"I heard it roumered on a turkey hunting forum that the 3.5" #7 turkey load was changed from last year. Is this true ? If so....please change it back. The "on target" pellet count has dropped considerably from the 2010 3.5" #7 turkey load. I do not understand why E M would mess with such a good load and I am personally considering switching ammo companies because of year to year changes that seem to be made for no apparent reason"
We will see if I get a response ::)
:icon_thumright:
Probably 50 of us sent emails a couple years back when the 20 g load changed and we all saw 40-50 pellet count drops.. Some got responses some didn't..
I personally called and was basically called a liar.. I came un corked, I bet they have me screened..
Its also sad to think that if the original load of H 13 Old White, would have been kept and than added 7s to it it would perform with the 2.25 oz load of 7s with only 1 3/4 a shot.. They had the best load in the beginning..
:anim_25:
Quote from: drum817 on March 16, 2011, 09:40:04 AM
"I heard it roumered on a turkey hunting forum that the 3.5" #7 turkey load was changed from last year. Is this true ? If so....please change it back. The "on target" pellet count has dropped considerably from the 2010 3.5" #7 turkey load. I do not understand why E M would mess with such a good load and I am personally considering switching ammo companies because of year to year changes that seem to be made for no apparent reason"
We will see if I get a response ::)
I'm with you bro! If I keep getting some bad loads from the newer shells I won't contine to buy anymore. I'll switch to the Win Xtended Range #6 loads. But I think we need to email Winchester and see if we can get them to give us a number 7 load. Either that or get Federal to give us a 3.5" 2 and 1/4oz #7 load and a 3" 2oz #7 load.
Quote from: ILIKEHEVI-13 on March 16, 2011, 09:49:52 AM
Quote from: drum817 on March 16, 2011, 09:40:04 AM
"I heard it roumered on a turkey hunting forum that the 3.5" #7 turkey load was changed from last year. Is this true ? If so....please change it back. The "on target" pellet count has dropped considerably from the 2010 3.5" #7 turkey load. I do not understand why E M would mess with such a good load and I am personally considering switching ammo companies because of year to year changes that seem to be made for no apparent reason"
We will see if I get a response ::)
I'm with you bro! If I keep getting some bad loads from the newer shells I won't contine to buy anymore. I'll switch to the Win Xtended Range #6 loads. But I think we need to email Winchester and see if we can get them to give us a number 7 load. Either that or get Federal to give us a 3.5" 2 and 1/4oz #7 load and a 3" 2oz #7 load.
I would LOVE to see Winchester do a #7 turkey load....but the heck with federal....they are in love with that hateful flight control wad and that thing is more trouble than it's worth.
[/quote]
I would LOVE to see Winchester do a #7 turkey load....but the heck with federal....they are in love with that hateful flight control wad and that thing is more trouble than it's worth.
[/quote]
:agreed:
Quote from: bowhunter84 on March 16, 2011, 10:04:45 AM
I would LOVE to see Winchester do a #7 turkey load....but the heck with federal....they are in love with that hateful flight control wad and that thing is more trouble than it's worth.
[/quote]
:agreed:
[/quote] :agreed:
I sure hope they didnt change the load in the heavy 7's , I just bought 5 boxes getting ready to pattern. ???
I patterned some of the 3.5" 2 1/4 ounce #7's the other day and the holes in the target looked more like #6's than the #7's from last year. And the numbers in the 10" circle were down also.
I just called and talked to EM and the guy I talked to said he was almost sure they hadn't changed powder or anything, but the shot size discrepancy has always been there with them IMO, (he didn't say that, that is my statement about the shot size). If you find a lot number of shells that shoots, buy all you can find. The guy told me the wad, powder, etc. was unchanged from last year because I was concerned the 20 gauge 7's changed too. And I can't afford to be dropping pellet counts with them. He assured me they were the same, but it makes me wonder with some of the results you guys have gotten. I just hope the 20 gauge still puts up between 160-180 for me. Any input on the 20 gauge 7's this year guys??
Quote from: SKFOOTER on March 16, 2011, 01:27:17 PM
I patterned some of the 3.5" 2 1/4 ounce #7's the other day and the holes in the target looked more like #6's than the #7's from last year. And the numbers in the 10" circle were down also.
Had the same experience just the other day, Its ok Ive played around witha few chokes and I got very consistant patterns from the extended range, Problem solved no more wasting money on the hevi loads.
Hahaha I just got banned from the Hevi Shot forum for telling one of their Stupid Pro Staffers that he was wrong and that Hevi Shot chokes had never won a still target shoot.. And posted up the past years winners and all were IC except Clarks wife doris
Quote from: shootumindaface on March 16, 2011, 02:04:56 PM
Hahaha I just got banned from the Hevi Shot forum for telling one of their Stupid Pro Staffers that he was wrong and that Hevi Shot chokes had never won a still target shoot.. And posted up the past years winners and all were IC except Clarks wife doris
Congrats! :TooFunny:
Quote from: shootumindaface on March 16, 2011, 02:04:56 PM
Hahaha I just got banned from the Hevi Shot forum for telling one of their Stupid Pro Staffers that he was wrong and that Hevi Shot chokes had never won a still target shoot.. And posted up the past years winners and all were IC except Clarks wife doris
The truth hurts.... :z-guntootsmiley:
Quote from: shootumindaface on March 16, 2011, 02:04:56 PM
Hahaha I just got banned from the Hevi Shot forum for telling one of their Stupid Pro Staffers that he was wrong and that Hevi Shot chokes had never won a still target shoot.. And posted up the past years winners and all were IC except Clarks wife doris
:TooFunny:
Quote from: shootumindaface on March 16, 2011, 02:04:56 PM
Hahaha I just got banned from the Hevi Shot forum for telling one of their Stupid Pro Staffers that he was wrong and that Hevi Shot chokes had never won a still target shoot.. And posted up the past years winners and all were IC except Clarks wife doris
Now THAT'S FUNNY :TooFunny: :TooFunny: :TooFunny: :TooFunny:
its all about sales..... they seem to have a bit of trouble lately
Quote from: VAlongbeard84 on March 16, 2011, 01:46:51 PM
I just called and talked to EM and the guy I talked to said he was almost sure they hadn't changed powder or anything, but the shot size discrepancy has always been there with them IMO, (he didn't say that, that is my statement about the shot size). If you find a lot number of shells that shoots, buy all you can find. The guy told me the wad, powder, etc. was unchanged from last year because I was concerned the 20 gauge 7's changed too. And I can't afford to be dropping pellet counts with them. He assured me they were the same, but it makes me wonder with some of the results you guys have gotten. I just hope the 20 gauge still puts up between 160-180 for me. Any input on the 20 gauge 7's this year guys??
