Federal Heavyweight vs Hevi 13

[Mightymoose2]

I have an 870 with the factory full choke and a ported choke of unknown make. Which would be the better choice for my shotgun, Federal Heavyweight #7's or the Hevi 13 in either #7 or the magnum blend?  I'm looking for the most effective combination at 40 or 50 yards.

[jblackburn]

First of all,



2nd there will be guys blasting you for discussing 50 yard shots.  The general rule on OG is keep discussion to 40 yards and under.

Now, lots of guys kill lots of birds with both loads and you will need to shoot both to really be sure.  In theory, the Federals should shoot well out of the full choke because of the flight control wad.  Not knowing what the other choke is really hurts what info you can get.

[Mightymoose2]

Thanks for the feedback.  Please forgive me for the breach in protocol regarding the 50 yard shot.  To be honest, I'm at 46 lifetime birds and don't recall ever taking a shot over 30 yards.  My thought process was if it's good at 50, it must be great at 40.  I hunt in pretty thick cover where long shots are not the norm.

Again, thanks.

[jblackburn]

I absolutely understand your thought process!  Like you, the majority of my birds have been under 30, but I do have a couple that cannot be discussed on OG! 

Again, welcome to the forum!  OG really is a good place, one of the best, most friendly forums I have been a member of.  The 40 yard barrier is one of the few topics that will get the moderators active in a hurry, so more of a heads up for you! 

[bowmike]

I'd go with #6 instead of #7 and go with Hevi-shot

[WyoHunter]

For the type of terrain you're hunting I'd go with the one that patterns best in your gun. If you think he's past 40 yards try to call him closer. The Fed Hwts hit harder IMO but Hevi-13 work well too. My 20 ga favors the Feds and my 12 the Hevi-13s. Welcome to OG and good luck this season!

[Dtrkyman]

I would start with hevi 13 6s in the ported tube personally!  As long as poi is good it will likely be great!

[ridgerunner]

Shoot em both and pick which one shoots best..every gun shoots different..no one on this site can tell you what's gonna shoot best for you..shoot em and decide for yourself.

[Gooserbat]

I don't shoot Hevi simply out of rebellion and the need to be different.  That said Both will KILL and with authority.  The deal is when using Fed HW you must use the right type of choke.  I shoot a Ballistic Specialties with HW and it works well.

[Mightymoose2]

I appreciate the feedback. Thanks all.