Estate shells?

Take it however you want, but I shoot trap with Estate shells (birdshot) and never have had a problem. I now there is a different between 00 buck and birdshot, but since no one is responding I might be able to add a little help.

IME the Estate 00 shoots tighter patterns than the Military Grade 00 (I am assuming that is the MG you are referring to). The Estate 00 I have used in the past had a conventional star crimp, not a plastic disc with roll crimp. I have noticed that some of the newer Estate shotgun ammo is made in France and uses Cheddite hulls, which are quality hulls IME. Maybe the newer Estate 00 is made in France also.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

Estate has a long history. It started out as in independent Texas company, was bought out by Blount, then Blount sold it to ATK, which packed up the manufacturing equipment and moved it in with Federal etc. That history is buried in old threads here in the Shotgun forum if you want to look for it.

I've heard some good things about the current production Estate buckshot, but haven't found any locally to try for myself.

I was thinking about trying some. They had a case of 25 for ~$20 at Walmart and Gander Mountain. I recently got some Royal 00 buck from Aim Surplus for $2.69 per pack of 5. I still haven't shot my gun since I got it though so I guess I don't really have any insight. Just thought I would share my $0.02.

I don't have experience with the buckshot but have had a great experience with their bird/target/small game loads. Patterns well with my shotguns and is at a very competitive price.

You get what you pay for. If you are willing to bet your hunting season or life on Estate buckshot that is your business. They are ok for IDPA 3 gun competitions. Other than punching paper estate shells are what they are. I am having no problem finding 15 packs of winchester 00 3" buckshot with 15 pellets in a shell. Cabelas and Gander Mountain will ship them to a store near you for free.

Estate buckshot have a felt wad with no plastic sawdust in the shell to prevent deformation. Winchester Super X buckshot are the best bargain priced buckshot you can buy. You have to buy boutique ammo with plated shot to get better patterns.

If you need 3"15 pellet buckshot for HD, you need better locks or moving to a better neighborhood.

Estate is owned by ATK who makes Federal. It is all made in the same plant during the same production runs and works as intended.

Just like rifle, you do need to pattern them in YOUR gun to see how well they do.

Winchester Super X buckshot are the best bargain priced buckshot you can buy.

For your particular shotgun maybe. But different shotguns will "like" different loads. The only way to know what a given barrel will work best with is to experiment with a variety of different loads, and see what works best.

Then buy a closet full of it before the company has a chance to drop it or change the load .

"If you need 3"15 pellet buckshot for HD, you need better locks or moving to a better neighborhood."

I like that .

I remember when the Estate Cartridge Company was located just outside of Willis, Texas about 17 miles from where I grew up. You could purchase ammunition at the factory but had to buy in one case increments. That came in handy when Dove Season came around. Their 00 Buckshot was probably the tightest patterning stuff around until ATK bought them, then they changed it and it was not the same. The Pre-ATK 00 Buckshot load had a full length birdshot type wad, not the shot cup with pusher column type they use now. It ensured that the wad and the buffer protected the shot all the way down the barrel with no chance of the pellets contacting the barrel walls.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

I've put a couple thousand rounds of Estate 00 buck through my Benelli and FNH shotguns for practice sessions and training courses. I've been buying it from Cabela's which was where I first discovered it. The price has gone up (just like other ammo) but has always been a cost effective when buying it in a box (25 shells) or the case, when compared to other brands typically sold in the 5 packs.

Like any buckshot, you need to pattern it in your shotgun to see if it will meet your needs. I've been satisfied with it.

Here is a Estate buckshot review I did a few years ago....plenty of photos with cut away views, etc.

I remember when Estate was in TX as well, and when I lived in NV, we would get a group together at the gun club and order custom ammo. You could specify a particular load, like 1oz of #9s at 1350 fps, and they would make it for you as long as you ordered 10 flats (which were about $30 back then). They even kept the data so you could reorder it if necessary. Nice folks to deal with

Old vs new Estate buckshot thread, from 2004 - with pictures - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=73967

Now I guess we get a "new" vs. "newer" Estate buckshot thread

LOL It is good stuff.

arizona98tj said:

I've put a couple thousand rounds of Estate 00 buck through my Benelli and FNH shotguns for practice sessions and training courses. I've been buying it from Cabela's which was where I first discovered it. The price has gone up (just like other ammo) but has always been a cost effective when buying it in a box (25 shells) or the case, when compared to other brands typically sold in the 5 packs.

Like any buckshot, you need to pattern it in your shotgun to see if it will meet your needs. I've been satisfied with it.

Here is a Estate buckshot review I did a few years ago....plenty of photos with cut away views, etc.

Click to expand...

Good review.

I used them once and I did NOT like them at all

You get what you pay for

I've used it in three different shotgun classes I've taken and it was fine for that purpose. For home defense, I use other stuff. If it was the only 00 buck I had on hand, I would still sleep soundly. It goes bang when I pull the trigger.

I have used their premium Target loads and like them (quite pricy) but they throw a very tight pattern and make for great upland loads. I normally shoot WW/MG Buckshot and it gives 9 inch patterns at 13 yards! That's ALL the shot in the torso if you read it like that!
This is from my 12ga Westernfield/Mossberg M550AD with a chopped 19" bbl. Good enough for me!
I am sure the Estate shells will follow their good reputation and give good service. If you can get them at a reasonable price, it's worth your while to try them out!
HTH
BPDave

I shoot the buckshot.... No problems.