I'm planing on switching to winchester Long beard XR's but they're a little pricey for me. I was wondering how the Double X's are they are $10 cheaper then the LB's but if you guys don't think they are as good I will pay for the LB's
Lets make sure we cut corners on the single, solitary thing that puts the turkey in your hands. :z-twocents: ??? :z-dizzy:
In my opinion longbeards are very affordable.... Especially compared to HTL. ???
I am getting great patterns from the Longbeards. I wish they would stop touting them as 60 yard shells. If he doesn't come within 35 yards, he hasn't been earned in my humble opinion.
Quote from: silvestris on January 18, 2015, 08:58:30 PM
I am getting great patterns from the Longbeards. I wish they would stop touting them as 60 yard shells. If he doesn't come within 35 yards, he hasn't been earned in my humble opinion.
us "old school guys" are dying out it seems, the 40 yd. range is now the 55-60 yd. range and some shoot even further than that
If money is not an issue, then I'd go for the Longbeards. I killed a bunch of birds with 2-3/4" XX 6's in my old Model 12, but I knew my limitations and lived within them. No matter which you choose, make sure you know your limits.
I killed a pile of birds with win Hv #6, but I won't be buying anymore as long as I can get longbeards.
Money is not a issue. Most of my shots will be from 30 - 55 yards so I will probably go with the long beards. Would you guys recommend #6's or #5's?
I recommend shots that are far less than 55 yards, but as far as shot size the one that patterns best is the pick.
Quote from: drum817 on January 18, 2015, 08:30:07 PM
In my opinion longbeards are very affordable.... Especially compared to HTL. ???
Agreed!!
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Quote from: Gooserbat on January 19, 2015, 12:34:46 AM
I recommend shots that are far less than 55 yards, but as far as shot size the one that patterns best is the pick.
^^^THIS.... Please keep in mind that when you pattern your gun, shooting at paper at 55 yards is a lot different than shooting at a head (bone, muscle, & skin). I don't know if your set on just Longbeards but another shell that I tried last year and got awesome results with (both on paper and in the woods) are the Turkey Thug ammo made by Federal... Not as expensive and worked great. Good luck on your search.
Quote from: surehuntsalot on January 18, 2015, 09:33:07 PM
Quote from: silvestris on January 18, 2015, 08:58:30 PM
I am getting great patterns from the Longbeards. I wish they would stop touting them as 60 yard shells. If he doesn't come within 35 yards, he hasn't been earned in my humble opinion.
us "old school guys" are dying out it seems, the 40 yd. range is now the 55-60 yd. range and some shoot even further than that
X2 I didnt think at 43 I was old enough to be "old school",but I find myself following those ways more often than not.
My opinion:Dont get caught up in the hype.The Longbeards are very good shells,but look at your situation and not everybody elses before you decide. If you are hunting timber 99% of the time,the XX or any quality lead shell that patterns well will do fine. If you hunt a lot of fields or split your time between woods and field where a 35-40 yard shot is very possible,look into the Longbeards,they are the real deal.
I tried Longbeards and they patterned very well,but too tight for me(hunting in timber most if not all the time).If I was to hunt on big fields or out west in more open terrain,i'd definetely be using the Longbeards.
I also recommend shooting some off your knee etc. just how you will do it in the woods. Its good to get a good rest on a lead sled or shooting bench/table when pattering but don't over look practicing how you will do it in the woods. I know some probably think that is crazy but its the same as a law enforcement office practicing with his service weapon....you will react in a situation how you have trained/practiced. I always shoot several rounds off my knee or shooting stick leaned back against a tree or in my gobbler lounger every year before season starts.....and I don't always shoot the same shell I will be using in season I will add some of the cheaper rounds I have just for the practice. Things can line up different, your body is sitting in a different way then at a table shooting. Call me crazy but I think its overlooked a lot.
God Bless
And also remember when picking the shell for your specific situation; A good shell (HTL) will kill them close and far (far meaning 40-50 yards) while a lesser shell will kill close but questionable at far. Why not play it safe? Especially if money isn't an issue. Buy cheaper socks, discount camo, pack your lunch, whatever . . . save a few $$ and spend that on what could be the most important factor in your success.
Quote from: Cove on January 19, 2015, 11:19:06 AM
And also remember when picking the shell for your specific situation; A good shell (HTL) will kill them close and far (far meaning 40-50 yards) while a lesser shell will kill close but questionable at far. Why not play it safe? Especially if money isn't an issue. Buy cheaper socks, discount camo, pack your lunch, whatever . . . save a few $$ and spend that on what could be the most important factor in your success.
Best I have seen it stated! :icon_thumright:
I don't get why people refer to the Winchester xx mags as "an inferior shell". I never had trouble with them or the hv loads killing birds from 15 out to 44 yards over most of my turkey hunting career. Now the Remington nitro turkey loads I understand the inferior label :toothy9: :lol:
The double X were the load I shot until I tried the Longbeard XR. They pattern great out of my Gobblin' Thunder choke tube. I shoot the 3 1/2" #5's. Longbeard are good beyond 40 yds in my gun, but I keep my shots within the 40 yd mark.