shell selection

[brandonk13]

I'm currently trying to find shells that deliver dense patterns for waterfowl. I just bought a SBE 2 about a week ago now and I have tried Federal Speed-shok shells and am not a big fan. Does anyone have any suggestions for shells that deliver dense patterns with an IC or M choke so I don't have to go and spend a ton of money to find out?

[cootcommander]

Recently patterned my SBE II with black cloud 3.5 #2 at 40 yds. The stock mod done well but a Briley X2 light modified shot best. It had the best pattern and placed 150 pellets in a 30" circle.

[tyson129]

I would recommend using Kent Fast Steel. You will have great results no matter which kind you choose and the price is low. Our Local bird dog/ gun club hated the Black Cloud in comparison to the much cheaper Kent Fast Steel...And they shoot a lot of every kind of bird you can imagine!
Happy Hunting!

[mudhen]

I shoot Hevi-Metal

Kent is just too dirty and inconsistant for me....

[tyson129]

No offense Mudhen, but Hevi-Metal is not worth it. If you want to bring home dinner get what I recommended you, even some Dark Cloud will do the trick. If you decide to use Black Cloud you should get a dedicated Black Cloud choke for best results (Like those made by Carlon's Chokes). Check this out if you are curious about Hevi-Metal...Name is cool, The results are not the best:
http://www.duckhuntingchat.com/forum...?f=14&t=102976
There are pros (keep in mind sponsorships) that say they get 97% pattern test results at 40 yards but I have yet to see a picture. If you buy #2 steel, half will be #2 steel while the other half will be #5 or #6 Tungsten. Its cost reducing but I would not say better IMO.
Good Luck and Happy Hunting!

[tyson129]

Once again Mudhen no offense, this is just my Opinion, and I do not mean to put your suggestion down in any way.
Did you really find Kent Fast Steel to be that dirty? Which load were you using if you don't mind me asking.
Thanks in Advance and once again no Disrespect.

[Tadeusz]

black cloud by federal

[tucker301]

Another vote for Black Cloud.
I just started using it this year, and it is taking no prisoners.

[bkirsch]

I found that my SBE2 w/IC choke and #2 Black Cloud does the job...

[mudhen]

No offense Mudhen, but Hevi-Metal is not worth it. If you want to bring home dinner get what I recommended you, even some Dark Cloud will do the trick. If you decide to use Black Cloud you should get a dedicated Black Cloud choke for best results (Like those made by Carlon's Chokes). Check this out if you are curious about Hevi-Metal...Name is cool, The results are not the best:
http://www.duckhuntingchat.com/forum...?f=14&t=102976
There are pros (keep in mind sponsorships) that say they get 97% pattern test results at 40 yards but I have yet to see a picture. If you buy #2 steel, half will be #2 steel while the other half will be #5 or #6 Tungsten. Its cost reducing but I would not say better IMO.
Good Luck and Happy Hunting!

None taken!

In a good year, I'll shoot 8-10 cases of shells, so I like to try as many different types as possible.

A good friend owns a pretty large gun shop, so I get decent prices on products.

Black Cloud is cool - I shot 2-3 cases last year. Good for longer ranges, no better or worse than any other steel at close ranges.

The Black Cloud chokes are fine, but I can clean my own chokes, thanks!

As to price, both are available for $189/case delivered, so that's a wash.

Hevi-Metal has worked great for me so far. Fast. Clean. Knocks down the birds just fine with about 1/2 the kick of Black Cloud. I've cut a few shells open, and the pellets look fine to me. Don't care what they use for buffer, flax seed, bird seed, I only care if the shell kills birds.

Maybe these guys from this morning have something to say about Hevi-Metal, including the banded one