brandonk13 Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 I'm currently trying to find shells that deliver dense patterns for waterfowl. I just bought a SBE 2 about a week ago now and I have tried Federal Speed-shok shells and am not a big fan. Does anyone have any suggestions for shells that deliver dense patterns with an IC or M choke so I don't have to go and spend a ton of money to find out? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cootcommander Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 Recently patterned my SBE II with black cloud 3.5 #2 at 40 yds. The stock mod done well but a Briley X2 light modified shot best. It had the best pattern and placed 150 pellets in a 30" circle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyson129 Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 I would recommend using Kent Fast Steel. You will have great results no matter which kind you choose and the price is low. Our Local bird dog/ gun club hated the Black Cloud in comparison to the much cheaper Kent Fast Steel...And they shoot a lot of every kind of bird you can imagine! Happy Hunting! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mudhen Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 I shoot Hevi-Metal Kent is just too dirty and inconsistant for me.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyson129 Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 (edited) No offense Mudhen, but Hevi-Metal is not worth it. If you want to bring home dinner get what I recommended you, even some Dark Cloud will do the trick. If you decide to use Black Cloud you should get a dedicated Black Cloud choke for best results (Like those made by Carlon's Chokes). Check this out if you are curious about Hevi-Metal...Name is cool, The results are not the best: http://www.duckhuntingchat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=102976 There are pros (keep in mind sponsorships) that say they get 97% pattern test results at 40 yards but I have yet to see a picture. If you buy #2 steel, half will be #2 steel while the other half will be #5 or #6 Tungsten. Its cost reducing but I would not say better IMO. Good Luck and Happy Hunting! Edited October 27, 2009 by tyson129 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyson129 Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 Once again Mudhen no offense, this is just my Opinion, and I do not mean to put your suggestion down in any way. Did you really find Kent Fast Steel to be that dirty? Which load were you using if you don't mind me asking. Thanks in Advance and once again no Disrespect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tadeusz Posted October 28, 2009 Share Posted October 28, 2009 black cloud by federal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tucker301 Posted October 28, 2009 Share Posted October 28, 2009 Another vote for Black Cloud. I just started using it this year, and it is taking no prisoners. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bkirsch Posted October 28, 2009 Share Posted October 28, 2009 I found that my SBE2 w/IC choke and #2 Black Cloud does the job... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mudhen Posted October 28, 2009 Share Posted October 28, 2009 (edited) No offense Mudhen, but Hevi-Metal is not worth it. If you want to bring home dinner get what I recommended you, even some Dark Cloud will do the trick. If you decide to use Black Cloud you should get a dedicated Black Cloud choke for best results (Like those made by Carlon's Chokes). Check this out if you are curious about Hevi-Metal...Name is cool, The results are not the best: http://www.duckhuntingchat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=102976 There are pros (keep in mind sponsorships) that say they get 97% pattern test results at 40 yards but I have yet to see a picture. If you buy #2 steel, half will be #2 steel while the other half will be #5 or #6 Tungsten. Its cost reducing but I would not say better IMO. Good Luck and Happy Hunting! None taken! In a good year, I'll shoot 8-10 cases of shells, so I like to try as many different types as possible. A good friend owns a pretty large gun shop, so I get decent prices on products. Black Cloud is cool - I shot 2-3 cases last year. Good for longer ranges, no better or worse than any other steel at close ranges. The Black Cloud chokes are fine, but I can clean my own chokes, thanks! As to price, both are available for $189/case delivered, so that's a wash. Hevi-Metal has worked great for me so far. Fast. Clean. Knocks down the birds just fine with about 1/2 the kick of Black Cloud. I've cut a few shells open, and the pellets look fine to me. Don't care what they use for buffer, flax seed, bird seed, I only care if the shell kills birds. Maybe these guys from this morning have something to say about Hevi-Metal, including the banded one Edited October 28, 2009 by mudhen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mudhen Posted October 28, 2009 Share Posted October 28, 2009 Once again Mudhen no offense, this is just my Opinion, and I do not mean to put your suggestion down in any way. Did you really find Kent Fast Steel to be that dirty? Which load were you using if you don't mind me asking. Thanks in Advance and once again no Disrespect. I've had no less than 6 duds from brand new Kent steel shells of various versions. I've had shells replaced by Kent more than once for manufacturing defects. I've had Kent shells stick in several different guns. They are filthy and will never be used in any of my guns unless they are the last brand of shell left, even then, I might give up hunting instead Anything else? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brandonk13 Posted October 29, 2009 Author Share Posted October 29, 2009 I tried Kent Fasteel in a 3.5in. #4 earlier today at 40yds and counted 152 pellets in a 30in. circle and was pretty impressed. They were mostly uniform with the exception of the few (under 10) pellets that scattered. I made a stop at Cabelas last night for shells and I didn't look around enough to see any Dark Cloud shells. Are they expencive? Would it be worth looking into compaired to Kent Fasteel? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyson129 Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 I've had no less than 6 duds from brand new Kent steel shells of various versions. I've had shells replaced by Kent more than once for manufacturing defects. I've had Kent shells stick in several different guns. They are filthy and will never be used in any of my guns unless they are the last brand of shell left, even then, I might give up hunting instead Anything else? Man that sucks, you must have gotten a bad run of them. I have never encountered any one of those problems and I have shot well over a thousand rounds through various guns, mostly Benelli but some Remingtons as well. Sorry that you had such bad luck with them. I have found them to be a great shotshell. I am in no way saying that they are the best..because they are not. But for the money and the results I have been very pleased. Thanks for your feedback, very interesting to hear about the poor performance. Many Thanks, Tyson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyson129 Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 I tried Kent Fasteel in a 3.5in. #4 earlier today at 40yds and counted 152 pellets in a 30in. circle and was pretty impressed. They were mostly uniform with the exception of the few (under 10) pellets that scattered. I made a stop at Cabelas last night for shells and I didn't look around enough to see any Dark Cloud shells. Are they expencive? Would it be worth looking into compaired to Kent Fasteel? I am glad you tried it and enjoyed the results. It really is a great shotshell that is inexpensive. Black Cloud is Expensive, I believe it is about $1 a shot which at the end of a good waterfowl day can really add up! Happy Hunting! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyson129 Posted October 30, 2009 Share Posted October 30, 2009 I've had no less than 6 duds from brand new Kent steel shells of various versions. I've had shells replaced by Kent more than once for manufacturing defects. I've had Kent shells stick in several different guns. They are filthy and will never be used in any of my guns unless they are the last brand of shell left, even then, I might give up hunting instead Anything else? And No mudhen there is nothing else. I'm not the one in need of advice. You know what the difference between a wise man and a fool? A wise man can learn from the fool. Sorry if I took up any of you valuable time.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mudhen Posted October 30, 2009 Share Posted October 30, 2009 Sorry if I took up any of you valuable time.... No big deal at all You do seem to question people more than most. And your style is not one I see often. I've never had anyone tell me what to use if I want to "bring home dinner" "If you want to bring home dinner get what I recommended you". I'll admit that I'm not a fan of bashing new items without that item even being given a chance to perform in the field. Kinda like how the Vinci was bashed right out of the gate. I know many Vinci shooters that are very satisfied with their purchase. Same thing for Hevi-Metal. It just came out and right off the bat, folks were bashing it. Again, I'll admit, that bothers me. To me, bashing without a foundation just defies logic and common decency. A few Internet Wizards pop a few shots at some cardboard, and presto, the shot is crap. I'll just stick to doing my own homework as usual! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duckht183 Posted October 30, 2009 Share Posted October 30, 2009 And No mudhen there is nothing else. I'm not the one in need of advice. You know what the difference between a wise man and a fool? A wise man can learn from the fool. Sorry if I took up any of you valuable time.... How does a limit of Spoonie's taste........... Figured a wise man must know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyson129 Posted October 30, 2009 Share Posted October 30, 2009 How does a limit of Spoonie's taste........... Figured a wise man must know It tastes like Game Management...Just a little Gamey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyson129 Posted October 30, 2009 Share Posted October 30, 2009 No big deal at all You do seem to question people more than most. And your style is not one I see often. I've never had anyone tell me what to use if I want to "bring home dinner" "If you want to bring home dinner get what I recommended you". I'll admit that I'm not a fan of bashing new items without that item even being given a chance to perform in the field. Kinda like how the Vinci was bashed right out of the gate. I know many Vinci shooters that are very satisfied with their purchase. Same thing for Hevi-Metal. It just came out and right off the bat, folks were bashing it. Again, I'll admit, that bothers me. To me, bashing without a foundation just defies logic and common decency. A few Internet Wizards pop a few shots at some cardboard, and presto, the shot is crap. I'll just stick to doing my own homework as usual! Doing your own homework is something I have always encouraged. I am glad that you have found a shotshell that performs great out of your gun(s). I would love to see a pattern test if you get a chance, say 40 yards so that we can all benefit from your tests. Thanks in advance if you do decide to contribute. Until then, Rock On with your Hevi-Metal Happy Hunting! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyson129 Posted October 30, 2009 Share Posted October 30, 2009 P.S.- When does the fingerprinting start for buying ammo in CA mudhen? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mudhen Posted October 30, 2009 Share Posted October 30, 2009 P.S.- When does the fingerprinting start for buying ammo in CA mudhen? Pretty sure not until 2011, and for handgun ammo only. But, some rules start sooner. Pretty sure pistol magazines, speed loaders, handgun ammo, primers (maybe?), and some other items have to go behind the counter as of Jan 1, 2010. If they only knew how much ammo is going to get bought before that time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyson129 Posted October 30, 2009 Share Posted October 30, 2009 Pretty sure not until 2011, and for handgun ammo only. But, some rules start sooner. Pretty sure pistol magazines, speed loaders, handgun ammo, primers (maybe?), and some other items have to go behind the counter as of Jan 1, 2010. If they only knew how much ammo is going to get bought before that time HAHA Right Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brandonk13 Posted October 31, 2009 Author Share Posted October 31, 2009 I have the picture, but it is saying that I have to have at least 5 posts so I have to work on that one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brandonk13 Posted October 31, 2009 Author Share Posted October 31, 2009 Random post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brandonk13 Posted October 31, 2009 Author Share Posted October 31, 2009 After this one I can post the picture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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