First Impressions of HEVI-Shot Hevi-Shot Hevi-Teal Shotshells 12 ga 3in 1-1/4 oz 1500 fps Size 6 HS60006 21% Off
Waterfowl hunting, particularly teal hunting, demands ammunition that can deliver quick, clean kills on fast-moving targets. The HEVI-Shot Hevi-Shot Hevi-Teal Shotshells 12 ga 3in 1-1/4 oz 1500 fps Size 6 HS60006 21% Off are specifically designed for this purpose, promising high velocity, tight patterns, and sufficient knockdown power. They come from HEVI-Shot, a company known for its innovative and high-performance non-toxic shot.
My quest for the perfect teal load began years ago. I was constantly frustrated by inconsistent patterns and cripples with standard steel shot. The HEVI-Shot brand had been recommended by several seasoned hunters I respect.
Unboxing the HEVI-Shot Hevi-Teal shells, I immediately noticed the clean, consistent crimp and vibrant teal-colored hull – a nice touch for a dedicated teal load. The shells felt well-constructed and the box promised the consistent performance I’d been searching for. The listed velocity of 1500 fps got me excited.
Compared to other steel shot loads I’ve used, like Winchester Blind Side and Federal Black Cloud, the Hevi-Teal shells offered a promise of higher pellet count with the smaller #6 shot and a specifically designed payload for early season waterfowl. I chose these over the others primarily for the reputation of HEVI-Shot‘s consistent patterns and the specifically tailored design for teal hunting. The 21% off sale also sweetened the deal, making the performance promise more attainable at a reasonable price point.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The quality seemed evident, and the promise of improved performance was enticing. I was eager to get these shells to the range and, more importantly, into the field to see if they lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting HEVI-Shot Hevi-Shot Hevi-Teal Shotshells 12 ga 3in 1-1/4 oz 1500 fps Size 6 HS60006 21% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the HEVI-Shot Hevi-Teal was on opening day of teal season at a managed wetland area. I used them in my Benelli Super Black Eagle II with a modified choke. The morning was cool and slightly overcast, with a light breeze – typical teal hunting conditions.
The shells cycled flawlessly through my semi-auto, and the recoil was surprisingly manageable for a 3-inch, 1-1/4 oz load. The pattern density at 30 yards was immediately noticeable. I dropped two teal on my first volley, clean kills with no cripples. This was a promising start.
There were no unexpected malfunctions or issues during this first use. The shells performed as expected, delivering consistent patterns and sufficient knockdown power.
Extended Use & Reliability
After using the HEVI-Shot Hevi-Teal shells throughout the entire teal season and during some early-season duck hunts, I can confidently say they have held up remarkably well. I fired approximately 75 rounds in various weather conditions, including rain and high humidity.
The shells consistently performed without any misfires or cycling issues. There were no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the unfired shells. Cleaning my shotgun after each hunt was standard, and no excessive residue was noted.
Compared to my previous experiences with standard steel shot, the HEVI-Shot Hevi-Teal shells significantly outperformed them in terms of pattern density, range, and clean kills. I witnessed a notable reduction in crippled birds, which is paramount for ethical hunting. The improved performance of Hevi-Teal exceeded my initial expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of HEVI-Shot Hevi-Shot Hevi-Teal Shotshells 12 ga 3in 1-1/4 oz 1500 fps Size 6 HS60006 21% Off
Specifications
The HEVI-Shot Hevi-Shot Hevi-Teal Shotshells 12 ga 3in 1-1/4 oz 1500 fps Size 6 HS60006 21% Off boasts several key specifications designed for optimal teal hunting performance:
- Gauge: 12 gauge, the most common and versatile shotgun gauge.
- Shell Length: 3 inches, providing increased payload and potential range.
- Shot Weight: 1-1/4 oz, a substantial payload for increased pattern density.
- Shot Size: #6, a smaller pellet size specifically chosen for teal, offering a higher pellet count for increased hit probability.
- Muzzle Velocity: 1500 ft/s, a high velocity promoting flat trajectories and increased downrange energy.