And herein lies a problem with them.. 10 years ago when they first started you could call and get a guy Poncho, Paco or something and the guy was honest and knew what was going on.. Since then there products have gone down hill as evidenced by Old white, the older vintage 20 g 6s which now you have to shoot 7s or should I say 8s to get performance and the old Duck Loads dunns had for sale which outclasses the new 7 load and that old load was un buffered.
Since than all you get on the phone are a bunch of clowns that know nothing, everyone has a different story.. The company IMO is very deceitful and un honest and not a company I care do business with..
Quote from: shootumindaface on March 16, 2011, 02:04:56 PM
Hahaha I just got banned from the Hevi Shot forum for telling one of their Stupid Pro Staffers that he was wrong and that Hevi Shot chokes had never won a still target shoot.. And posted up the past years winners and all were IC except Clarks wife doris
That's hilarious.
HA HA Toms not allowed :TooFunny: :TooFunny: :TooFunny:
Quote from: VAHUNTER on March 16, 2011, 02:51:39 PM
HA HA Toms not allowed :TooFunny: :TooFunny: :TooFunny:
Guess the truth hurts :you_rock:
I guess we'll never understand why they continually try to fix things when they aint broke....
Could they possibly be altering the shells to perform best using their own chokes? Hmmm???
Quote from: stinkpickle on March 16, 2011, 03:13:12 PM
Could they possibly be altering the shells to perform best using their own chokes? Hmmm???
Very good point Slicky... Never thought of that..
I can tell you a few years ago when Bass Pro had the great deal on 20 ga shells, that when you cut them open that the shells had two different wads in them. When I ask EM about it, they said they had changed not one thing!
Quote from: pullit on March 16, 2011, 03:29:32 PM
I can tell you a few years ago when Bass Pro had the great deal on 20 ga shells, that when you cut them open that the shells had two different wads in them. When I ask EM about it, they said they had changed not one thing!
Yep, they were running CSD20s in some of them and Helarco VP90s in the others. Diff amounts of powder as well. I believe it was 21g for the VP90 load and 23g for the CSD load if I remember correctly. The CSD is a better wad, the VP90 allows a portion of shot to ride the pipe. Each wad will pattern differently.
I wonder if they just buy in bulk what they can get the best deal on, then buy whatever the best deal is the next go around.
John, Remember those old green and bronze 1-3/4oz loads that were "the exact same" according to EM?
Well maybe we Hevi-13 customers should all email Environ-Metal and tell them if they continue to tinker with loads that don't work for the best interest of their customers where we for sure can see the results in our guns that we will gladly take our business to Winchester Xtended Range and then there will be know more Environ-Metal. :z-guntootsmiley:
Then I can maybe change my screen name to IONCELIKEDHEVI-13. :lol:
Quote from: Reloader on March 16, 2011, 05:51:53 PM
John, Remember those old green and bronze 1-3/4oz loads that were "the exact same" according to EM?
I had forgotten about those. They told me at the NWTF show in Nashville that the only difference in those two loads was the color of the plastic in the hull!!!! When I called BS, they got pissed and told me I did not know what I was talking about, until I told them I had cut them apart, then they stopped talking to me all together.
The lot # from the shells I bought this year is 300488, They won't shoot with the loads I had left over from last year, unfortantly I don't have the box from last years shells. The guy I talked to I believe's name was steve, When I called he wanted me to email the problem I was having with the shells so I did and he called me back about a week later and said they did not know what the problem would be because nothing had changed except they where using a different powder. Here is his email address slitrakis@hevishot.com
Quote from: chipper on March 16, 2011, 08:23:25 PM
The lot # from the shells I bought this year is 300488, They won't shoot with the loads I had left over from last year, unfortantly I don't have the box from last years shells. The guy I talked to I believe's name was steve, When I called he wanted me to email the problem I was having with the shells so I did and he called me back about a week later and said they did not know what the problem would be because nothing had changed except they where using a different powder. Hereks his email address Slitrakis@hevishot.com
Great info Chipper.. Nothing changed except the powder, well its something changed LOL
Quote from: pullit on March 16, 2011, 08:15:57 PM
Quote from: Reloader on March 16, 2011, 05:51:53 PM
John, Remember those old green and bronze 1-3/4oz loads that were "the exact same" according to EM?
I had forgotten about those. They told me at the NWTF show in Nashville that the only difference in those two loads was the color of the plastic in the hull!!!! When I called BS, they got pissed and told me I did not know what I was talking about, until I told them I had cut them apart, then they stopped talking to me all together.
reminds me of a little over a year ago when I emailed them about inconsistencies I was finding between lot #s on the hevi 6s, I shot about 10 boxes in each lot # to know what I was talking about.
They basically told me to pound sand and never responded to my email response.
Quote from: gatrkyhntr70 on March 16, 2011, 08:32:15 PM
Quote from: pullit on March 16, 2011, 08:15:57 PM
Quote from: Reloader on March 16, 2011, 05:51:53 PM
John, Remember those old green and bronze 1-3/4oz loads that were "the exact same" according to EM?
I had forgotten about those. They told me at the NWTF show in Nashville that the only difference in those two loads was the color of the plastic in the hull!!!! When I called BS, they got pissed and told me I did not know what I was talking about, until I told them I had cut them apart, then they stopped talking to me all together.
Its the fact their a bunch of morons and do not know what is being loaded.. Same thing I went through..
reminds me of a little over a year ago when I emailed them about inconsistencies I was finding between lot #s on the hevi 6s, I shot about 10 boxes in each lot # to know what I was talking about.
They basically told me to pound sand and never responded to my email response.
I shot the Winchester Xrhd from 2005 till 2009, If I had not bought 5 boxes of the Hevi #7 for this year I would go back to the Winnies, The patterns I'm getting will kill birds but they just are not as devasting as last years patterns in either one of my guns, they've jumped from 155 to 265 in my super x3 and last year in my 870 I shot a 308 and can barely break 200 this year, something is amiss! I truly wish Winchester would come out with a #7 XRHD
Am I reading into this thread correctly? After, all the hype about Hevi-13 over the years, I finally bought some to try. And now it's not worth shooting or buying?
