air at 1500fps and one that's doing 1350fps...I sure cant, and cant tell the difference between a shot size 1 and 2 unless its on the bench looking at me, then I would need my specs. Shooting is not a science, its a sport. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandalf Posted March 1, 2014 Report Share Posted March 1, 2014 Well it's supposed to be but I sometimes doubt it by the comments I read on this forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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