Anyone start using Hevi Shot?

[Rev Ev]

I looked over last years posts on the subject and saw a lot of guys that wanted to/thought about using either Hevi-13 or the Hevi Magnum blend. I was curious if it was worth $4 a shot. I saw that the Still Target World Champions all used Hevi-13 (From the NWTF). I know my Federal Turikey Loads will put enough pellets in the kill zone at 40 yards, but I'm curious about others exprience with them.

I'm not really looking to start a debate about your combo working for you, just some thoughts from those who have used those loads.

[jr.deerslayer]

I had a box in 10 gauge that I used until they ran out, killed a turkey at 65 yards with the load. Would use again, but the price makes me want to puke.

[Uncle Nicky]

I started using #6 Winchester hevi-shot at the suggestion of a gunsmith who worked on my gun last year. The few birds I shot fell right in their tracks, I plan to keep using it, I guess if I have a complaint it would be that it puts TOO many pellets in the kill zone, I noticed I was picking a lot more pellets out of the meat than when I was using #4 lead.

[ants]

I have heard good things about it and I've been meaning to try it but the price!! Copper plated #5's or 4's have worked real well for the past 20 some odd years but I'll most likely break down and get a box, maybe even this season. My buddy switched last year and told me that his patterns are way tighter with them. We'll see

[WNY Bowhunter]

Yep, been using Hevi-13 since '08. I'm currently shooting the 3.5" Magnum Blends. It's good stuff...kills 'em dead!!!

Edited January 11, 2012 by WNY Bowhunter

[Early]

Killed a couple of turkeys with it....They were no deader than others killed with lead shot. When the box is empty, I will buy no more.

[G-Man]

I've killed birds with it , with todays super tight chokes i find i need to kill a bird between 30-60 yrds. its to tight under 30 almost like shooting a slug at 20 yrds. went back to lead my max range is the same, i can shoot under 20yrds and i save a alot of $. not worth the price in my opinion for 1 box i got a specialty choke for lead and save the $.

[ants]

-Can you still get mixed shot loads??? I used to love Rem.4X6- 3" but they stopped making it a while back...

[phade]

Ants...you can still find it once in a while. I came by a box a month or two ago but cannot remember where...it stood out because I shot used to shoot the 4x6 in the early 2000s.

They don't make it...but it's still around if you look.

[Early]

True...the Remington Duplex loads can often be found at gun shows. I have always liked the 4x6's for turkeys. Recently found a box of BBx4's...good coyote medicine, I think.

[yukonhunter]

I use hevi shot 3 1/2 7's its awesome

[Early]

The old Federal 3" 7 1/2's were also deadly on turkeys. If you see some at a gun show...buy 'em!

[stubbz]

I started using #6 Winchester hevi-shot at the suggestion of a gunsmith who worked on my gun last year. The few birds I shot fell right in their tracks, I plan to keep using it, I guess if I have a complaint it would be that it puts TOO many pellets in the kill zone, I noticed I was picking a lot more pellets out of the meat than when I was using #4 lead.

If your picking pellets out of meat your not aiming for the right area.

I've heard a lot of great things about the hevi shot im going to be trying them out this spring

[Early]

Note: Remington's current catalog lists the Duplex 4x6 turkey loads...They are still making them.

[Rev Ev]

I ask mostly because I'm having a hard time justifying $5 a shot. If I use just a couple to pattern, it's still unbelievably expensive. Going out to 60 yards sounds great, but I still wonder about the ethics of that kind of shot. I know there is a rebate for $5 off a box, but I'm thinking with a Jellyhead choke and some other standard turkey load, i can still kill them at 45 yards.

[RangerClay]

I ask mostly because I'm having a hard time justifying $5 a shot. If I use just a couple to pattern, it's still unbelievably expensive. Going out to 60 yards sounds great, but I still wonder about the ethics of that kind of shot. I know there is a rebate for $5 off a box, but I'm thinking with a Jellyhead choke and some other standard turkey load, i can still kill them at 45 yards.

Have you tried patterning with different loads? Turkey loads are no different than patterning slugs. When I bought my HS Undertaker tube I tried 3-4 different brands through it. Each one was different. I found that Winchester copper plated #4's were extremely tight at 40 yards. If I have to shoot out past that....well....then I guess I need to work on my calling skills.

[Rev Ev]

Have you tried patterning with different loads? Turkey loads are no different than patterning slugs. When I bought my HS Undertaker tube I tried 3-4 different brands through it. Each one was different. I found that Winchester copper plated #4's were extremely tight at 40 yards. If I have to shoot out past that....well....then I guess I need to work on my calling skills.

Yeah, the rounds I'm using now, some type of Federal, work great at 40 yards. But if Hevi is getting it out to 60 ethically, I would consider switching. I'm still debating personally if anything past 40 is ethical or not. I'm kinda thinking it might be along the linees of dynamite in fishing. Not that I'm judging anyone who takes a shot that far, ethics are a deeply personal issue. But if Hevi has 80% retention at 60 yards, its really hard to argue against it.

[maytom]

I have been using the "Nitro" 4x5x7 Tri-plex loads for several years now. I bought a box at the NWTF convention years ago for $100.00 for 25 shells. Steep price for ammo, I agree. But, the patterns are awesome while using a Rhino Choke sized .660 out of my Win 1300. Last time I patterned this shell/choke combo, I got 316 pellets inside a 10" circle at 40 yards. Haven't tried any of the new shells out on the market now, due to me still having several of these Nitros left. Hevishot is here to stay for sure.

[Larry]

check my choke tube post

[16. ga hunter]

the still target world champions from the nwtf probably get shells for endorsing or what not i use just plain lead in either 4's or 6's and pattern nicely to 60 yrds. would never shoot that far seeing i belive turkey hunting should be up close and personal. also alot of turkey loads are overpriced in genral do your research look at balistics from the man. many of these turkey loads can be had cheaper if you know how to read a chart.

[Uncle Nicky]

If your picking pellets out of meat your not aiming for the right area.

That's just plain ridiculous. How many turkeys have you shot? A shotgun blast throws pellets in a swarm, and the further the bird is away, the more the pattern spreads. Common sense says that when you shoot smaller pellets, you will be picking more pellets out of your game.

For what it's worth, I aim for the bottom of the neck, the way I was taught.

[stubbz]

my hunting hobby hasn't been that long but ive taken a turkey myself and seen a number of them taken and cleaned without removing pellets from any of them. pellets will not generally pierce the wings and body to make it into the meat to begin with, if you do youd have to be close to get threw which would mean thats also not a great shot, should be aiming for the head and neck area as thats where the vitals are, pellets would be lucky to pierce into the heart thats just below the neck area thats more of a bow shooting shot.

Edited March 16, 2012 by stubbz

[phade]

If you haven't picked out a few pellets from a bird, you haven't hunted long enough.

[Early]

Ahh.....How true: Picking pellets is just part of the experience!

[stubbz]

If you haven't picked out a few pellets from a bird, you haven't hunted long enough.

that may be true, i'm sure my time will come, especially when i get my ol lady out this spring to get one for her first time i may be pluckina number of um out haha