Best Factory HTL load ?

[bencattin]

With the exception of Hevi 13 which is the best load , Federal HW 7 or Winchester ER 6 in 12 ga 3 inch ?
This is my last season shooting lead shot. I am switching before next season. I have an 1100 magnum with a Briley choke system with a straight rifled choke. It shoots #5 lead well but not like the HTL patterns I have seen on here !  

Thanks,

Ben.

[stinkpickle]

I would say the winXD would be the more consistent performer as far as patterns go.   If you can get those federal #7's to pattern, they willl certainly pack a punch.  It's all about how they shoot out of your particular set up.

Agreed

[goblr77]

Hevi-13>Win XR> Fed Hvy FCW

[savduck]

i cant speak for shooting number 7s. I can speak from shooting federal lead loads against winchester lead loads over the years. Every gun I own patterned winchesters better. I shoot the winchester XR 6s in my current rig and love them. They really like my indian creek 665, Do fairly well in a kicks 660, and do well in a terror 665.

[chipper]

The Winchester XR's have been they most consistent loads I have patterned shot to shot but don't put up the numbers of the Hevi # 7 but are deadly on turkeys in the # 5 and 6, I've never shot the Federal Heavywieght.

[bencattin]

Thanks guys. I won't go the Hevi route...too much inconsistancy for the money. If they ever get a hand on their quality control I might try them.

[drenalinld]

I would rate them this way.
1. H-13 7 's
2. H-13 blends - only b/c they have a lot of 7's
3. Win XR 6's - these are some hard hitting loads that pattern the most consistent of any factory load IMO
4. H-13 6's

I wouldn't worry about the rest.

[bencattin]

El Diablo ...Have you ever really seen whats in a Hevi Shell. The pellets are far from round , you have to worry about " lot numbers " , they cost a lot, the buffer leaks out.

The Federals and the Winchesters may not pattern as dense but al least I know I will get the same shell from year to year.

That is why in my first post I said " with the exception of the Hevi Shells ".

Not looking to start a fight , but with a limited budget I need a good shell. I have read almost every post on here about the Hevi's and have decided against them.

[Mimosa Gobbler]

Federal HW #7 with a Pure Gold Tempest Choke! I Love Mine!

[chipper]

Those inconsistencies are why I've shunned the Hevi #7 for the most part, I had a 100 -150 pellet drop from last years lot #'s, The winchester XR's shot within 10 pellets with #6 vs. # 7's so I shot both this year and killed a bird with each, I also killed 2 with the best turkey load ever made, The old whites but in the end all 3 are better than lead to a degree but at ethical ranges dead is dead.