[Oldnamvet]

I have only seen a short article on this stuff. I assume that it has to fly somewhat like a fat frisbee to slice through things they way they describe. Seems strange that it does pattern but it evidently does. I wonder how it would perform on ballistic gel compared to regular round shot? Anyone have a lot of knowledge or experience with anything like this stuff?
http://www.federalcartridge.com/default.asp?pg=46

[MCgunner]

Sounds weird. I'll keep an eye out for articles on the stuff. I notice it's not offered in 2 3/4". The new Remington "hevi steel" isn't offered in 2 3/4" either, or I haven't found it. :banghead: I have a 3" pump, but I've been wanting to increase the effectiveness of my Winchester auto that has 2 3/4" barrel without spending a fortune on Remington Hevi Shot (which is offered in 2 3/4". That new Hevi Steel is about 18 dollars for a 25 round box.

Any idea what the price of this Federal stuff is going to be? Is it gonna be one of those 10 rounds per box for $25 things or priced for the working man?

[SDC]

An interesting idea; it LOOKS like it uses a wad that doesn't separate until it's out a fair ways towards the target, thereby keeping enough energy to do some damage once it gets there. If that's the way it actually works, it would probably act like a SLUG on a close-range shot.

[Oldnamvet]

The April issue of Guns & Ammo has a short product review on page 22. The Black Cloud loads have 40% of these type shot. For the #2 shot, the diameter at the belt is 0.17 inch. The wad they use has no slits down the wall so it keeps the shot together for a farther distance from the muzzle. They are supposed to be available this summer in 3 and 3.5 inch 12 gauge loads. The belt must act like a rudder keeping it edge on rather than tumbling. An interesting study for someone with high speed photography equipment.

[MCgunner]

Doesn't sound like the load for those low flying teal. :D Wonder how reliably that wad separates, if there's much variance in the distance from the muzzle? Me, I'm more into Remington getting that Heavy Steel stuff in 2 3/4". That stuff is poor folk affordable. :D And, it's supposed to be the density of Hevi Shot, but not as round shot to shot or something, anyway, less quality control on the pellet shape as I understand it. Gotta beat the heck out of standard steel loads from Wallyworld, though, for those long shots late season. That's what I want 'em for, thought I might load one regular steel in the chamber and back it up with two Hevi Steel for economy and that first close shot especially as dawn is breaking and I'm getting buzzed by teal.

As for the stability of the load, ever heard of "ringing a shell"? I used to do it when I was a kid and it works. I in no way suggest anyone try it..take full disclaimer from any kabooms.. but it's well known to work. You cut around the plastic just about where the wad is leaving a little sliver of plastic on either side so that the shell isn't cut in two. On firing, the whole front of the shell goes out the muzzle like a slug, and it's pretty danged accurate! The back of the wad acts like a badminton shuttlecock to keep it straight. And, when it hits, the shot releases from the case like a Glasier or Mag Safe rounds. I read once that cops use to use such back in the prohibition Al Capone days and when the paper shell hit those windows, it sprayed the interior of the car with pellets. :what: Anyhow, it was common practice in the depression, I understand from my departed elders, when slugs weren't readily available. They'd load a barrel with one of these when they were squirrel hunting, I would guess the open choke, in case a deer popped out.

Seems to me the wad on these Black Cloud loads would work just like that ringed shell keeping the wad column straight. Basically, that's what happens with a "rifled slug", too. The "rifling" on a foster slug is pretty worthless other than to crush through a choke so the slug don't hurt the gun.

[Oldnamvet]

I remember as a kid growing up in the 50's in Iowa a section of the game laws forbidding the use of "cut shells". I imagine that was what you call a ringed shell. Naturally as a kid, i really wanted to see what they were and how they worked but never found anyone who knew or were willing to tell me just what they were. By the time I found out, I had matured enough so I didn't try them. Just one way I didn't manage to get into trouble.

Price on those Black Cloud will probably be high. Someone has to be paid for the marketing thinktank that came up with the names.:D

[terry264]

Can you just imagine biting into one of these while eating your game? I think I'll go with something else myself.

[MCgunner]

Hmm, good point. :D

[the naked prophet]

I wanna see this in #1 buck!