Which one is patterning better? Price not considered. Thanks
From what I have been told the Apex patterns the best. I will be able to tell you for sure soon because I have 2 boxes of the small town blend now to pattern. The build quality looks good for sure. I will report back.
Apex should cause of payload, but I would use the feds
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Apex = more shot. To me, thats a better chance to hit the mark.
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I used Federal because I got it first for my .410
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Larger payloads help Apex put more holes in paper.
Apex by far. Great loads and I compared them to a lot of different loads - and lead too.
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I've got several boxes of each and will be posting the results once the weather clears up a little. I too am curious if the $10 per box cheaper Federals are going to perform pretty close to the Apex. According to my calculations per the pellet count per oz on Apex website the Feds should have just 47 fewer pellets than the Apex in the 20 gauge shells. (1 5/8 oz VS 1 1/2 oz)
Thanks for the comments. I was also curious if the apex will cycle right in a franchi. It looks longer than the federal.
Go federal. I had an apex that didn't light off properly, cost me a South Carolina gobbler.
So does federal make two versions of this in 20? Rogers shows 1000fps out of stock but 1200fps in stock. I don't see two different ones on federal website. I'm talking 9s...
Quote from: akp on January 04, 2019, 09:33:43 PM
So does federal make two versions of this in 20? Rogers shows 1000fps out of stock but 1200fps in stock. I don't see two different ones on federal website. I'm talking 9s...
I ordered mine from Rogers and the actual box says 1100 fps. I have a box from last year that says 1000 fps, so I assume Federal has come out with a version that isn't low recoil?
Quote from: chuckward on January 04, 2019, 06:36:27 PM
Thanks for the comments. I was also curious if the apex will cycle right in a franchi. It looks longer than the federal.
The early Apex shells I had last year had issues cycling (the shells appeared like the crimping was inconsistent from shell to shell), however the newer shells appear much more consistent and the few I have tested cycled through my Benelli just fine
Quote from: Jrkimbrough on January 04, 2019, 02:24:11 PM
I've got several boxes of each and will be posting the results once the weather clears up a little. I too am curious if the $10 per box cheaper Federals are going to perform pretty close to the Apex. According to my calculations per the pellet count per oz on Apex website the Feds should have just 47 fewer pellets than the Apex in the 20 gauge shells. (1 5/8 oz VS 1 1/2 oz)
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One thing to consider is the actual pellet size or weight each company loads in their shells. Last years Federal 9's 20 guage shells that i had were about 8.5's and gave a 70 or so less pellet count in the 1 1/2 oz. load.
The .410 shells from Federal showed the same size also.
Shot both and Apex shot the best in my gun.
I shot the 3 1/2" federals out of my supermag last year and they did great. That being said I had a chance to shoot the apex today and I will be ordering some more.
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I shot one Apex the other day to see how they pattern. I am impressed! 20 ya. 40 yards. 258 in the 10" circle.
Anyone else with experience, and an opinion on Apex vs Federal? I need to order some tss soon to try.
Apex number 9's in my 20 were great.
That small town blend was useless. I'd rather shoot hevi shot number 7 if we're refering to 20 gauges. I had a round not fire properly. The apex is tough. Federals patterened good too. Again straight 9s. Don't waste your time with that small town blend. Apex were better than federals but price and availability have me leaning federal. Can't speak on the 12 gauge apex but the federal straight 9's out of a 12 gauge were damn fine. I don't count the hits. I just look at what covers. Just my :z-twocents:
I tried both and the Apex patterned better out of my gun.
I have tried and put both shotgun shells on target with 3" shells and the Apex is better than the Federal.
Just a little hint don't forget about Nitro TSS I have shot ever TSS load out there and my gun likes the Nitro TSS load the best here is a pic at 35 yards
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190228/a7d94314b6af8214322f3916e7d3c86b.jpg)
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Here's a video I found on YouTube. The Federal is a lot cheaper and easier to find, where I'm at.
https://youtu.be/koC8Vyl-Pvo
I bought a Franchi this winter. Federal don't cycle through it. Third degree and apex are fine. The federal are 3/16" longer than the apex shells and about an eighth longer than the third degree shells. I'm sure this is the reason. So, unless I want to shoot a single shot I have to shoot apex.
Good question!
