Blown away by Hevi Shot (no pun intended)

mouthcaller · 03-06-2006, 06:13 PM

I have been hunting turkeys since 1981 and have had the good fortune of takingmy shareof birds. I have been using an 870 express and extra full rem choke with 2 oz of #4 or #5 lead, either Federal or Winchester. This combination has given me good performance over the years, taking turkeys from 6 to 55 yards.

So why change. Well, my Dad gave me an extra Mossberg 835 (he already had one) that was recently given to him by some clients he has guided for a number of years. I put a Star Dot choke (.690 I think), Tru-Glo sights, and bought a bunch of different 3.5 inch shells to try. After two range sessions I was not really thrilled with either Winchester Supreme 2.25 oz #5or Federal Flightcontrol 2.0 oz of #6. I bought a 5-pack of Hevi Shot, 1.75 oz of #6 at the NWTF convention last w/end in Nashville and decided to try a shot with it.

I was astounded at the results posted below. This is a regular 8.5 X 11 inch sheet of paper on which I copied the turkey head. I counted about 40 in the head and neck. Too many hits on the paper to count. I enhanced the shot holes with a Sharpie to see them better on the scanned image. A rough comparison to the targets shot with the lead loads indicated that the Hevi Shot had about twice the number of hits on paper. Amazing. The center of the pattern is very dense. The shot was a bit low it appears, but who's complaining.

I know what I will be using from now on. I can't wait to see what it will do at 50 yards.

Range:35 yards
Mossberg 835, ported barrel
Star Dot .690 (ported)
Hevi Shot 1.75 oz, #6

QTompkins2005 · 03-06-2006, 08:08 PM

thats impressive, will you be patterning the shells at longer distances? if so will they be posted?

mouthcaller · 03-06-2006, 08:32 PM

I intend to try one at 45 or 50 yards. I only have 4 shells left out of the 5-pack, but suspect I'll buy more at some point. My hope is that those four shells will result in a tag-out this season in Tennessee. When I shoot again I'll be happy to post the results.

Campo · 03-07-2006, 04:46 AM

Hmmmm....pattern looks decent, especially at 35 yards.
Only one thing...I wasnt under the impression that the StarDot could throw Hevi Shot. From what most people said on here is was made from a rolled piece of stell, rather than being bored out of a rod. And that rolled piece of steel isnt made to take that much abuse...that is what I was told several times.
Nice pattern though, just keep an eye on that choke to make sure it doesnt blow up

buckmarlin · 03-07-2006, 07:19 AM

I use the same ammo #5 and I will not use anything else. they will knock down a bird at 50 yards. I shoot the same remington hevi shot 20 gauge in my grandfathers double barrel...it doesn't reach out and touch them at 50 yards like the 12 guage but at 35 it's still deadly. best shot on the market as far as I'm concern.

mouthcaller · 03-07-2006, 08:14 AM

Campo

I was under the impression that the Star Dot was fine with Hevi Shot. Where did you get this information - I would like to see it. Trouble is you can't find any info on the manufacturer's website anymore (Highlander Sports) about the choke. I bought it on Ebay and only have about $25.00 in it, so if it tears up after 3-4 years I won't loose any sleep over it.

OntElk · 03-07-2006, 01:20 PM

I just patterned my gun and my buddy tired my winchester x-tended high density loads. Basically the equivalent of the Rem Hevi. (He used to shoot the Federals you did and had said he had no intention of changing since he was happy). Well that was until I convinced him to put one of my shells in and give it a try.

He shoots the exact same gun choke as you and he got 153 hits in a 10 inch cirlce at 40 yds with 52 in the turkeys vitals.

The thing with this load is it is supposed to be softer than lead although heavier. Safe for shooting out of any choke tube.

Another load for you to try perhaps.

mouthcaller · 03-07-2006, 03:46 PM

Thanks for the info regarding your buddy's setup. What size shot was that?? Personally I think that 6s will be my shot of choice - higher pellet count and downrange energy equivalent to lead 4s or 5s.

OntElk · 03-07-2006, 04:26 PM

That was #6. I think the size and how it shoots with your setup is more important. My last gun juts patterned better with 5's than 4's or 6's. I think that should be the determining factor on load size. They all kill turkeys.

StrutnBPS · 03-07-2006, 09:25 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: OntElk

I just patterned my gun and my buddy tired my winchester x-tended high density loads. Basically the equivalent of the Rem Hevi. (He used to shoot the Federals you did and had said he had no intention of changing since he was happy). Well that was until I convinced him to put one of my shells in and give it a try.

He shoots the exact same gun choke as you and he got 153 hits in a 10 inch cirlce at 40 yds with 52 in the turkeys vitals.

The thing with this load is it is supposed to be softer than lead although heavier. Safe for shooting out of any choke tube.

Another load for you to try perhaps.

Are you sure its supposed to be softer than lead? I know its softer than Hevi-shot, but I think its harder than lead.