Federal Heavyweight 7 Pattern (15g/cc)

[Brwndg]

Still shooting the 20 gauge 3" Federal Heavyweight (15g/cc) 1.5 oz #7s (thanks Bink!).
Weather was not the best but managed to get in a quick pattern at 40 yds. shooting the 
20 gauge Remington 11/87 w/ Trulock Federal Heavyweight 7s choke (.560).
3" red circle was used as aiming point (hitting a tad right)

198 in 10"
111 in 20"
Total hits in 20" 309!!

I have a Trulock .575 that I still need to pattern, but gotta say, I am pretty damn impressed with this combination, and don't think I can do much better.

front and back (10") images

[Spurs Up]

  Unless you just like tinkering, you're good to go. Hunt with it.

[CALLM2U]

We've been killing turkeys for decades with patterns a lot worse than that. It's a killer for certain.

[tnanh]

I liked the numbers I always got with that shell. My only problem with them was inconsistent points of impact with every gun and choke I shot them with. May have just been bad luck on my part but you may want to shoot another one or three before you move your sights.

[Reloader]

Impressive numbers. I personally wouldn't hunt that pattern, but it sure is a hot core for that shell.

I have a bunch of those shells if any of you fellas get low. I used to rob the shot for loading in 12ga loads.

[Brwndg]

Roger that tnanh.  I'm gonna wait for some warmer weather. Been in the upper 30s low 40s here. Planning on shooting at least two more shots before moving sights.

[savduck]

That's a very good pattern. I've shot close to 20 boxes at paper testing patterns. Compiled a lot of data. I've only broken 190 three times, highest is 211. One gun has done it twice.

One of my three 20 ga set up is a Remington. Bought and tested 12 chokes. Highest I could ever get it was in the 170s a few times. That same choke normally shot in the 140s.

I picked up two used Trulock chokes last year for the Remington. One the TSS 560 and the other the old heavyweight version in 560. One shot 175 and the other shot 176 back to back. I was extremely impressed. I've never had heavyweight shoot that consistent. Trulock got the Remingtons dialed in.


You got ya a good one. I have a good supply of 6 and 7s and that's all I will shoot. They smash em. Congrats.

Oh I've also cut three 7 open and counted shot. They average about 336 pellets in that load. Also learned my Remington likes to be bore snaked but not solvent wiped clean with those shells.

[Brwndg]

Impressive numbers. I personally wouldn't hunt that pattern, but it sure is a hot core for that shell.

I have a bunch of those shells if any of you fellas get low. I used to rob the shot for loading in 12ga loads.

Reloader, curious why you wouldn't hunt that pattern?  I know I need to shoot it at 20 (I know it's gonna be tight, so imperative sights are dead-on).
PM sent regarding shells

[Ol timer]

Have you seen Reloaders Patterns they are sick that's why

[Brwndg]

Have you seen Reloaders Patterns they are sick that's why

Yup. They are great patterns.
Shooting #9s will get ya that density.

[Reloader]

Impressive numbers. I personally wouldn't hunt that pattern, but it sure is a hot core for that shell.

I have a bunch of those shells if any of you fellas get low. I used to rob the shot for loading in 12ga loads.

Reloader, curious why you wouldn't hunt that pattern?  I know I need to shoot it at 20 (I know it's gonna be tight, so imperative sights are dead-on).
PM sent regarding shells

Just because of the hot core and low amount of fill in. I use handloads, but I set up some guns with these loads years ago when they came out. Had one rig that did 160s, but it was weak outside of the core. Smooth missed a nice tom with it up close. Moved to a rig that did 140s and whacked several b4 returning to handloads. They are great shells and kill with authority. I personally liked them in the 140s for a somewhat more forgiving fringe. I don't knock anyone for going tight though, it's all personal preference.

Have a good one and congrats on the great shooting rig.

[savduck]

I like that 120/140 as well, reloader.

I put together a bunch of data. That 120 pattern lets you have an area about 18 inches wide. Anywhere you move a 10" circle s
Still gives you 100 in 10.

[Reloader]

I like that 120/140 as well, reloader.

I put together a bunch of data. That 120 pattern lets you have an area about 18 inches wide. Anywhere you move a 10" circle s
Still gives you 100 in 10.

Yep and they'll flat slam a tom.  I had one rig that did 120ish and I killed a pile of birds with it.

[Brwndg]

Weather was Spring-like here yesterday, so I got out and shot some patterns to test some other chokes.
Shot the Trulock Fed HWT 7 .560, the Carlson LB XR .568, and Trulock TKY .575

All shots taken with 3" 1.5 oz Federal Heavyweight 7s (15g/cc)

First, I shot my three chokes at 20 yds

1)  .560 - super tight <8" pattern
2)  .568 - forgot to switch out choke so shot that pattern twice. Nice coverage in a 10" box
3)  .575 - most evenly distributed pattern of the three and my favorite.  But not drastically better than the .568

Then a few patterns at 40 yds. 
1)  .560 really failed me. Super tight core pattern from original post musta been a fluke. Two more 40 yds patterns gave me 122 and 132.  And I was not happy with the super tight pattern at 20 yds.
2)  .568 very impressive and better distribution.  Shot two patterns: first yielding 199/93 (10"/20"). Shot a second pattern to make sure it wasn't a fluke again 168/139 (10"/20")
3)  .575 threw a great pattern as well 145/131 (10"/20")

Gotta say that the Carlson LBXR .568 seems to be the choke I will be hunting with this Spring.
It was a close call between that choke and the .575

[BINK McCARTY]

Hey brother I'm glad to help. For me, that  .568 is where I'd be.