I have shot the 3 1/2 shell for years and killed alot of birds. I started reloading Hevi-shot last year and now I shoot 3" 1.70oz #6's. These shells are awesome. They are deadlier on turkeys than the 3 1/2's. I have shot 6 turkeys since I started using HS last year. I shot a Tom 2 weeks ago at 40 yards and just plain hammered the bird. He dropped in his tracks and did'nt even flop once. I can tell you the recoil is pretty damn nice. Went out yesterday and watched a buddy pattern his 870 with 3 1/2 Supremes #6's, He shot 3 times and the gun just plain hammered him, he was steadly rubbing his shoulder. I set up another target for him, when he reached for another 3 1/2, I told him to put it up and handed him one of my HS reloaded MTL (I call them my magnum turkey loads). He laughed and said what the heck I will try it. He loaded the shell up and fired it. I could tell the recoil was lighter when he fired, you should have seen the look on his face when he saw the target. He could'nt believe it! patterned much better than the big shell. I handed him a couple more and guess what he will be shooting this weekend!