What is the lot # El Diablo, I also bought mine from cheaper than dirt and -kve got the same problem, mine is 300488 look on the inside lid of the boX
Quote from: el diablo on March 16, 2011, 09:09:48 PM
Well I been reading this all day, so when I got home from work I blew threw a box of hevi-13 7's 3.5". This is a new box that I got this year from cheaperthandirt. Last year when I shot my browning gold with 24" barrel with IC .675, IC .665, and a PG .670 and i was averaging over 300 hits with a high of 320. Today i shot 3 different chokes PG .670, PG tempest .670, and a kicks GT .675. I shot 2 times with brand new Tempest and got in the 160's. I shot once with the ported PG and got in the 160's again. I shot the Kicks and got 185. All the patterns would kill a turkey, but hard to stomach the huge drop off. Also, fired last round thru a mossberg 835 with 20" barrel and a stardot .676 choke and got 200 hits. The temperature was 62 and winds were light. I can try to post pics if anyone is interested. Waaay disappointed.
I bought 3 boxes of the 3.5 inch 2 1/4 ounce #7 loads from from Macks Prarie Wings last month and their lot number is also #300488. And they will not pattern as good as last year's loads--Lot #300325. But the 3 boxes of the 3 inch 2 ounce #7's that I also bought from MPW last month had the same lot # as my loads from last year--#200778. Hevi Shot has definitely changed something in the 2 1/4 ounce shell!!! But, for them, it's par for the course. They will never learn!! :help:
Ok guys, there is power in numbers. So let's all get one big email with all of our names on it and tell them we demand that they answer to their customers needs and make a great shooting load and leave it the the heck alone and stop tinkering and changing things or we will take our business elsewhere. If we get enough people on a list, they will heed our warnings. I say they start loading them like the old white hulls that shot so good from what I have been told. And let's tell them to get the dang speed up to 1200fps while we are at it. :icon_thumright:
I've got a box of 3 inch coming from Midsouth in the next day or so and I'll post the lot number from them, Maybe we do need to make a thread for lot numbers and we can keep up with this info, I know something is amiss now and I'm not happy about it, Come On Winchester with those 7"s!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3 people with the same lot number and same results, Looks like Stuart at IC was on the money to me. What shells I had left from last year were in my vest and I don't have the box anymore but sure wished I did now.
I just posted this at the Hevi-Shot forum. Had to join in on the fun. Mine starts after the line.
slickyboy wrote:
tim.peterson wrote:
PS~How do you make World Class Ammunition perform BETTER?
Use a High Quality after market choke. The Hevishot chokes will do OK, and will thow pretty good hunting patterns, but an Indian Creek or Pure Gold will consistently throw better patterns downrange.
Indian Creek has won the last 19 of 24 still shoots since 2006 and set 2 world records, this is of course paired with Hevi-13 ammo. I am not aware of any of the Hevi chokes winning any shoots, only the ammunition.
____________________________________________________________
That is exactly right. That is the the truth. The Hevi-Shot chokes don't shoot as good period. Saying differently is like trying to say that Environ-Metal won't screw up a great shooting load by tinkering and changing crap and then telling their cutomers otherwise that the loads are the exact same. Now if you guys keep on playing behind our backs, your gonna end up hurting your own pocketbooks for we will take our business to Winchester and shoot Xtended Range. It's that simple. Guys on other forums including myself are tired of the discrepencies in your Hevi-13 loads.
Is it just me or does it seem very coincidental that Hevi-Shot is offering up to a $20 rebate this year when we're finding out there was a possible component change in their loadings??
Quote from: Cutt on March 16, 2011, 08:52:25 PM
Am I reading into this thread correctly? After, all the hype about Hevi-13 over the years, I finally bought some to try. And now it's not worth shooting or buying?
I'm in the same boat. I bought a box of #6 and two boxes of #7. My lot #'s are 200807 for the #7's, so hopefully they'll be ok.
What kind of numbers should I consider good for 3" #7's?
Quote from: LeviSS on March 16, 2011, 09:56:40 PM
Quote from: Cutt on March 16, 2011, 08:52:25 PM
Am I reading into this thread correctly? After, all the hype about Hevi-13 over the years, I finally bought some to try. And now it's not worth shooting or buying?
I'm in the same boat. I bought a box of #6 and two boxes of #7. My lot #'s are 200807 for the #7's, so hopefully they'll be ok.
What kind of numbers should I consider good for 3" #7's?
Thru what gun and choke??
Quote from: SKFOOTER on March 16, 2011, 10:02:43 PM
Quote from: LeviSS on March 16, 2011, 09:56:40 PM
Quote from: Cutt on March 16, 2011, 08:52:25 PM
Am I reading into this thread correctly? After, all the hype about Hevi-13 over the years, I finally bought some to try. And now it's not worth shooting or buying?
I'm in the same boat. I bought a box of #6 and two boxes of #7. My lot #'s are 200807 for the #7's, so hopefully they'll be ok.
What kind of numbers should I consider good for 3" #7's?
Thru what gun and choke??
Benelli M2 with Puregold .670
OH NO!!! I guess I'd better hang onto my H13 stash and start handloading!!Dang I forgot I already do
that and only shoot paper with the H13 factory stuff!! ;D
I'd say 200-250 pellets in a 40 yard 10" circle.
Quote from: SKFOOTER on March 16, 2011, 10:11:13 PM
I'd say 200-250 pellets in a 40 yard 10" circle.
:agreed:
Thanks guys. I bore sighted a couple weeks ago and plan to do some testing within the next week. Season starts in about a month. I hope they shoot well, since I bought two boxes, I hate to spend the money on the Winchester Ext. Range, too. Ammo's getting expensive.
Good thing i have 4 boxes from 2010....
Quote from: slickyboyboo on March 16, 2011, 10:36:31 PM
Quote from: ILIKEHEVI-13 on March 16, 2011, 09:50:45 PM
I just posted this at the Hevi-Shot forum. Had to join in on the fun. Mine starts after the line.
slickyboy wrote:
tim.peterson wrote:
PS~How do you make World Class Ammunition perform BETTER?
Use a High Quality after market choke. The Hevishot chokes will do OK, and will thow pretty good hunting patterns, but an Indian Creek or Pure Gold will consistently throw better patterns downrange.