I'm having trouble finding any locally, smacking myself for not buying any at Nashville. Looking to try some in my 20 gauge.
Quote from: davisd9 on January 03, 2019, 08:01:27 PM
Apex should cause of payload, but I would use the feds
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X2 apex patterns better but I am using Feds due to quality issues/concerns with Apex. Plus feds are easier to find
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My 20 gauge M2 patterned better with the federal #9 vs the Apex.
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If you're spending this much money might as well get Nitro TSS and call it a day
Shot Nitros and Federals yesterday, both TSS #9. The Federals were good and even, nice pattern. The Nitros were even and tighter. I didn't make a pellet count, don't need too. The Nitros were the obvious leader in pellets on target. I will say that if you are running low on the Nitros and see some of the Federals pick them up. Hold them back in case you get in a pinch. Without paper you probably will not ever see the difference.
do either one of those shells use a Mylar wrap ? Just curious my handloads call for one .
Quote from: deerpoo22 on March 02, 2019, 01:50:36 AM
If you're spending this much money might as well get Nitro TSS and call it a day
I'd take Apex or Federal after by experience with Nitro. Seals failed and I ended up with a pocket full of buffer.
Quote from: Gobble! on March 03, 2019, 10:14:07 AM
Quote from: deerpoo22 on March 02, 2019, 01:50:36 AM
If you're spending this much money might as well get Nitro TSS and call it a day
I'd take Apex or Federal after by experience with Nitro. Seals failed and I ended up with a pocket full of buffer.
nitro no doubt has the worst seals in the business but I've never felt the leaked buffer in anyway affected the performance of the shell, and if it did it was minute at best.
Quote from: deerpoo22 on March 03, 2019, 11:05:22 AM
Quote from: Gobble! on March 03, 2019, 10:14:07 AM
Quote from: deerpoo22 on March 02, 2019, 01:50:36 AM
If you're spending this much money might as well get Nitro TSS and call it a day
I'd take Apex or Federal after by experience with Nitro. Seals failed and I ended up with a pocket full of buffer.
nitro no doubt has the worst seals in the business but I've never felt the leaked buffer in anyway affected the performance of the shell, and if it did it was minute at best.
I'm going to have a very hard time believing that.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190303/ab71a6654217e51b840cf72d26c2dc68.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190303/c5507b6d67f3cb98175726067b18610b.jpg)
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The two on the left are the tss and the others are hevishot 2 1/4. I think it's pretty shoddy work for a shell that costs so much but I patterned those hevis with the seals totally gone and I couldn't tell any difference.
When crimps are so bad that buffer and shot can fall out pressure is going to change and I'm not going to trust them. With TSS they can get away with a little more but with Hevi 7s no way.
I hear ya and don't blame you. I've sent nitro a couple emails asking them to improve their seals but alas no luck so far.
Never have had a issue with Nitro shells.
Top is new TSS #9
Middle is HTL #7 That have been carried and cycled through gun several times
Bottom is HTL #6 Not sure how old they are but they to have been in and out of the gun as well.
I have never had a issue with extra shell's that have been carried in vest for multiple seasons either. I put on several miles in season. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190303/7c704f3149e4f2d7b043d589941529fe.jpg)
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I believe I'll stick with Federal. :OGturkeyhead:
Nitro has been my favorite shell for many years but I'll be first to admit they do leak buffer sometimes in in second year of use. Have to seal them on your own some use glue or clear nail polish. Inside of my vest pocket looks like it done snowed
I have shot Nitros for 20 years are so.. little bit of clear fingernail polish or whatever color you prefer seals them up. No buffer leaks in my vest ever.
Federal for me as well......was lead shooter until last year. Turkey Thugs were my favorite for price, LB's are incredible except for close range when too tight, but my gosh at those #9's :drool:
I'll stick to Federal this year.
Gotta get the rebate.
https://promotions.vistaoutdoor.com/EN/US/Promo/16/110/EntryForm
First choice Apex ,second Nitro, third choice Federal.
Quote from: USMC0331 on March 05, 2019, 09:18:26 PM
First choice Apex ,second Nitro, third choice Federal.
Mine too is I wasn't rolling my own. LOVE Apex.
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I love my Nitro. Last box I got was in 2007. Might get some TSS next order...