Looking to see if anyone has any feedback or experience with the 20 ga 2 3/4" loads both of these companies offer. I can get them for the same price currently. These will be for my daughters to use (9 years and 7 years old) in an 870 youth model 20 ga.
I'm sure either would serve you well but I'd take the Apex.
It kind of depends on what choke tube you are using, how far you are prepared to let them shoot, and how much wiggle room you want. The Apex will likely shoot a tighter pattern than the Federals.
Apex
Don't need a super tight pattern. Something nice and even at 30 yards would be adequate. MAYBE 35 yards. I have an older Primos Jellyhead choke I was going to try first. If that doesn't pattern well I'm considering a Carlsons .575 or Trulock .585
Apex no doubt!!!
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I will jump on the Apex bandwagon too.
Seems like everyplace I read about this everyone says Apex because apparently the Federals are not as consistent. I have no personal experience with either though.
Quote from: Mike13 on March 22, 2024, 08:05:23 AM
Looking to see if anyone has any feedback or experience with the 20 ga 2 3/4" loads both of these companies offer. I can get them for the same price currently. These will be for my daughters to use (9 years and 7 years old) in an 870 youth model 20 ga.
I've never been impressed by the Federals in any gun. The Apex are leaps and bounds better. The Foxtrot have a leg up on the Apex. I usually shoot Apex because they're easier to get and more consistently available. But the Foxtrot Hot Rods are the best 2.75" 20ga load I've ever shot.
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Quote from: ChesterCopperpot on March 26, 2024, 09:54:38 AM
But the Foxtrot Hot Rods are the best 2.75" 20ga load I've ever shot.
:agreed:
Quote from: ChesterCopperpot on March 26, 2024, 09:54:38 AM
Quote from: Mike13 on March 22, 2024, 08:05:23 AM
Looking to see if anyone has any feedback or experience with the 20 ga 2 3/4" loads both of these companies offer. I can get them for the same price currently. These will be for my daughters to use (9 years and 7 years old) in an 870 youth model 20 ga.
I've never been impressed by the Federals in any gun. The Apex are leaps and bounds better. The Foxtrot have a leg up on the Apex. I usually shoot Apex because they're easier to get and more consistently available. But the Foxtrot Hot Rods are the best 2.75" 20ga load I've ever shot.
Do you mean specifically the 2 3/4" shells? Or just a brand comparison in general?
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Quote from: Mike13 on March 29, 2024, 10:25:24 PM
Do you mean specifically the 2 3/4" shells? Or just a brand comparison in general?
Every FoxTrot load I've shot outperforms the comparative Apex load (Federal is not even in that conversation), but, yes, I'm talking specifically about the 2.75" 20ga shells in that that's what the question referenced. The FoxTrot Hot Rods are the best 2.75" 20ga load I've shot. Apex is great stuff, though, and I primarily shoot it because I never have trouble getting it. Foxtrot can be very, very hit or miss with availability.
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Quote from: ChesterCopperpot on March 30, 2024, 08:02:59 AM
Quote from: Mike13 on March 29, 2024, 10:25:24 PM
Do you mean specifically the 2 3/4" shells? Or just a brand comparison in general?
Every FoxTrot load I've shot outperforms the comparative Apex load (Federal is not even in that conversation), but, yes, I'm talking specifically about the 2.75" 20ga shells in that that's what the question referenced. The FoxTrot Hot Rods are the best 2.75" 20ga load I've shot. Apex is great stuff, though, and I primarily shoot it because I never have trouble getting it. Foxtrot can be very, very hit or miss with availability.
Thanks for the feedback! Much appreciated! Ordered two boxes of Apex to give a try.
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For the price I would say Apex. Probably cheaper and definitely higher quality
I just finished patterning my 870 20ga this past weekend with a Carlson's .575 and Sattie's 2 3/4" "reduced recoil" 9.5's. My daughter is 10 and been shooting the Stevens 410 for the past 2 years, and I was hoping she could jump up into the 20ga with low-recoil shells. After this weekend of patterning, there's no way I'm letting her shoot a 20ga anytime soon. The recoil is still STOUT, and I hardly noticed any "reduction" of recoil at all. I'm keeping her in the 410 for the foreseeable future.
My advice, get a $200 Stevens 410, chop a little bit off the stock so it's comfortable for them, and get a box of Apex Ninja's, Salt Creek 10's, Sattie's 10s, etc, and let them shoot that for a couple years until they are comfortable and bigger. Even with a 410, or 20ga, kids are so small-framed that they often don't get the greatest shoulder placement due to the size of the gun, so the recoil hurts even more than it would you or I.
Take a look at fox trot. 1 3/8 oz #9. Patter real good through a .575 at 40 yards.
I would have to say Apex
And I've killed several turkeys with federals
Way too much recoil especially for 7 yr old.
410 or 28 gauge.
Quote from: twyatt on April 02, 2024, 06:39:04 AMI just finished patterning my 870 20ga this past weekend with a Carlson's .575 and Sattie's 2 3/4" "reduced recoil" 9.5's. My daughter is 10 and been shooting the Stevens 410 for the past 2 years, and I was hoping she could jump up into the 20ga with low-recoil shells. After this weekend of patterning, there's no way I'm letting her shoot a 20ga anytime soon. The recoil is still STOUT, and I hardly noticed any "reduction" of recoil at all. I'm keeping her in the 410 for the foreseeable future.
My advice, get a $200 Stevens 410, chop a little bit off the stock so it's comfortable for them, and get a box of Apex Ninja's, Salt Creek 10's, Sattie's 10s, etc, and let them shoot that for a couple years until they are comfortable and bigger. Even with a 410, or 20ga, kids are so small-framed that they often don't get the greatest shoulder placement due to the size of the gun, so the recoil hurts even more than it would you or I.
I agree. Some kids can handle recoil some cant. Even a 1 1/4 oz load in the 20 can be too much for a youngster.