Indian Creek has won the last 19 of 24 still shoots since 2006 and set 2 world records, this is of course paired with Hevi-13 ammo. I am not aware of any of the Hevi chokes winning any shoots, only the ammunition.
____________________________________________________________
That is exactly right. That is the the truth. The Hevi-Shot chokes don't shoot as good period. Saying differently is like trying to say that Environ-Metal won't screw up a great shooting load by tinkering and changing crap and then telling their cutomers otherwise that the loads are the exact same. Now if you guys keep on playing behind our backs, your gonna end up hurting your own pocketbooks for we will take our business to Winchester and shoot Xtended Range. It's that simple. Guys on other forums including myself are tired of the discrepencies in your Hevi-13 loads.
You and my alternate alias will be thrown off by tomorrow! :TooFunny: :TooFunny:
They kicked both my original account, and shootum off, and deleted all of our posts on top of that.
That will be fine by me. I don't think I'm going to be buying any Hevi-13 loads in the near future if I keep getting the same issues I have seen lately.
I couldn't let my partners in crime take all the heat. :z-guntootsmiley:
True shame if you guys are true about the new #7 Hevi. I just checked my stock from last year. I have 4 boxes of the 3.5 #7 with a lot # of 300324, 4 boxes of 3" 7 with a lot # of 200807 and 3 boxes of 3" mag blends with a lot # of 200788.
Not planning on buying anymore of the Hevi, got both my rigs shooting the fed HW for this year. I know that the Fed HW do not put up the numbers that the hevi #7 once did. But I am happy with 150 @ 40 in the 10.
Going to set back and watch how EM responds to this, I hope they set up and pay attention....
:z-paddy-smiley113:
You boys and your ammo woes are just downright enteraining!
Better get this straigtened out soon, or won't a one of you be packing out a bird this year unless you shoot him twice. :TooFunny:
Considering the fact that you may have just blown the IC choke out of your barrel with the first round of H13 that second round probably won't go off.
I hope your Gobble Lounger don't fail..........you won't even be able to get up and run him down. :TooFunny: :TooFunny: :TooFunny:
I've got two boxes of Hevi 3.5" #7s from this year and if they suck then I'm jumping on the Nitro train again. They might cost a lot but when I pull the trigger it won't be wondering if this is a good patterning shell or bad patterning shell.
Quote from: jtg88 on March 17, 2011, 03:48:10 PM
I've got two boxes of Hevi 3.5" #7s from this year and if they suck then I'm jumping on the Nitro train again. They might cost a lot but when I pull the trigger it won't be wondering if this is a good patterning shell or bad patterning shell.
:agreed: :agreed: :agreed: :agreed: :agreed: :agreed:
Well my post is still there, and my account is still standing.
Well lot 3 1/2 7's #300847 from cabelas are horrible compared to last years . Last years numbers out of indian creek 660 nefi single shot was 260 - 280 well i got 184 this year which is still good but not what i worked for other shell's will put up those number's to. Its a shame all my friends were switching this year and now they arent gonna see the real deal shell's.
So which lot numbers are patterning good for you guys?
Quote from: swampy on March 17, 2011, 05:15:29 PM
Well lot 3 1/2 7's #300847 from cabelas are horrible compared to last years . Last years numbers out of indian creek 660 nefi single shot was 260 - 280 well i got 184 this year which is still good but not what i worked for other shell's will put up those number's to. Its a shame all my friends were switching this year and now they arent gonna see the real deal shell's.
great. thanks em
Quote from: Fullfan on March 17, 2011, 01:54:07 PM
True shame if you guys are true about the new #7 Hevi. I just checked my stock from last year. I have 4 boxes of the 3.5 #7 with a lot # of 300324, 4 boxes of 3" 7 with a lot # of 200807 and 3 boxes of 3" mag blends with a lot # of 200788.
Not planning on buying anymore of the Hevi, got both my rigs shooting the fed HW for this year. I know that the Fed HW do not put up the numbers that the hevi #7 once did. But I am happy with 150 @ 40 in the 10.
Going to set back and watch how EM responds to this, I hope they set up and pay attention....
:z-paddy-smiley113:
So, the 3" #7 with lot # 200807 are from last year? I really hope so, casue that's what I bought.
Well, I sent EM an Email earlier in the week to the address I posted last night and have yet to recieve an answer, I Decided to call this morning and got hold of the man I talked to last time and asked again if there was any component changes from last year, He told me No there was not, When I reminded him that he had told me there was a powder change he denied saying it but said maybe there was a primer change, then told me he would have to ask the president of the company and production manager to be sure, I honestly believe they"ve changed something, He took my address, phone number and my email address and said he would get back to me within the week so I guess I'll sit back and wait. I also give him the lot # and told him I was not the only one complaining about that lot of ammo.
<
Insert Quote
Well, I sent EM an Email earlier in the week to the address I posted last night and have yet to recieve an answer, I Decided to call this morning and got hold of the man I talked to last time and asked again if there was any component changes from last year, He told me No there was not, When I reminded him that he had told me there was a powder change he denied saying it but said maybe there was a primer change, then told me he would have to ask the president of the company and production manager to be sure, I honestly believe they"ve changed something, He took my address, phone number and my email address and said he would get back to me within the week so I guess I'll sit back and wait. I also give him the lot # and told him I was not the only one complaining about that lot of ammo.
Thats just dirty low down crap. They apparently don't know oldgobbler.com is the premier pattern testing board out there and dont know that we count every little hole. We notice the diffference it's obvious. First off why change a thing. If so let the costumer know instead of ruining your image. We should have a press conference and pound the truth out of there.
