Winchester long beard issue

[Turkeyjohn]

So, out for a beauty hunt this morning, target bird was gobbling and working well, thermacell doing its thing, decoys out, soft calling…. Living a turkey hunters dream…

Old Tom finally hits the field and works his way over to me, crosses the 30 yard line, so let him have some number 5s… only he doesn’t flinch, just flies off, sight on the waddles, head down, what happened???

Paced it out…30 yards check… second guessing everything…

Remembered TurkeyWes shot at the same bird a few days ago with no ill effect… got me wondering about our shells…

Cut one open to make sure they had shot, and they did, but it seemed to be fused into a big slug…. Shook the shells, no rattle, found a different box and they rattled…has me thinking the shot didn’t expand when it left the gun… would have come out as a slug, and easy to miss a bird if not spreading.

Anyone else have this experience or am I on the wrong path??


Had to cut the shell and shot apart with a knife..

Couldn’t believe both Wes and I missed on the same bird the same week…shell problem explains it though.

TurkeyJohn


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[Articcat]

Wow never seen that before, you should contact the manufacture and see what they have to say as maybe a recall is needed

[Turkeyjohn]

Update….
Called Canadian distributor, gray wood sporting, really helpful, offering full refund but couldn’t confirm if it’s a known issue…

TJ


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[machron]

Found this explanation: https://www.newhuntersguide.com/2022...g-ammo-review/
Looks like the resin is supposed to be there keeping the pellets apart. Any chance you could pattern one of the non rattle shells vs rattling one to see if the resin is breaking up or not?

[kokes]

no clue if this is what it is, but do you keep these shells in your warm vehicle allowing the gel to kind of glue everything together?

[genec]

I have been using these shells since they first came on the market, and usually have never had any problem with them. However, having said that, I got a bird on May 15th with a 3” #5, and for the first time ever with those shells had to make a second shot to kill it at about 40 yards.
I normally use the 3 1/2 “ shells, but couldnt find any at my supplier last year, so bought the 3” to use.
Kokes may have a valid point on what is happening with your shells.
Whatever the problem is, it is certainly a real frustration to miss a bird due to a shell defect when it should be an easy kill with that load!

[tom gobble]

They are supposed to me encapsulated in that resin that’s the hole point. The only issue I had with them is the tip was bulging in five shells and would get stuck in my gun. I contacted Winchester and sent pics and they sent me a cheque in the mail. They stand behind their warranty that’s for sure.

[Deer Hunter]

Wow!
One lucky Turkey.
Never seen that.