Let’s Talk About HEVI-Shot HEVI-Metal Turkey 12 Gauge 1 1/2 oz 3.5in Shotgun Ammunition HS33345 16% Off
Spring turkey season is practically a religion where I come from. It’s a time of crisp mornings, strategic calling, and the satisfaction of putting food on the table. After years of chasing gobblers, I’ve learned that success hinges on more than just skill; it demands reliable gear, and that starts with your ammunition. That’s where HEVI-Shot HEVI-Metal Turkey 12 Gauge 1 1/2 oz 3.5in Shotgun Ammunition HS33345 16% Off comes into the picture.
I needed a shell that could deliver consistent patterns at longer ranges without breaking the bank. I was tired of missing shots on birds that were just a little too far out for comfort. After a lot of research and range time, the HEVI-Shot offering seemed to strike the perfect balance between performance and affordability.
The shells arrived in a standard cardboard box, nothing fancy, but the contents looked and felt solid. The 3.5-inch shells definitely have some heft to them. My initial impression was that they were well-constructed, with a tight crimp and clean markings.
I’ve used other premium turkey loads like Federal Premium TSS and Winchester Long Beard XR, both excellent performers, but at a significantly higher price per shell. I chose the HEVI-Shot HEVI-Metal Turkey because I wanted a compromise; a shell that offered improved performance over standard lead or steel loads, but without the extreme cost of the tungsten-based options. I was also intrigued by the combination of HEVI-Shot pellets and steel, a blend designed for both pattern density and penetration.
I was cautiously optimistic. The price point raised a few eyebrows, making me wonder if the performance would live up to the hype, but I was excited to see how they would perform in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting HEVI-Shot HEVI-Metal Turkey 12 Gauge 1 1/2 oz 3.5in Shotgun Ammunition HS33345 16% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the HEVI-Shot HEVI-Metal Turkey was on a damp, foggy morning in the Appalachian foothills. I was hunting from a ground blind overlooking a small clearing. The humidity hung heavy in the air.
The HEVI-Shot shells patterned beautifully at 40 yards through my Remington 870 with a full choke. The pattern was tight and even, with plenty of pellets in the vital zone. I felt confident taking a shot at a distant gobbler.
The recoil was noticeable, as expected with a 3.5-inch magnum load, but manageable. I didn’t experience any failures to eject or other malfunctions. It required no time to get used to beyond the kick of the shells.
After the first box, I was impressed. The patterns were consistent. The shells seemed reliable.
Extended Use & Reliability
After an entire season of using the HEVI-Shot HEVI-Metal Turkey shells, I can confidently say they hold up remarkably well. I put about 50 rounds through my shotgun, both at the range for patterning and in the field during hunts.
I haven’t noticed any significant wear and tear on the shells themselves. The brass heads haven’t shown any signs of corrosion.
Cleaning my shotgun after using these shells is no different than with other loads. Standard cleaning procedures worked just fine.
Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper lead turkey loads, the HEVI-Shot HEVI-Metal Turkey shells offer a noticeable improvement in pattern density and range. I’ve had cleaner kills and fewer wounded birds. I’m very pleased with them.
Breaking Down the Features of HEVI-Shot HEVI-Metal Turkey 12 Gauge 1 1/2 oz 3.5in Shotgun Ammunition HS33345 16% Off
Specifications
- The HEVI-Shot HEVI-Metal Turkey shells are 12 gauge with a 3.5-inch shell length. This provides increased powder capacity for higher velocities and more shot.
- These shells contain 1 1/2 oz of shot, a substantial payload for dense patterns. The shot size is available in #4 or #6, offering versatility for different hunting conditions and preferences.
- The muzzle velocity is rated at 1450 fps, providing the necessary speed for effective energy transfer at longer ranges. This ensures adequate penetration on tough gobblers.
- The shot material is a blend of HEVI-Shot’s proprietary pellets and premium steel shot. This combination offers improved pattern density and penetration compared to standard steel loads, while keeping the cost lower than all-tungsten options.
- The shells feature a centerfire primer style for reliable ignition in various weather conditions. This is a standard and dependable system.
- The cartridge case is made of brass, providing durability and reliable extraction. Brass is a common and trusted material for shotshell casings.
