I use timed feeders prior to the season in an attempt to get the deer on a pattern and coming in for corn/ manipulating their hunger schedule to come in during shooting hours. After the season is over for me by tagging out or running out of time I use a 55 gallon gravity feeder. I like using metal feeders because the squirrels tear up the plastic barrel types. PVC pipe works good too, it is easier to blend into an area and camouflage it's silhouette from other people who may mess with it but it is extra work in making one and they don't hold as much corn as the 55 gal drum and the less you have to go into the area the better.