[John Peddie]

I'm using Hevi Shot for the first time next weekend.

Should I be choking this like steel, ie imp cyl?

Or tighter, like lead?

[Upriver]

In my experience less choke is better with Hevi-shot. I generally go down to IC or MOD at the most. I hear some folks even shoot cylinder bore. I shoot a Mossberg 835 for most of my waterfowling these days.

I think there are recommendations on the Hevi-shot website as well. Wouldn't hurt (except your wallet) to pattern a few, though.

Regards,

U

edited to add: yeah, like steel, or even more open.

[Virginian]

Which Hevi-Shot? It's a brand name rather than a specific shot formula now. The Classic stuff shoots like lead as near as I can tell. The harder formulas also respond well to choke for me, and I get my tightest patterns with larger pellets with Improved Modified or Light Full. I want tight patterns. If you don't want tight patterns IC or Mod ought to do you, but you really need to shoot some and see how it works out of your gun.

[chas08]

I have a "Steel Shot " barrel on an 1100 with the Full Remchoke that came with it, that patterns Remington Wingmaster HD and the old Remington Hevi-Shot Loads in #6 superbly. I plan to use it on Ducks this year. I also have a pair of aftermarket Briley's in Light/Mod and Improved/ Mod that pattern really well. I'm assuming you will be Waterfowl hunting, hence the need for non-toxic shot. The only word of caution I have is, once you try Hevi-Shot you will never want to shoot steel again.:)

[John Peddie]

Thanks guys.

Yeah. Ducks over decoys-max range is a lasered 35 yards across a little "honey hole".

[MCgunner]

I/C is probably going to be your best bet, but pattern first. Every shotgun is different, especially with the non-toxics.

[chas08]

In my gun I'd use the Briley light/Mod in that scenario. What MC says has a lot of merit. My experience with the type of Hevi-Shot I use is that it patterns tighter than lead, So I/C may be just the ticket. Best wishes on your hunt....chas

[Kingcreek]

I got my best results with IC and hevishot in my SX2. that was #6 and #4 for ducks and #2 for canadian geese. YMMV

[MCgunner]

Actually, I'd consider using the fast steel stuff if I were you. I have NO problems right to 45 yards or so with number 3 2 3/4" 1550 fps fast steel in 12 gauge. I shoot mostly Winchester Xpert Hi Speed. Kent works great, but I can't easily get Kent. The fast steel stuff is a lot cheaper than hevi shot. I'd reserve the hevi shot for geese, BB size, 3" loads. I used to use 3" BB, mostly Federal Tungsten-Iron (better price at the time) until the price went out of sight. Then, I got the hots for a 10 gauge to throw steel T shot at 'em and never looked back. You can get it done just fine with steel shot unless you're flush with money and have nothing else to spend it on. Ducks and geese get hunted a lot around here and I'd go broke fast buying hevi shot.

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

What's max choke for steel? Modified?

[Virginian]

You can use full for steel, if the gun/barrel/tube is rated for it. Exactly what the patten will be can vary, depending on brand, pellet size, day of the week, wind direction, and phase of the moon.
I don't shoot enough anymore that shell costs are a huge concern. I got probably three years supply of the Remington Hevi-Shot a couple of years ago on clearance. I just like it so much better than steel - I really liked the Kent Impact the best, but it's vanished - that I will go without lunch to use it if I have to.
I used to use lead BBs for geese and swan, and then went to 'T's with steel. If you haven't tried the new 'B' size shot in the heavyweight stuff give it a try. I've gotten pretty good results with it.

[chas08]

I really liked the Kent Impact the best, but it's vanished - that I will go without lunch to use it if I have to.

It's still available through Mack's Prairie Wings out of Stuttgart Ark. I use it for my once a season nostalgia hunt with my 16 ga. Model 12. It has become more pricey than Hevi-Shot. It's good stuff though, #5 will knock 'em flat.

[Dave McCracken]

The Remington Hevi 2s I like for Geese do well from a LM choke, nominal 15 POC, over dekes.

I had used a LF choke with good results, but there I was going for head and neck shots where a very tight pattern is warranted.

The LM is better for GP work.

However, each bore and choke is its own universe. Pattern to best determine what works for YOU.