Ive got a post up trying to find the good and bad lot numbers feel free to post your finding. post name - help guys
Guys , Ill lend my thoughts on this issue if there is one
First off , There may be or may not be some variations in lot #'s - I don't know , and given the multitude of variations it is difficult to pin it down without shooting a whole load of that expensive ammo - the same ammo that you shot , and shot amazing ..... well.... the well advised hunter should have u-turned right back to the store right there and then and cleared out the shelf of that lot - you would be set for years with no " turkey ammo supply anxiety "
We all know that some turkey ammo is hard to get a hold of and production runs can be cut abruptly - Kinda like these wine collectors that have cellars full of their favorite vintage , a serious turkey gun shooter that finds a winning combo is well advised to stock up on their winning combo - if you find something you like and you are well informed like most of the guys here , and you didn't buy a few boxes you were only kidding yourself thinking that Bass Pro was going to order enough of yours and everyone favorite season after season- heck I can hardly get them to get good duck ammo so I just order by the case and be done with it - not to brag but I have enough 10 gauge ammo to last forever -
I remember my good ol' dad back in the day complaining on how he couldn't find his favorite Remington duplex loads at the store - who's fault was it ...my dads he didn't buy enough - same goes for the guys that didn't buy up enough polywad or whatever old whites -- you snooze you loose
find what you like and buy plenty EM, Nitro , Winchester or whoever will thank you , trust me - Ive talked to several of the people at these companies and they are very nice people , and they check in here too... please when you post avoid saying derogatory things about them cause it paints people in a bad light - I am not responsible for what others say elsewhere , be respectful -
:z-paddy-smiley113:
I just patterned some 3.5 2.25 oz #7s this year for the first time and was wondering why I didn't get the numbers in my 870 SM like others have. The barrel is polished and I only got 168 with a .660 Jellyhead. Put the old StarDot in and got 210. Both were in a 10" circle at 40yds. I'll check my lot# when I get home and post it. The shells were bought from Mack's this year. I guess I may have found my answer. I would switch if Winchester would make a 3.5" #7 in the Extended Range HDs.
Quote from: Old Gobbler on March 17, 2011, 09:32:32 PM
Guys , Ill lend my thoughts on this issue if there is one
First off , There may be or may not be some variations in lot #'s - I don't know , and given the multitude of variations it is difficult to pin it down without shooting a whole load of that expensive ammo - the same ammo that you shot , and shot amazing ..... well.... the well advised hunter should have u-turned right back to the store right there and then and cleared out the shelf of that lot - you would be set for years with no " turkey ammo supply anxiety "
We all know that some turkey ammo is hard to get a hold of and production runs can be cut abruptly - Kinda like these wine collectors that have cellars full of their favorite vintage , a serious turkey gun shooter that finds a winning combo is well advised to stock up on their winning combo - if you find something you like and you are well informed like most of the guys here , and you didn't buy a few boxes you were only kidding yourself thinking that Bass Pro was going to order enough of yours and everyone favorite season after season- heck I can hardly get them to get good duck ammo so I just order by the case and be done with it - not to brag but I have enough 10 gauge ammo to last forever -
I remember my good ol' dad back in the day complaining on how he couldn't find his favorite Remington duplex loads at the store - who's fault was it ...my dads he didn't buy enough - same goes for the guys that didn't buy up enough polywad or whatever old whites -- you snooze you loose
find what you like and buy plenty EM, Nitro , Winchester or whoever will thank you , trust me - Ive talked to several of the people at these companies and they are very nice people , and they check in here too... please when you post avoid saying derogatory things about them cause it paints people in a bad light - I am not responsible for what others say elsewhere , be respectful -
:z-paddy-smiley113:
Shannon it should not have to be this way.. And if a component change is necessary they should inform the first person that asks and have an explanation of why it happened instead of beating around the bush.. Above you was a post where a member was told one thing and than told another by the same guy a few days later.
As for derogatory comments.. I really did not appreciate being called a liar in other words over the phone when I had 40 or 50 other qualified shooters stating the same thing over the 20g load change a few years back.. I sure hope they check in as you say, as they will understand what a dedicated group of shooters they are dealing with..
Quote from: shootumindaface on March 17, 2011, 10:34:59 PM
Quote from: Old Gobbler on March 17, 2011, 09:32:32 PM
Guys , Ill lend my thoughts on this issue if there is one
First off , There may be or may not be some variations in lot #'s - I don't know , and given the multitude of variations it is difficult to pin it down without shooting a whole load of that expensive ammo - the same ammo that you shot , and shot amazing ..... well.... the well advised hunter should have u-turned right back to the store right there and then and cleared out the shelf of that lot - you would be set for years with no " turkey ammo supply anxiety "
We all know that some turkey ammo is hard to get a hold of and production runs can be cut abruptly - Kinda like these wine collectors that have cellars full of their favorite vintage , a serious turkey gun shooter that finds a winning combo is well advised to stock up on their winning combo - if you find something you like and you are well informed like most of the guys here , and you didn't buy a few boxes you were only kidding yourself thinking that Bass Pro was going to order enough of yours and everyone favorite season after season- heck I can hardly get them to get good duck ammo so I just order by the case and be done with it - not to brag but I have enough 10 gauge ammo to last forever -
I remember my good ol' dad back in the day complaining on how he couldn't find his favorite Remington duplex loads at the store - who's fault was it ...my dads he didn't buy enough - same goes for the guys that didn't buy up enough polywad or whatever old whites -- you snooze you loose
find what you like and buy plenty EM, Nitro , Winchester or whoever will thank you , trust me - Ive talked to several of the people at these companies and they are very nice people , and they check in here too... please when you post avoid saying derogatory things about them cause it paints people in a bad light - I am not responsible for what others say elsewhere , be respectful -
:z-paddy-smiley113:
Shannon it should not have to be this way.. And if a component change is necessary they should inform the first person that asks and have an explanation of why it happened instead of beating around the bush.. Above you was a post where a member was told one thing and than told another by the same guy a few days later.
As for derogatory comments.. I really did not appreciate being called a liar in other words over the phone when I had 40 or 50 other qualified shooters stating the same thing over the 20g load change a few years back.. I sure hope they check in as you say, as they will understand what a dedicated group of shooters they are dealing with..
I understand where your coming from shootum, I had the same response from them through email, Ive shot enough of their shells to know better, these are few empties I had sitting around the barn, Im done with them.
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n160/suzy70/202.jpg)
Dang your stash was bigger than mine.
Well I'm about done with them too.
Can I put in for a name change?
Anybody in the know dare to send someone in the know there a email with a link to these threads and dare them to respond....
I betcha they would think wow, who cares about them.. But they do not realize us on these board(s) are the ones who created, sold, referred and are the market for the 7s..
Hey guys.... I believe what Shannon was trying to say in a very polite way as to live with it and drop it. And I can guarantee you that he does not want anyone tying OG with any complaints over EM.
