[fabsroman]

Are we talking about shells or shot size.

As far as shot size is concerned, I use steel T shot and B Hevi-Shot. Yeah, it might be a little much for when the birds are up close, but it is tough to figure out what kind of shot you will end up with once the birds are working the decoys. For early season resident birds, I will use steel BB's and Hevi-Shot #2's.

Now, if you want to limit how far you will shoot, you can probably use steel #2's, but I personally wouldn't suggest #4's in steel. #4's in Hevi-Shot would be okay if you are willing to limit shots to very close ranges. Of course, #4's in steel would be okay too if you get the bird in really really close and can shoot it in the head.

As far as shell size, I would use a 12 ga. or 10 ga and any of the shell lengths available in those gauges would work (i.e., 2 3/4", 3" or 3 1/2").