What steel loads do you use?

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Originally Posted by Dead Ringer

I wonder if there's any test data on actual velocity on target for these speed loads. Everyone gets worked up about 200fps, but that's muzzle velocity. What's the speed (and hence momentum) difference on target?

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Yes there is oodles of evidence proven, search for example over at the duckhuntingchat shot shells and reloading forum/pages, because deceleration is a parabolic curve a difference of 200fps at the muzzles equates to a MUCH bigger velocity difference at 40 yards. If you want to shoot slow shot then shoot BIG shot BBB's or T's hold their momentum/energy much further afield.......at the end of the day you still can't argue with Mr. Newton even 300 years later.

i also agree with familiarity with your gun/load, but for Christ's sake put the odds in your favour before you get familiar, been there done that...

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Originally Posted by Maarsey

Thanks boys didn't mean to cause any contraversy with this subject. I have always used federal 3-3.5 BB out of my gun and they have always worked for me just have seen a lot of hevi metal on videos and pictures Latley thought I would ask! Thanks a lot for input fellas! My spelling an grammar isn't vet good hope yas don't mind lol!

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No no controversy, it's a forum, everyone has an opinion, it's all good :)

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Originally Posted by Maarsey

My spelling an grammar isn't vet good hope yas don't mind lol!

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This is a hunting and fishing forum, not an English class room, no need to apologize for that!

If we have to start watching our spelling and grammar, before you know it, we'll have to stop telling lies to! :)

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Originally Posted by Frosty

Yes there is oodles of evidence proven, search for example over at the duckhuntingchat shot shells and reloading forum/pages, because deceleration is a parabolic curve a difference of 200fps at the muzzles equates to a MUCH bigger velocity difference at 40 yards. If you want to shoot slow shot then shoot BIG shot BBB's or T's hold their momentum/energy much further afield.......at the end of the day you still can't argue with Mr. Newton even 300 years later.

i also agree with familiarity with your gun/load, but for Christ's sake put the odds in your favour before you get familiar, been there done that...

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Thanks for the enlightenment. Good to know.

Like Gadwall, I like the lighter loads for greater velocity on speedy birds.

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Originally Posted by Maarsey

Thanks boys didn't mean to cause any contraversy with this subject.

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Haha! Ask any opinion on here and there's bound to be a discussion! :)

200fps is quite the difference with any shotgun load. Think target loads. A 1200fps handicap trap load had quite a bit more punch down range than a 1000fps load.

The loads Sinker (and I) shoot are 1425fps. Only 75fps off the usual 1550. Kent makes a 1 1/4oz. load in 3.5" that's around 1650fps.

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Originally Posted by TurkeyRookie

This is a hunting and fishing forum, not an English class room, no need to apologize for that!

If we have to start watching our spelling and grammar, before you know it, we'll have to stop telling lies to! :)

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i resemble that remark lol

I try to keep my shots a lot closer than 40yds. I think a lot of guys can't guess range very well too. Some guys think 40yds is 25, and others think 40 is 80. I like to keep them close. Most of my shots past 40yds are at a cripple, or a bird that I know has been hit, and need to come down. I don't lift the gun until they are at least 25yds.....or less.

Sure, I take the odd poke out to, and past 40, but its gotta be a real slow day, or a trophy bird. The thrill for me is getting them close and working the birds.

I also agree with Gadwall. I've been shooting the same shells for a loooong time. I tried some remington sportsmans the year before last, and found they were like shooting air...meanwhile my buddy beside me is smacking them down with them......so it just goes to show ya......get used to a shell and keep atter. It does make a difference.

S

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Originally Posted by Gadwall

My thought has always been, practise kills birds. Find a load, speed and weight, that you fell comfortable with and stay with it ... constantly changing shells leads to missed or crippled birds, and frusteration with misses ... you will form a natural memory for your lead and pull if you stay with the same shells. It seems to me that not all shells that state the same speeds for the load shoot the same, maybe the wadding is making the difference ... but I find the Winchester my least favorite, I find the Kents and Challenger shoot similar for the same load shells, and 90% of the shells I shoot are Kents, 1 1/8oz when primarily shooting divers and 1 1/4oz when primarily shooting mallards ... but that is just my preference, I like the faster shell for the faster duck and denser pattern for the slow, heafty, fat birds.

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A good shell is one that is consistent!
Don’t believe the manufacturers’ velocity claims. Some are close to what they say, others are way off.
As stated earlier, not the muzzle velocity, but the velocity at the target matters. However, that’s only a result of the muzzle velocity and shot size (and of density of course).
Having said that, I don’t think these ultra-fast loads make any sense. It’s just a sales pitch to sell you less (i.e. metal, the little bit of extra powder is way cheaper) for significantly more money!
Just step up a shot size. Some guy said he shoots #4 and bigger shot to follow up on cripples – why on earth are you doing this if you already know you end up with cripples? Problem is that big shots may carry sufficient energy, but at 40yrds there are just not enough shots left. So, you have to step up with the load. If you do that, need to consider going either 3.5” steel or the expensive 2 ¾ or 3”. By the way, get some that have defined shot size (not the hevi metal garbage, which may look only good on paper, but will have a questionable shot string in the air).
Long story short, I’ decided last year to use up all my expensive stuff (besides the wingmaster hd it was a complete waste of money) and stick to mid-priced steel (medium speed, larger shots, heavier loads). I hope sooner than later I get my spreads refined enough that I can revise my statement to “at 20yrds it doesn’t matter…”
Make sure you stick to one load. By the way, the lead with target (lead) loads (summer practice) can be very different than #2 or BB at a distance.

Huge difference in steel vs lead when it comes to leading a bird for sure! I now suck at shooting lead shot....I prefer steel!! Crazy, I know, but I can shoot steel better!

S.