I have had issues with Fiocci stripping in the barrel, but i have never had that problems with Winchester, Remington, or Federal. Interestingly, the Remington 3" # 5 patterned just as well as the 3 1/2" #4 Winchesters (2 oz) at 40 yards. In the end, patterning side by side, the federal flite-controls always shoot the best out of my gun. Even at 60 yards, I'm putting pellets into the vital zone every time with 3 1/2" 2 1/4 oz #4's.