Despite HEVI-SHOTS odd shapes (many of the pellets look like globs and some are shaped like snowmen), the articles are all touting it as the tightest patterning shot made. It's denser and heavier than lead. If you get a chance, read the March, 2002 edition of Turkey & Turkey Hunting and/or the October, 2001 edition of Field & Stream...both had articles on HEVI-SHOT. It set a new record, placing 42 pellets in a 3" cirlce at 40yrds...the previous record with other types of shot was 34 pellets. In tests conducted by Remington, prior to releasing their new HEVI-SHOT loads, a sheet of 24ga sheet metal was placed at 40yrds. Lead loads dented the metal...HEVI-SHOT passed right through...heavier, denser = more down range energy.

I emailed HEVI-SHOT directly. Their representative told me that both the barrel and choke MUST be rated for steel shot in order to safely handle HEVI-SHOT loads. I do know that the new choke that Remington developed specifically to handle their HEVI-SHOT loads has a constriction of .675...pretty open compared to your typical turkey choke, but it works. I would be curious to see a water fowler who has some of the aftermarket, steel-rated chokes, such as Carlson, that are advertised for shots 45+yrds, pattern the HEVI-SHOT at 40yrds. If you've got 'em, let us know.

HEVI-SHOT appears to be DEADLY stuff for gobblers, but it's EXPENSIVE and not compatible with most of the equipment already out there.

Eric