Hevi to Longbeards

[Cutt]

For those who have made the switch from Hevi to Longbeards, was the switch worth it, taking the savings out of the equation?

Was wanting to give them a try, but read where many are getting extremely tight patterns? As I'm using a Hevi 3.5 6's which gives me an all around tight pattern but not too tight. Are you finding the Longbeards tighter at close ranges as compared to Hevi or similar results? Thanks

[wvmntnhick]

They're tighter, no doubt.

[maytom]

Made the switch last year, but unfortunately, the birds didn't want to play. At the pattern board I liked what I saw with the 3" 1 3/4oz. of #4's, so I made the jump to them. (Energy wise, most hevi-shot is compared to the energy levels of #4 lead shot) At $10.00 for a box of 10 shells, I am happy with my choice.

[Ruger M77]

I switched a couple years ago I'd definitely say it's worth it. In my gun they pattern better the up close patterns are about the same as any turkey load. Another thing I always had problems with the hevi 13 shells leaking that's very annoying considering how much they cost. With the long beards I use both 5s and 6s

[TauntoHawk]

I still shoot hevi from my 12 and HW for the 20 myself but I buy and pattern LB's for when I take other people out and kids and have them using my gun. Generally I have a few youth hunters, A veteran or two, and at least two friends or new hunters a season that all will tote one of my guns to the woods. I want them to carry a set up I have confidence in and is set up for turkey but not have them sling $5 a shell either lol

I've had too many guys show up for a turkey hunt with a shotgun, no idea about POI with no choke or a modified and a handful of pheasant loads ready to "kill a turkey".

[renegade19]

I switched last year and was happy with the result.  Can't testify to if the two patterned different but I shot quite a few Long Beards at the board and was happy with their performance.  IF I hadn't been confident in them, I would not have used them.  My .02

[Double B]

Been 2 yrs with Longbeard XRs 5 shot.  They shoot very impressive patterns in my guns.  Best at mid-range in my opinion as they are very tight up close.   You may need good adjustable sights, as you can really dial them in and they are consistent.

[mtns2hunt]

Tried LB when they first came out and I am still using them. I like the #4 and #6 shot and shoot through a kicks .655. Patterns are very good out to fifty yards and beyond although my preference is thirty to forty yards. I do find the pattern to be very tight at close range and use Tru glow open sights to be helpful. I would suggest testing a few shots at 20 or less yards as there is not much room for error.

[appalachianassassin]

 never really thought I needed to try hevi-shot. that being said, ill never shoot anything but longbeard #5.

[Boykin Hollow]

Never shot the hevi but switched to the long beards # 6's in a Jebs choke.  I will not hesitate shooting a turkey at 60 yards now.  Do yourself a favor and pattern the shells with the choke that you plan to use.  I may switch to TSS this year as I plan on using a benelli m1 once the season gets going and the woods gets full with new growth.

[jakesdad]

Never shot the hevi but switched to the long beards # 6's in a Jebs choke. I will not hesitate shooting a turkey at 60 yards now.  Do yourself a favor and pattern the shells with the choke that you plan to use.  I may switch to TSS this year as I plan on using a benelli m1 once the season gets going and the woods gets full with new growth.

And go.................................

[renegade19]

Never shot the hevi but switched to the long beards # 6's in a Jebs choke. I will not hesitate shooting a turkey at 60 yards now.  Do yourself a favor and pattern the shells with the choke that you plan to use.  I may switch to TSS this year as I plan on using a benelli m1 once the season gets going and the woods gets full with new growth.

And go.................................