Your right Bird.. IC should have never pointed out the obvious,
Al ,said it well ---
I am not responsible for what others say elsewhere , I can not speak for any other company behalf or imply - Like wise .... other people should not speak for me/ oldgobbler.com or try or imply and represent in any said manner -
Back to the subject at hand - If you love Château Lafite Rothschild circa 1973 Bordeaux Red Wine - best buy up a case of it - you cant find it anywhere after drinking down or squandering all your good stuff and failing to secure a few backup bottles , you don't go down to the vineyard and call the wine masters there uneducated simpletons - the "Old white" story is well fabled and not to throw shame upon those familiar with it , they should have stocked up
I cant speak for others but I recently purchased a 25 count box of 10 gauge ammo - to augment my healthy reserve of ammo ... what did I do - { after zeroing in with cheep ammo long ago } I shot exactly 1 round into paper at 40 yards and put the gun back in the case - I wont bore you with numbers , it shot plenty good to kill any gobbler around these parts - since Sunday past I am now down to 23 shells in that box -- its got to last - In my opinion ammo that runs 6-9 dollars a round is not for plinking - if it shoots well , buy up a butt load of it and keep it tucked away
Weird...it appears that the lot number (200778) on the boxes I bought last year (from Midway USA) just happens to match the number on the boxes I bought this year (from CheaperThanDirt). Hopefully, I lucked out.
Ya know what's funny? Even if you pattern a gun/choke/shell combo to 300 hits, and you unknowingly pop in a bad shell (let's say a 100-hitter) on opening morning, there's probably a 99.9% chance neither the bird nor you will know any different. ;)
Man! I don't need to hear this! I had good luck with the 3/2/6 load. Bought 2 boxes of 2010 MagBlends to try with a new set up and have yet to shoot them. I am hearing this years MB are better than last.
I do know their customer service could be better. I sent an e-mail on 1/6/11 this year asking about the magblends. I did not get a response until 1/29/11. I was then told my 3" MB averaged ~294 pellets/round. I am presuming he meant 394.
Quote from: bird on March 17, 2011, 11:24:42 PM
Hey guys.... I believe what Shannon was trying to say in a very polite way as to live with it and drop it. And I can guarantee you that he does not want anyone tying OG with any complaints over EM.
Bird,
I dont think anyones trying to speak for og,
I was in belief that here on og we shared info on patterning different turkey loads,chokes and talk turkey guns. Theres alot of people here stating a noticeable change in these loads from last year, I think its only fair that hevi let their customers know so they can decide before spending money on the shells.
The great thing about a site like this is people can find out whats getting good results before buying and save them some time and money. Is this wrong?
:help: :begging: :begging: :begging: :begging: :begging: :begging: :begging: :begging: :begging: :begging:
leviSS
You should be okay, I purchased all my shells last year in May. All put up good numbers.
Quote from: Fullfan on March 18, 2011, 09:31:57 AM
leviSS
You should be okay, I purchased all my shells last year in May. All put up good numbers.
Great. Thanks.
Where the heck do you find the lot numbers on the boxes?
On the bottom side of the top flap.
Thanks---was looking on the outside of the boxes , bought 3 boxes 3 in 7s and 2 boxes of 3.5 in 7s , after hearing about them and now hearing this I sure hope I didnt waste alot of money!! :icon_thumright:
I got a PM from a guy on this board who is gonna send me 3.5", #7 from this years lot. I am gonna go to a buddy of mine who does a TON of reloading and together we will see if we can get to the bottom of this. It may take a week or so....be patient.
Quote from: slickyboyboo on March 18, 2011, 10:50:50 AM
Quote from: drum817 on March 18, 2011, 10:47:01 AM
I got a PM from a guy on this board who is gonna send me 3.5", #7 from this years lot. I am gonna go to a buddy of mine who does a TON of reloading and together we will see if we can get to the bottom of this. It may take a week or so....be patient.
Good Deal :icon_thumright:
Yep! :icon_thumright:
Quote from: SKFOOTER on March 16, 2011, 09:24:55 PM
I bought 3 boxes of the 3.5 inch 2 1/4 ounce #7 loads from from Macks Prarie Wings last month and their lot number is also #300488. And they will not pattern as good as last year's loads--Lot #300325. But the 3 boxes of the 3 inch 2 ounce #7's that I also bought from MPW last month had the same lot # as my loads from last year--#200778. Hevi Shot has definitely changed something in the 2 1/4 ounce shell!!! But, for them, it's par for the course. They will never learn!! :help:
Dang I guess I lucked out with the 2 boxes I bought this year the lot is #300325. I havent had a chance to shoot any of them yet so will put my numbers up when I do to compare with everyone else.
OG I want to apologize for my comment on being low. I think everyone should know whats going on thats why i like this forum and this type of post. A bunch of guys that shoot and know what their talkin about really helps the cause. Just imagine if you guys never shot a h-13 3 1/2 7 and went and bout the ones we are getting this year and shot them. I know with the results I'm getting that I wouldnt be pushing their product like i did. Honesty has alot to do with integrity in my mind. If its not the same dont push it like it is heck the bad loads arent bad they just arent what they were. If its a cost thing make these shells a budget line but keep making the awesome ones. Surely they know what they had it makes no since to change anything. As far as buying in bulk I can afford it but not everyone can and theyve always been easy to find on the web. Things change but just let your costumers know is my point.
Quote from: SR1 on March 18, 2011, 01:03:53 PM
Quote from: SKFOOTER on March 16, 2011, 09:24:55 PM
I bought 3 boxes of the 3.5 inch 2 1/4 ounce #7 loads from from Macks Prarie Wings last month and their lot number is also #300488. And they will not pattern as good as last year's loads--Lot #300325. But the 3 boxes of the 3 inch 2 ounce #7's that I also bought from MPW last month had the same lot # as my loads from last year--#200778. Hevi Shot has definitely changed something in the 2 1/4 ounce shell!!! But, for them, it's par for the course. They will never learn!! :help:
Dang I guess I lucked out with the 2 boxes I bought this year the lot is #300325. I havent had a chance to shoot any of them yet so will put my numbers up when I do to compare with everyone else.
Would you mind telling me where you bought those loads with last year's lot number??
Here's what another guy said in another forum about this same stuff we are talking aobut here.
"I opened a couple shells last year becauce I was getting different results when I was patterning. What I found was that some shells contained a differant type buffer. Not sure why they would change but they were different. The shells were from two different boxes but same size, load, and length."
I can't help myself....................Any of you girls call to see what the other one was wearing today?