- These shells are not lead-free. This is important to note for hunters in areas with lead restrictions.
- These shells are specifically designed for turkey hunting. They are engineered to provide optimal patterns and knockdown power on turkeys at typical hunting ranges.
These specifications matter because they contribute to the shell’s overall performance. The combination of a heavy payload, high velocity, and mixed shot composition results in a turkey load that delivers both pattern density and penetration at a reasonable price point.
Performance & Functionality
The HEVI-Shot HEVI-Metal Turkey ammunition performs its job very well. It consistently delivers tight, dense patterns at distances out to 40 yards, providing ethical and effective kills on turkeys.
The strengths of this ammunition lie in its consistent patterns, reliable ignition, and reasonable price. The mixed shot composition seems to offer a good balance between pattern density and penetration. A possible weakness could be the recoil, which is significant in the 3.5-inch version, but that’s typical for magnum turkey loads.
These shells meet and even exceed my expectations for a mid-priced turkey load. They offer performance comparable to more expensive options without the premium price tag.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the HEVI-Shot HEVI-Metal Turkey shells is excellent. The materials used appear to be of high quality, and the shells are consistently crimped and loaded. The weight is substantial, as expected for a 3.5-inch magnum load, which contributes to the felt recoil.
These shells are very user-friendly. There’s no learning curve involved. They load and eject smoothly in my shotgun, and I haven’t experienced any issues with them.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, I expect these shells to last for several years if stored properly in a cool, dry place. The brass heads and plastic hulls seem durable and resistant to corrosion.
There is no maintenance required for these shells. Simply store them properly until they are needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories come with the HEVI-Shot HEVI-Metal Turkey ammunition. The primary “customization” option is choosing between #4 and #6 shot sizes, depending on your preference and hunting conditions.
These shells are compatible with any 12-gauge shotgun designed to handle 3.5-inch shells, as well as a variety of aftermarket chokes designed for turkey hunting. The choke you choose will have a significant impact on the pattern density and range of these shells.
Pros and Cons of HEVI-Shot HEVI-Metal Turkey 12 Gauge 1 1/2 oz 3.5in Shotgun Ammunition HS33345 16% Off
Pros
- Consistent, dense patterns at 40 yards.
- Reliable ignition in various weather conditions.
- Reasonable price point compared to premium tungsten loads.
- Effective penetration on turkeys.
- Available in multiple shot sizes (#4 and #6).
Cons
- Significant recoil, especially in the 3.5-inch version.
- Not lead-free, which may be a concern in some areas.
Who Should Buy HEVI-Shot HEVI-Metal Turkey 12 Gauge 1 1/2 oz 3.5in Shotgun Ammunition HS33345 16% Off?
The HEVI-Shot HEVI-Metal Turkey ammunition is perfect for turkey hunters who want reliable performance and consistent patterns without spending a fortune on premium tungsten-based loads. It’s an excellent choice for hunters who frequently encounter longer shots or who want extra knockdown power.
This product might not be ideal for recoil-sensitive shooters or those hunting in areas where lead ammunition is restricted. Hunters looking for the absolute best performance, regardless of price, might consider premium TSS loads instead.
A must-have accessory for these shells is a quality aftermarket turkey choke designed to tighten patterns. Proper hearing protection is also essential due to the loud report of the 3.5-inch magnum load.
Conclusion on HEVI-Shot HEVI-Metal Turkey 12 Gauge 1 1/2 oz 3.5in Shotgun Ammunition HS33345 16% Off
In summary, the HEVI-Shot HEVI-Metal Turkey 12 Gauge 1 1/2 oz 3.5in Shotgun Ammunition HS33345 16% Off offers an excellent balance of performance and affordability for turkey hunters. These shells deliver consistent, dense patterns and reliable ignition. This makes them a solid choice for anyone looking to increase their odds of success during turkey season.
The price is definitely justified by the performance you get. While not the cheapest option on the market, it provides a significant upgrade over standard lead or steel loads without the exorbitant cost of tungsten.
I would absolutely recommend HEVI-Shot HEVI-Metal Turkey ammunition to fellow turkey hunters. If you’re looking for a reliable, effective, and reasonably priced turkey load, give these shells a try. You might just bag that longbeard you’ve been dreaming about. Gear up, get out there, and good luck this season!