Shot at a taped 40 yds today with my 870 SM and .660 Jellyhead. Previously, my best round was a WinXRHD #6 with 179 in the ten. Magblends were close, but I didn't like the pattern. Got 271 hits with the hevi 7's today. Pic is on the pattern pic forum!
Sounds like some serious damage. I am always working in my mind, what better. Lot's of pellets or the energy that a larger sized pellet delivers. I have been shooting #5 hevi shot out of my gun. I haven't got the numbers but I will be patterning my gun shortly to compare my results with yours.
Only thing I was worried about with the 7's was pellet penetration. That was assuaged today when I saw how deep they penetrated into the wooden 2x4 frame holding my patterning board. They equaled the lead #5s and were just a hair short of the hevi 6's.
Looked at your patterning pic. Impressive to say the least and with decent penetration I think your good. I bought the young lady a 20 gauge for our spring season and I have been thinking about loading it up with hevi #6. Not really familiar with the 20 gauge but I would have like to loaded it with #7 but you can't hunt up here with that. Weathers starting to get nicer out so I'll be out trying it out to see what I can do. Looks good though FttFttVroom, maybe my worries about lighter loads not doing the business were unfounded.
Well FttFtt you want have to worry about the #7s I've used them for 3 years now an haven't had a bird walk off yet. Johnny..