Remington Power Piston Hunting Wads 16 Gauge Review

Let’s Dive into Remington Power Piston Hunting Wads 16 Gauge

For the seasoned hunter or dedicated clay shooter using a 16-gauge shotgun, the choice of wads is a critical, yet often overlooked, component of handloading. Remington Power Piston Hunting Wads 16 Gauge promise consistent patterns and shot protection, aiming to elevate your shotgun’s performance to its full potential. I’ve spent years handloading shotshells, chasing the perfect balance of power, pattern density, and clean burning.

I needed a reliable wad that wouldn’t break down during ignition, consistently protecting the shot and delivering tight, even patterns. Many wads promise performance, but few truly deliver in the field, especially at a reasonable price point.

Upon receiving the bag of Remington Power Piston Hunting Wads 16 Gauge, my initial impression was positive. The wads felt sturdy and well-molded, with a noticeable cushioning section designed to protect the shot. The virgin plastic has a reassuring feel, promising consistent performance across different temperatures.

I’ve used Claybuster and Downrange wads extensively, and while they’re decent, I was hoping for something that offered a tighter pattern, especially for longer-range shots on waterfowl. This Remington wad appeared to have a more robust design, specifically around the shot cup, which piqued my interest. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping they’d live up to the Remington name and reputation.


Real-World Testing: Putting Remington Power Piston Hunting Wads 16 Gauge to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at the local sporting clays range on a crisp autumn morning. I loaded up a few dozen shells with the Remington Power Piston Hunting Wads 16 Gauge, using a standard load of #7.5 shot and a moderate powder charge. The patterns at 30 yards were noticeably tighter than what I was accustomed to seeing with my previous wads.

The wads performed admirably even in slightly damp conditions – a light drizzle didn’t seem to affect their performance. They loaded easily and consistently, and I did not notice any issues.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including both target shooting and dove hunting, the Remington Power Piston Hunting Wads 16 Gauge have consistently delivered reliable performance. The wads have held up extremely well, showing no signs of degradation or cracking, even after being stored in a moderately warm garage during the summer months. Clean up after shooting was also minimal.

These wads are easily on par with, or exceed, the performance of other wads I’ve used. I have noticed a marked improvement in pattern density at longer ranges, contributing to cleaner kills on game birds.

Breaking Down the Features of Remington Power Piston Hunting Wads 16 Gauge

Specifications

The Remington Power Piston Hunting Wads 16 Gauge come in bags of 250. They are specifically designed for 16-gauge shotshells and meant for use with 1.125 oz of shot. These wads are constructed from virgin plastic, ensuring consistent performance and durability. The “Power Piston” section refers to the cushioning design intended to protect the shot column.

These specifications translate directly to improved shot patterns and less shot deformation, leading to greater accuracy and downrange energy. The virgin plastic guarantees the wad holds its shape through the loading process and during the extreme pressures of firing, further enhancing reliability.

Performance & Functionality

The Remington Power Piston Hunting Wads 16 Gauge perform admirably, consistently producing tight and even patterns. The Power Piston design effectively cushions the shot, minimizing deformation and maximizing energy transfer. The wads load smoothly in my reloading press and seat firmly in the hull.

While these wads excel in pattern density, they might require slight adjustments to powder charges to achieve optimal velocity. Overall, these wads definitely exceed expectations when it comes to performance and functionality.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Remington Power Piston Hunting Wads 16 Gauge is excellent. The virgin plastic feels robust and durable, and the wad design is well thought out. The wads are lightweight and easy to handle, making the reloading process straightforward.

There’s virtually no learning curve involved; if you’ve loaded shotshells before, you’ll be able to use these wads with ease.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the Remington Power Piston Hunting Wads 16 Gauge are exceptionally durable. They withstand the stresses of repeated firing without showing signs of wear or cracking. These wads require essentially zero maintenance; they are a single-use component designed to be discarded after firing.

Accessories and Customization Options

These wads are a core component of shotshell reloading, and while they don’t directly accept accessories, they are highly compatible with various shotshell components like different shot types, powder charges, and hull brands. You can fine-tune your loads to achieve specific performance characteristics.

Remington Power Piston Hunting Wads 16 Gauge are designed to work with standard 16-gauge shotshell reloading recipes, and they should be compatible with most commonly available components.

Pros and Cons of Remington Power Piston Hunting Wads 16 Gauge

Pros

  • Consistently tight and even shot patterns.
  • Virgin plastic construction provides durability and reliable performance.
  • Cushioning Power Piston design effectively protects shot from deformation.
  • Easy to load and seat in shotshell hulls.
  • Affordable price point compared to premium wad options.

Cons

  • May require slight adjustments to powder charges for optimal velocity.
  • Only available in 16 gauge, limiting use for those who shoot other gauges.


Who Should Buy Remington Power Piston Hunting Wads 16 Gauge?

These wads are perfect for 16-gauge hunters looking to improve pattern density and achieve cleaner kills on game birds. They are also well-suited for clay shooters who demand consistent performance and reliable patterns. If you are a dedicated 16-gauge shooter looking to reload, these are a great option.

Hunters who primarily use steel shot might want to explore other wad options specifically designed for steel shot’s unique properties. Those who don’t reload shotshells should obviously skip this product. No must-have accessories or modifications are required, but a good shotshell reloading manual is essential for safe and effective handloading.

Conclusion on Remington Power Piston Hunting Wads 16 Gauge

The Remington Power Piston Hunting Wads 16 Gauge are a standout product, offering exceptional performance and value for the discerning 16-gauge shooter. The price of $12.67 for 250 wads is undeniably justified given the performance benefits and reliability.

I wholeheartedly recommend these wads to anyone seeking to elevate their 16-gauge shotshell reloading game. If you’re ready to experience tighter patterns, cleaner kills, and more confident shooting, give the Remington Power Piston Hunting Wads 16 Gauge a try – you won’t be disappointed!

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