Question about after market chokes and ammunition?

[TLRanger]

I have been checking all the aftermarket chokes out and they all say "Ported or grooved to slow the shot cup wadding down to improve the pattern".

Federal makes a shell with "Flight control wadding to stay with the shot to improve the pattern". They say not to use a ported choke with these shells.

Both cannot be correct. Any thoughts on which is the better choice?

I use a ported choke with winchester shells.

 

[knightrider]

with the flight control wads in the federal most folks get better patterns with a non ported choke, that federal wad is made to stay with the shot, where as most wads will bust through the shot string if they are not slowed down by the choke.

 

[TheLBLman]

Both cannot be correct. Any thoughts on which is the better choice.

Actually, both are correct.

MOST shells will pattern more uniformly if the wad quickly falls behind the shot column. The ported chokes "catch" the wad a bit, slowing it enough that the shot string is quickly ahead as it leaves the barrel.

The Federals that have the "Flight Control" wads are a very different thing. Those wads are designed to stay with the shot much longer. You don't want them to be "slowed" by the ports of a choke tube.

In my testing with non-ported tubes, those "Flight Control" Federals produced the most uniform and dense patterns of any standard lead loads. The problem I had with their "Heavyweight" version was they were so "heavy" (30% heavier than lead compared to Winchester Extendeds being only 10% heavier) that a load of #6 shot had a lot fewer pellets than a load of #6 Winchesters.

If I weren't handloading and if weren't using a ported choke, the factory load I'd be looking for would be the Federal Heavyweight using #7 shot. Penetration comparable to #5 lead, and an extremely dense pattern. But good luck in finding those.

Next best choice imo (and more easily found) is the Hevi-13's in #7 shot, which are fine in either ported or non-ported chokes. These are 20% heavier than lead.

Quick reference:

Winchester Extended Range pellets are 10% heavier than lead.
Hevi-13's are 20% heavier than lead.
Federal Heavyweights are 30% heavier than lead.

Keep in mind as you go with "heavier" pellets, there are fewer pellets per ounce. This is part of why people like me prefer the #7 pellets. But when they're much "denser" than lead, they penetrate more like much larger lead pellets. Thus, generally speaking, you can get denser patterns than lead #6, but with the penetration of lead #5, simply by using "denser than lead" #7.

 

[REN]

winchester pretty much summed it up. I like the Xtended range but will be going trying some Hevi#7 when they come in the mail.


ported chokes are more common and help in recoil...in addition they meet the need for most ammunition. the only one you cant really use in them is the federal's. I dont know how much recoil it actually helps on but some is better then none for a lot of guns.

 

[TLRanger]

Thanks you Wes for all that info. Looks like you really did some research on this subject. Have you ever counted the difference in the number of pellets in each of those mentioned? What I mean is lets say #6 shot - 2 oz - 3 1/2 inch. Just guessing but looks like Winchesters would have about 10% fewer than lead, hevi shot 20% fewer, and Federal 30% fewer. Doesn't really matter because I am satisfied with the Winchesters.

You going to LBL on the open hunts? I think Joe and I will have to go on the first week rather than the usual second week due to family obligations. Don't know for sure yet.

 

[TheLBLman]

TL,

Yes, I've done quite a bit of pattern testing with the aforementioned.

Just guessing but looks like Winchesters would have about 10% fewer than lead, hevi shot 20% fewer, and Federal 30% fewer.

That's about right. No, I've never actually counted the pellets in the shells, but we can know very close what it takes to make up an ounce of each type shot.

Even though a 2-oz load of any of these will have fewer pellets than a 2-oz load of pure lead pellets, all have produced denser patterns than the same size shot (i.e. #6 v.s #6) from pure lead loads. However, the overall diameter of the patterns may be slightly smaller, particularly with the Hevi-13 offerings. These shells seem to be producing a denser 20" center at the expense of fewer pellets hitting between 20" and 30" from the aim point.

Doesn't really matter because I am satisfied with the Winchesters.

I've also been very partial to the Winchesters.
For turkey hunting, the Winchester Extendeds may be the best overall "value" considering price (at least among the heavier than lead offerings). They are also more "readily available" than any the others. They are great shells.

However, in part because they're offered with a 2 1/4-oz load (instead of 2 oz in the Winchesters, or 1 7/8 oz in the Federals), the Hevi-13's have produced the denser patterns, comparing same-size shot, i.e. #6 to #6. The Hevi-13 "Blend" will produce a denser pattern than straight #6's of any make I've tried. The Hevi-13 #7's produce greater density than the "Blend".

What I like about the very small "heavy" shot is very clean kills (I always take a head shot or no shot). To me, part of the "game" is getting that head shot, and not messing up the meat. I'm not in to long-range turkey shooting, and most of mine have been taken under 25 yards, but last year I did drop a big strutter at 46 yards with a load of #7's. I had previously passed this particular bird on previous hunts, and with that set-up, he would not come closer. Twice, he had just strutted away from the same place. Third time, a load of #7's at 46 yards, and don't think there was anything but instant dead turkey.