Not trying to start anything but was wondering if you had the choice between the federal heavyweight 7's and the longbeard 4's or 5's what would you choose ?
My 870 with the ventilator choke put 193 7's in a 10 in circle at 40 yards and it put 185 #5 longbeards
My 11-87 with the ssx choke put 189 in a 10 with the 7's and 160 with the 4's and 165 with the 5's.
Cost has not part in my decision just wondering what you guys would go with. Thanks !
I would think Fed #7 would be much higher. ....something seems off. If you are putting up those numbers on #5 lead... I would shoot lead.
also try Hevi #7....
My buddies 535 put up 199 with the federals.
Not sure what numbers others are getting with them.
Haven't shot them in 12 gauge but my 870 20 gauge puts up 190s with them.
From what i have seen, the numbers your getting with the heavyweight #7s are pretty darn good. Especially if its a 3" shell. I would go with the heavyweights for sure.The heavyweights would probably be more forgiving up close than the longbeards.
I'm pretty sure his numbers are from a 12GA ...not 20
I dont shoot the federal HW but i shoot the HEVI #6's over the longbeards.. the LBs are just so tight at close range I worry about the quick off the cuff shots in tight, the room to miss is much higher.
The energy of a HW #7 is virtually the same as a lead #5. If you're getting the same numbers, the LB 5's are obviously much cheaper but less forgiving as others have stated. I'd go with LB 5's just because I'm cheap and the turkey won't know the difference. Just don't miss
I would shoot the fed 7s no questions asked. That sounds like a good hunting pattern and that fed HW will help make up for when a bird does something unexpected at the moment of truth or you misjudge a little. Always be prepared for the worst situation. Good luck
Sent from the Strut Zone
All 3.5" shells
I will have to shoot them up close and see what I got
Thanks for the help guys !
which ever one patterns the best for you.
With the close in problem with the longbeards, go with the federal Hw.
I shoot my old Remington Hevi Shot as my first shot, backed up with the LB's. That's what I would do with your Federals that you have left. After that, shoot what feels best to you and gives you peace of mind cost wise as well.
That's a way killer pattern with Fed. Heavywt
#7's. I have patterned and patterned and patterned,
Never had the Heavywts get over 180.
Go buy as many of that Lot# Shells you can
Find and shoot them!!! Or sell me ur gun/choke/and give me
The secret Lot number!!!!
I think if you shoot them both at 15-18 yards, you will find your hunting pattern.
I would go Federal HW 7's no question. I think they actually hit more like a lead 4 but there's a lot more of them. Your numbers are great for that shell. I get around 175 and I assure you they'll kill birds WAY farther than what's considered "acceptable" range. Don't ask me how I know... :OGturkeyhead:
IF cost is not an issue Fed H.W ALLLLLL day long!!!!!! #7 H.W has the same or slightly more penetration @ 60 yds. than lead #5 @ 40yds. My PERSONAL experience me & my buddies were doin some jawing and made some bets bout my #7 shot and its power....long story short.....i made $100 after my Fed H.W #7 shot blew THRU piece of 5/8" compressed particle board @ 100 yds. Now,i'm definately not sayin to try and kill @ that distance but the point was to prove you can get more than enough penetration with the smaller pellets ,not to mention that there are 408 pellets in the 3.5" 1 7/8 oz. load. Ifn yr gettin those numbers stick with the #7s....just my opinion. HAPPY HUNTIN!!!!!!
Both shells are producing great numbers. IMO - If you think your shot may be a little further than 40-yds, go with the Fed HWs. Otherwise, use the Win LBs. Good luck.
I'd shoot the HW#7. I've used both and I have killed several with both. HW kills like nothing else.
Longbeard 4s ALL DAY LONG!!!!!!!!
Quote from: Ihunteverything on April 27, 2015, 11:40:01 AM
My 870 with the ventilator choke put 193 7's in a 10 in circle at 40 yards and it put 185 #5 longbeards
The number of pellets in a circle is like accuracy in a rifle - an interesting and useful factor, but one that shouldn't be overpursued for its own sake.
If you're only putting 8 more expensive HTL 7s in the circle than lead 5s, why bother?
Although I do agree that sounds rather odd, I'd expect more pellets in the 7 pattern.
When you look at the pellet count in the fed's it shows there are actually only 64 more pellets in the 1 7/8 hvy than a 2 oz lead #5. 410 vs 346 due to how heavy they are you do not get the high pellet count. The federal #6 actually has 36 less pellets than the lead #5. If you like holes in paper go with lead if you're after broken bones and terminal performance then the heavyweight really shines.
I have only used the heavyweights on waterfowl never got my wife a shot with her 20 this year on a gobbler but the old #4 fed hvy waterfowl loads have completely passed through late season geese at 60 yds. We checked because two people shot at the goose and it was banded so the argument insued and we were able to find only #4 holes and one pellet in the bird in our autopsy. The band is on my lanyard :).
good thread , lots of great advise here.
You might look at your overall pattern out to 15-20" to help you decide too.
And try some 25-30 yard or so shots , the longbeards shot scary tight for me at that range.
Gooserbat hit it on the head! Hw 7 really hit them , even out of a 20 at 1100 fps the results are amazing.
Good luck with your choice.
Quote from: owlhoot on May 31, 2015, 01:46:16 PM
good thread , lots of great advise here.
You might look at your overall pattern out to 15-20" to help you decide too.
And try some 25-30 yard or so shots , the longbeards shot scary tight for me at that range.
Gooserbat hit it on the head! Hw 7 really hit them , even out of a 20 at 1100 fps the results are amazing.
Good luck with your choice.
Agree 100%. I have found the same thing with Hevi 7's and HW 7's. They turn the awesome patterns at 40 yds but have a larger pattern at 25-30 yds than the Win LB's and more density in the 15"-20" at 40yds as well.