Ok guys, with all the discussion on the lot numbers for hevi shot, I just had to ask this question. I purchased 2 boxes of 12 gauge, 3 1/2", 2 1/4 oz, number 6's. I could tell the boxes had a little age on them by the amount of dust on the top of em. I've "searched" for a while on here and can't find any info on how to tell the age of these shells or if this is a "good" lot number or not (300 024). I'll be shooting these out of a 26" 870 SM with the forcing cone lengthened using a .660 JH to start off with. If anyone has any better suggestions, feel free to let me know. Thats why I only bought 2 boxes. I figured that I'll have to do some experimenting to find the perfect match of shell and choke.