Was wondering if there is one or two HTL turkey shell not pure TSS that are considered among the best all around performers.
I am considering doing some HTL shell testing if I can before this turkey season but definitely some time this year and would like to keep my costs as reasonable as I can by narrowing down my shell selection to two different manufacturers dedicated HTL turkey shells.
I already have some #9 and #7 Federal TSS and would like to try no more than two HTL offerings.
Probably the 15g/cc shot that federal used in the heavyweight loads. With the way prices are now it's not a ton cheaper based on ballistic products prices.
I would guess just Magblends or possibly some Kent 15cc. And really don't expect those to last in this market much longer.
Really not much cheaper, in the long run after pattern testing and buying choke tubes to get those to your satisfaction. Tss just seems to win out.
Quote from: owlhoot on April 03, 2022, 12:13:49 PM
I would guess just Magblends or possibly some Kent 15cc. And really don't expect those to last in this market much longer.
Really not much cheaper, in the long run after pattern testing and buying choke tubes to get those to your satisfaction. Tss just seems to win out.
I would put 15g/cc as the next best after TSS,
but the first pattern of a reduced 1oz load of TSS that I shot in the first choke/gun I tried it in was slightly better than the best Fed HVWT 3" 1.5oz patterns I shot in several different guns with several different chokes(a lot of experimenting).
for the small difference in price between 15g/cc and 18g/cc TSS, it's not worth it for the limited shots you'll shoot at turkeys, for waterfowl 15g, maybe.
I get really good patterns with the Federal Heavyweight 7's, they work real well in several of my guns.
Quote from: Tom007 on April 03, 2022, 02:06:42 PM
I get really good patterns with the Federal Heavyweight 7's, they work real well in several of my guns.
Yes , so do I, really like those shells. 12 and 20 gauge. problem is , no longer made.
Quote from: owlhoot on April 03, 2022, 02:23:21 PM
Quote from: Tom007 on April 03, 2022, 02:06:42 PM
I get really good patterns with the Federal Heavyweight 7's, they work real well in several of my guns.
Yes , so do I, really like those shells. 12 and 20 gauge. problem is , no longer made.
Yea, it's a shame a lot of great shells have been discontinued. Thank god I stocked up on the Federal Heavyweights. I also loved the Winchester Supreme Elite Extended Range shells. They were unreal.....
Quote from: Tom007 on April 03, 2022, 02:38:31 PM
Quote from: owlhoot on April 03, 2022, 02:23:21 PM
Quote from: Tom007 on April 03, 2022, 02:06:42 PM
I get really good patterns with the Federal Heavyweight 7's, they work real well in several of my guns.
Yes , so do I, really like those shells. 12 and 20 gauge. problem is , no longer made.
Yea, it's a shame a lot of great shells have been discontinued. Thank god I stocked up on the Federal Heavyweights. I also loved the Winchester Supreme Elite Extended Range shells. They were unreal.....
I hear that. Got those stocked up as well as Hevi 6's.
To the op question. Tss probably the way to go. Unless you can buy the federal HW or other types in the classifieds or older loads hiding in the mom and pop gunshops.
Quote from: owlhoot on April 03, 2022, 02:49:05 PM
Quote from: Tom007 on April 03, 2022, 02:38:31 PM
Quote from: owlhoot on April 03, 2022, 02:23:21 PM
Quote from: Tom007 on April 03, 2022, 02:06:42 PM
I get really good patterns with the Federal Heavyweight 7's, they work real well in several of my guns.
Yes , so do I, really like those shells. 12 and 20 gauge. problem is , no longer made.
Yea, it's a shame a lot of great shells have been discontinued. Thank god I stocked up on the Federal Heavyweights. I also loved the Winchester Supreme Elite Extended Range shells. They were unreal.....
I hear that. Got those stocked up as well as Hevi 6's.
To the op question. Tss probably the way to go. Unless you can buy the federal HW or other types in the classifieds or older loads hiding in the mom and pop gunshops.
The industry has come a long way. Ammo prices in our sport are crazy high. Thank god we don't shoot a lot of shells each season.....
Quote from: owlhoot on April 03, 2022, 02:23:21 PM
Quote from: Tom007 on April 03, 2022, 02:06:42 PM
I get really good patterns with the Federal Heavyweight 7's, they work real well in several of my guns.
Yes , so do I, really like those shells. 12 and 20 gauge. problem is , no longer made.
I know exactly what you mean. The long discontinued Winchester Havier than lead Polymer Tungsten shells were the absolute best by far patterning shells I ever shot out of MY guns. The 2oz #5 shot was absolutely deadly to ranges I will not disclose here and not in just one or two instances but when ever I was faced with a hung up Tom and it was make the shot or go home empty handed.
If I had known they were being discontinued I would have literally bought 25-30 10 round boxes of them.
Thanks once again for the immensely helpful replies. I will if I switch to heavier than lead shells based on the majority opinion, go with TSS.
I ran the numbers last year on rolling my own TSS and might still go that rout if I can get enough components. I have way more than enough very suitable powders and 209 primers. Would only need to acquire hulls wads #9 shot etc etc.
Again thanks a great deal.
I like Hevi-Shot Magblends 5,6,7 in 3.5" 12 ga. and 3" 20 ga.