shot hardness

[frontgate1]

Been reading Bristers' chapter on shot hardness.
A question he does not readily answer is how to tell the hardness of a particular brand, or type of lead shot. He does say expect to pay more for harder lead shot, but still leaves Qs unanswered, especially since his book was published in 1976.

Local wal mart has several diff types/prices of shells.
Fed game loads. 3 1/4 dram eq., 1 oz. shot, 1290 fps, $4.67

Fed 100 packs, 3 dram eq., 1 1/8 oz shot 1235 fps (approx.) $5.74/box

Win univ. 100 packs, 3 dram eq., 1 1/8 oz. shot, 1235 fps (approx.)
$5.74/box

Rem game load 100 packs same specs. as above, $6.00/box

Win AA 3 dram eq. 1 1/8 oz. shot, ? fps, $7.75/box

Rem nitros same as Win AA

Should I assume the more expensive a shell gets, $4.67/box - $5.74/box -$7.75/box the harder the shot becomes and that the pattern of the shot will improve as the prices increases?

Too bad there isn't a hardness index a manuf. could put on the box so we would know exactly what we are buying, or is there a hardness index I don't know about. (that wouldn't be unusual)

 

[oneounceload]

Target loads like AA and the STS are typically loaded with magnum shot - that will have between 5 and 6 % antimony added. The cheap promo loads will not - they will be loaded with softer chilled shot. Some of the hunting loads may also be loaded with the harder magnum shot - it should say so on the box. The difference between promo prices is due to different companies and different loadings - 1oz, 1-1/8, etc.

For basic non-tournament clay shooting, the federal 100 packs from wally world, of the three, are typically the least trouble.

 

[JimKirk]

This is where reloading comes to play. If you load your own, you know what is in the hull. I'd be first to say that it is not worth the time and money to load shot shells that are the same as wally world(cheap) type. If you load the magnum shot(hard) in field, target or heavy loads then it will pay greatly.

Jimmy K

 

[huntsman]

This is where reloading comes to play. If you load your own, you know what is in the hull. I'd be first to say that it is not worth the time and money to load shot shells that are the same as wally world(cheap) type. If you load the magnum shot(hard) in field, target or heavy loads then it will pay greatly.

Jimmy K

+1 I reload for heavy field loads and buckshot; I buy Lawrence Magnum shot and Hornady buck.

 

[ArmedBear]

I miss being able to find STS shot for under $20 a bag.

Even now, it's possible to load up legitimate target-grade loads for half the price of STS or AA, and like JimKirk says, you know what's in the hull. If you want Winchester primers, Windjammer wads, Hodgdon powder and Remington shot, you can do that as easily as anything else.

So it can still be worthwhile to load 7.5 or 8 shot yourself. I also think there can be a psychological edge, from being fully aware of what you're shooting, and a sense of pride in doing it yourself, from sizing the hull all the way to breaking the clay pigeon.

However, lately I have been buying shells like Estates. Too much else going on, and I just want to run down and shoot a few rounds of skeet and sporting clays.

 

[Snarlingiron]

For basic non-tournament clay shooting, the federal 100 packs from wally world, of the three, are typically the least trouble.

While I don't disagree with this, I have not had any issues with the El Cheapo Federals that I have shot, my experience is that they have been really nasty, leaving behind a lot of black sooty residue. For this reason I don't often shoot them.

While 870s don't like the cheap Winchester loads, my 2 Beretta 390's have eaten thousands upon thousands of them without issue.

So, I usually buy whatever is cheaper between Winchester and Remington promo stuff.

 

[oneounceload]

Not doubting you snarling - just IME, and that of friends, those Winchester Universals and their Super Speeds have given us the most trouble. Thing is, when Dick's is having their Remington Gun Club sale (about every three weeks around here), they are cheaper than any of the wally world specials, are cleaner shooting, and the Gun Clubs reload great just like the STS.

 

[ArmedBear]

While I don't disagree with this, I have not had any issues with the El Cheapo Federals that I have shot, my experience is that they have been really nasty, leaving behind a lot of black sooty residue.

Geez, dude, you need to get out more. Go out and get some of this stuff: http://www.alliantpowder.com/products/powder/promo.aspx

That will help you appreciate just how clean those Federals really are.

 

[frontgate1]

In his book Brister suggests testing hardness by squeezing it with a pair of pliers using only thumb and forefinger for sensitivity.
Anyone ever try this?

 

[Two Cold Soakers]

I've squeezed shot like Brister suggested. I've also used my teeth (on used shot in game).
He' right, but if you remember this from oneounceload...

Target loads like AA and the STS are typically loaded with magnum shot - that will have between 5 and 6 % antimony added. The cheap promo loads will not - they will be loaded with softer chilled shot. Some of the hunting loads may also be loaded with the harder magnum shot - it should say so on the box.

...there's no need to cut shells apart except to satisfy curiosity.

 

[MCgunner]

Unless you are target shooting, bulk pack works fine for me for dove hunting. I was shooting AA a few years ago. I see little difference in my percentage and the bulk pack Federals are cheaper. Serious clay shooters are more discriminating.

Heck, most of what I shoot is steel shot, anyway. Don't get much harder than steel. I cranked out a box of 10 gauge 1 7/8 ounce number six shot today, though. My buddy wants 'em for grins. I normally load steel Ts. I'm going to load some of those 6s, though, to go after squirrels when I'm hog hunting this spring if I get the chance. Buckshot wouldn't work too good on squirrel and it's a buckshot only WMA for hog hunting, no slugs, no rifles. Handloading is THE way to go with 10 gauge, but I haven't handloaded a 12 gauge round in 20 years.