Quote from: SKFOOTER on March 18, 2011, 02:35:53 PM
Quote from: SR1 on March 18, 2011, 01:03:53 PM
Quote from: SKFOOTER on March 16, 2011, 09:24:55 PM
I bought 3 boxes of the 3.5 inch 2 1/4 ounce #7 loads from from Macks Prarie Wings last month and their lot number is also #300488. And they will not pattern as good as last year's loads--Lot #300325. But the 3 boxes of the 3 inch 2 ounce #7's that I also bought from MPW last month had the same lot # as my loads from last year--#200778. Hevi Shot has definitely changed something in the 2 1/4 ounce shell!!! But, for them, it's par for the course. They will never learn!! :help:
Dang I guess I lucked out with the 2 boxes I bought this year the lot is #300325. I havent had a chance to shoot any of them yet so will put my numbers up when I do to compare with everyone else.
Would you mind telling me where you bought those loads with last year's lot number??
IF memory serves me correct...I got mine a Midsouth shooters supply....my lot # is 300325
Quote from: ILIKEHEVI-13 on March 18, 2011, 02:39:47 PM
Here's what another guy said in another forum about this same stuff we are talking aobut here.
"I opened a couple shells last year becauce I was getting different results when I was patterning. What I found was that some shells contained a differant type buffer. Not sure why they would change but they were different. The shells were from two different boxes but same size, load, and length."
I believe some of the buffer was flax seed and some looked like a silicone ball.
Quote from: SKFOOTER on March 18, 2011, 02:35:53 PM
Quote from: SR1 on March 18, 2011, 01:03:53 PM
Quote from: SKFOOTER on March 16, 2011, 09:24:55 PM
I bought 3 boxes of the 3.5 inch 2 1/4 ounce #7 loads from from Macks Prarie Wings last month and their lot number is also #300488. And they will not pattern as good as last year's loads--Lot #300325. But the 3 boxes of the 3 inch 2 ounce #7's that I also bought from MPW last month had the same lot # as my loads from last year--#200778. Hevi Shot has definitely changed something in the 2 1/4 ounce shell!!! But, for them, it's par for the course. They will never learn!! :help:
Dang I guess I lucked out with the 2 boxes I bought this year the lot is #300325. I havent had a chance to shoot any of them yet so will put my numbers up when I do to compare with everyone else.
Would you mind telling me where you bought those loads with last year's lot number??
I got mine from Midsouth.
Just shot one of the new H13 7"s. Looking at the wad it does appear to be slightly differnent. Last year the wad was a very long B&P wad (I think). this wad def appears change somewhat.Is it possible that B&P changed their wad a little. The buffer I think is still PSB the way it imprints the wad. Last years wad had 4 little holes above the gas seal at the bottom of the cup and this new wad does not. Even the color is a little diff.
I just got the numbers off my shells I order a month ago from Mack's it is 300488. I got 165 in 10 at 40yds with a .660 Jellyhead, and 210 in 10 at 40yds with my StarDot. This is my first time patterning 3.5/2.25/7s so I don't know what my gun would have done before the changes if they have changed. I am happy with 210 so I'm glad I bought 10 boxes and all of them have the same lot number.
I guess what I find as most odd is the fact that no matter where the shells came from, we're only dealing with 2 lot numbers (or that's the 2 main ones that have come up in discussion).
So does EM only use 1 lot number for each year ? Or do they run multiple lots in 1 year ?
All my 3.5" #7 shells from last year came from Cheaper than Dirt and were lot #300325, with those shells out of my 835 and a StarDot averaged about 300 in 10 @ 40 yds.
All of this years purchases came from Midway USA and are lot #300488. Ya'll got me worried as i've not shot any of these yet...I only have one full box of the 300325's left.
I just find it hard to believe that 1 whole years production falls under only 1 lot number. :begging:
Both of my boxes are 300514 but one of them also has 300326 and 300514 underneath it.
These were just purchased at Natchez. 3.5/2.25/7 Why would one box have two lot numbers printed in it. I am interested to see if my wad observation is correct so if anyone shoots one of the new ones and has an old one to compare to please comment.
One more thing: I have 3.5" heavy-goose and 3.5" dead coyote and all the wads EM uses all appear to be B&P (or clone). These are all older loads.
I just finished reading all of ya'll post. I feel your pain. I am still mad at Federal for changing to the flightcontrol wad's. But they did tell us they were changing. I was just liking of tring some of the Hevi 13 #7 loads. I think I have heard ya'll talk about this before. This is making me want to get into the reloading of Html's and the TSS loads. If ya'll would make a list of the lot's that ya'll have had problems with so I could avoid them if I decide to give them a try. All those with email's out to EM keep us updated. Thanks, Mike
I Thought last year EM took wad production in house
Quote from: shootumindaface on March 19, 2011, 09:34:29 AM
I Thought last year EM took wad production in house
Thats what I remember, who knows the real deal.
dpitman reminded me of the small vents in the wads, heres what I have
lot#300325 3.5" #7s vents in bottom of wad petals ; I had excellent patterns from these. 300 range
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n160/suzy70/005-5.jpg)
Lot #300488 3.5" #7s had no vents different wad, Poor patterns compared to other lot # holes appeared more like 6's.
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n160/suzy70/004-7.jpg)
I tested alot of these shells last year, and they patterned very well. I hate to see you guys having such a tough time trying to get these shells to pattern. This shouldn't be this way IMO, but it appears the wad may be the culprit. Last years lots that I shot and had great luck with were the 300325 and 300326. I stocked up on the 300326 just in case this appened, sure glad I did now. As for 20 gauge users, the 100903 and the 100991 are great shooting lot numbers too. These wads also have the vents in them in the 20 gauge shells, and they are putting up between 165-180, with 181 being my highest to date from them. It's really sad that the 20 gauge shells are putting up almost as good of numbers as the 12 gauge now!!!! What's up EM?????
I found the box from last years shells and it is Lot #300325, I shot a few patterns last year that broke 300 with my best being 312, I shot one from lot # 300488 this morning, I got 277 in the 10" AT 30 YARDS!!!!!!! I'm going to Jackson Tn. tday to pick up some Nitro's.
I just bought up 8 boxes of the hevi-13 3-1/2" #7 shells at my local gun shop and they patterned exceptional for me that is, lot#'s 300487
Just when EM appears set to take over the HTL turkey hunting ammo business for good, they do this.................
Quote from: chipper on March 19, 2011, 01:00:24 PM
I found the box from last years shells and it is Lot #300325, I shot a few patterns last year that broke 300 with my best being 312, I shot one from lot # 300488 this morning, I got 277 in the 10" AT 30 YARDS!!!!!!! I'm going to Jackson Tn. tday to pick up some Nitro's.
Good move getting the nitros, that 277 at 30 will likely loose 100 or more pellets at 40 yds.
Check it out....
I think I'm set for a little while :smiley-char092:
6 boxes of Hevi-13 3 1/2" 2.25oz. #7
2 boxes of Hevi-13 3" 2oz. #7
2 boxes of Hevi-13 3 1/2" 2.25oz. #6
1 box of Hevi-13 3" 2oz. #6
and a couple of Nitros to boot!
I feel like my Hevi-13 has turned into GOLD!!!
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e119/birdhunter50613/Guns%20and%20Calls/P1100731.jpg)
3 1/2" 2.25oz #7 Lot #300325
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e119/birdhunter50613/Guns%20and%20Calls/P1100741.jpg)
3 1/2" 2.25oz #6 Lot #300053
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e119/birdhunter50613/Guns%20and%20Calls/P1100753.jpg)
SO...now we have the actual proof that a change has indeed been made in the wad and "possibly" in the powder as well (as previously stated).....THANKS for NOTHIN' E M !!!!! I'm gonna start hand loading after this season I'm done with that company & will not recommend their products again.
OH....by the way....I have yet to get a response from my original e-mail ::)
What are you going to load. HTML or TSS. Let me know we can go in together. I will be working on my MEC and get it ready.
Quote from: drum817 on March 19, 2011, 06:16:36 PM
SO...now we have the actual proof that a change has indeed been made in the wad and "possibly" in the powder as well (as previously stated).....THANKS for NOTHIN' E M !!!!! I'm gonna start hand loading after this season I'm done with that company & will not recommend their products again.
OH....by the way....I have yet to get a response from my original e-mail ::)
I hate to spread more misery, but my SBE/Jellyhead.655/Nitro #51013A #7 (2 1/4 oz) combination that was putting 400 pellets in a 10" circle at 40 yards 2 years ago is now just averaging 250. Has anyone else experienced a reduction in their patterns shooting this year's #51013A Straight 7 load??
Quote from: ncturkey on March 19, 2011, 08:45:41 PM
What are you going to load. HTML or TSS. Let me know we can go in together. I will be working on my MEC and get it ready.Quote from: drum817 on March 19, 2011, 06:16:36 PM
SO...now we have the actual proof that a change has indeed been made in the wad and "possibly" in the powder as well (as previously stated).....THANKS for NOTHIN' E M !!!!! I'm gonna start hand loading after this season I'm done with that company & will not recommend their products again.
OH....by the way....I have yet to get a response from my original e-mail ::)
I'm gonna load HTL (h-12)....probably #7, 3.5", 2 oz....but it won't be till after turkey season.
I'm confused about the vent holes. your box of this years #7s had no vent holes? Here's mine from lot 488.
(http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af67/larrymcc/DSC02724.jpg)
vent holes are on the bottom of the petals of the older wad, not on rear of the choke.
then I must have some sort of problem. both are exactly the same. I'll have to check that out.
matches perfect with each row of ports in barrell. DUH!!
Quote from: gatrkyhntr70 on March 19, 2011, 10:55:32 AM
dpitman reminded me of the small vents in the wads, heres what I have
lot#300325 3.5" #7s vents in bottom of wad petals ; I had excellent patterns from these. 300 range
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n160/suzy70/005-5.jpg)
Lot #300488 3.5" #7s had no vents different wad, Poor patterns compared to other lot # holes appeared more like 6's.
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n160/suzy70/004-7.jpg)
longspur, this was from post 114, Again the vents mentioned are in the petals not the base of the wad that has been effected by the ports in the choke.
Cool. I will be load 3" HTL #6 and #7 and some 3" TSS #8/#9 too.
Quote from: drum817 on March 20, 2011, 09:12:05 AM
Quote from: ncturkey on March 19, 2011, 08:45:41 PM
What are you going to load. HTML or TSS. Let me know we can go in together. I will be working on my MEC and get it ready.Quote from: drum817 on March 19, 2011, 06:16:36 PM
SO...now we have the actual proof that a change has indeed been made in the wad and "possibly" in the powder as well (as previously stated).....THANKS for NOTHIN' E M !!!!! I'm gonna start hand loading after this season I'm done with that company & will not recommend their products again.
OH....by the way....I have yet to get a response from my original e-mail ::)
I'm gonna load HTL (h-12)....probably #7, 3.5", 2 oz....but it won't be till after turkey season.
Quote from: gatrkyhntr70 on March 20, 2011, 03:25:33 PM
Quote from: gatrkyhntr70 on March 19, 2011, 10:55:32 AM
dpitman reminded me of the small vents in the wads, heres what I have
lot#300325 3.5" #7s vents in bottom of wad petals ; I had excellent patterns from these. 300 range
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n160/suzy70/005-5.jpg)
Lot #300488 3.5" #7s had no vents different wad, Poor patterns compared to other lot # holes appeared more like 6's.
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n160/suzy70/004-7.jpg)
longspur, this was from post 114, Again the vents mentioned are in the petals not the base of the wad that has been effected by the ports in the choke.
yea I saw that I just couldn't figure what was making the holes in mine. should have been obvious. lol
Have these problems showed up in the 3" #7 or just the 3.5 and 20 ga. I just checked the lot # and all the 3" stuff from last year and what I bought a few weeks ago show 200806, my 20's are 100991 and the other box,has 100903 and 100991 stamped under it, both bought at the same time???????
I have a H13 choke (.662) and I have the 3.5" straight 7 shells from both lot #300325 and lot #300488. Apparently, EM did not make this change to optimize the load for their choke (or any choke). I got an ~ 15% reduction in my pattern count in 10" at 40' with the new lot number (which I got from Cabela's).
I shot the old lot at 42 degrees and the new lot at 51 degrees . Went though the same cleaning scheme as last time. Wind speed was under 7 mph in both cases.
Then I tested a Jelly Head choke (.660) with the new lot to see if the choke would make a difference (same temp, same day). The average was almost the same. My worst pattern with the Jelly head choke was slightly higher than what I was getting with straight 3.5" 6's (lot #300185) last year .
I also sent EM an email. I only have a few shells left from lot # 300325, so I am afraid to shoot anymore of those this season.