- Primer Style: Centerfire, a reliable and consistent ignition system.
- Fabric/Material: Steel, a non-toxic shot material compliant with waterfowl hunting regulations.
- Number of Rounds: 25, a standard box quantity.
- Application: Predator, Deer, Turkey, Self Defense, Waterfowl, Large Game, Target, Upland, this demonstrates a broader applicability beyond just Teal hunting.
These specifications are crucial for teal hunting. The high velocity and smaller shot size combine to create a dense pattern with ample energy to bring down teal at typical hunting distances. The 3-inch shell and 1-1/4 oz payload provide the necessary shot count to compensate for the small size of the target.
Performance & Functionality
The HEVI-Shot Hevi-Teal shells perform their intended job exceptionally well. The high velocity and tight patterns result in clean, ethical kills on teal at distances up to 40 yards.
The main strength of these shells lies in their consistent pattern density. Even at longer ranges, the pattern remains tight enough to ensure multiple hits on the target. A potential weakness could be the smaller #6 shot size, which might lack sufficient penetration for larger ducks at longer ranges. They absolutely meet and often exceed expectations for teal hunting.
Design & Ergonomics
The shells are well-constructed with a clean crimp and a durable hull. The teal-colored hull is a nice aesthetic touch. Their weight is typical for a 3-inch 12-gauge shell, which provides a balance between manageable recoil and adequate payload.
These shells are as user-friendly as any other shotgun shell; there is no learning curve. The shells cycle reliably in semi-automatic shotguns, and loading them into a pump-action is equally straightforward.
Durability & Maintenance
Assuming proper storage (cool and dry conditions), these shells should last for years. The brass head is corrosion-resistant, and the plastic hull is designed to withstand the rigors of repeated handling and firing.
Maintaining these shells is simple – just store them properly. Cleaning your shotgun after use is also crucial for optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The HEVI-Shot Hevi-Teal shells themselves don’t offer customization options. The accessories here consist of choke selection in your shotgun for optimizing patterns with these specific loads.
The shells are compatible with any 12-gauge shotgun chambered for 3-inch shells. Choke selection will significantly impact the pattern density. I found that a modified choke provided the best balance of pattern density and range for my hunting conditions.
Pros and Cons of HEVI-Shot Hevi-Shot Hevi-Teal Shotshells 12 ga 3in 1-1/4 oz 1500 fps Size 6 HS60006 21% Off
Pros
- Superior pattern density, leading to cleaner kills.
- High velocity for flat trajectories and increased downrange energy.
- Specifically designed for teal hunting, optimizing performance on smaller, faster targets.
- Reliable cycling in semi-automatic shotguns.
- Noticeably reduced crippled birds, which is more ethical.
Cons
- The #6 shot may lack penetration for larger ducks at longer ranges.
- The price point is higher compared to standard steel shot loads (although the 21% off helps!).
Who Should Buy HEVI-Shot Hevi-Shot Hevi-Teal Shotshells 12 ga 3in 1-1/4 oz 1500 fps Size 6 HS60006 21% Off?
The HEVI-Shot Hevi-Teal shells are perfect for dedicated teal hunters who prioritize ethical kills and consistent performance. Waterfowlers who hunt in areas with high teal populations or participate in early teal seasons will find these shells invaluable.
Hunters primarily targeting larger ducks or geese at longer ranges might want to consider a load with larger shot sizes and a heavier payload. Budget-conscious hunters might find the higher price point prohibitive.
A must-have accessory would be a choke tube optimized for steel shot patterns. Experimentation with different chokes can help to find the ideal pattern density for your specific hunting conditions.
Conclusion on HEVI-Shot Hevi-Shot Hevi-Teal Shotshells 12 ga 3in 1-1/4 oz 1500 fps Size 6 HS60006 21% Off
Overall, the HEVI-Shot Hevi-Shot Hevi-Teal Shotshells 12 ga 3in 1-1/4 oz 1500 fps Size 6 HS60006 21% Off are an excellent choice for teal hunting. They deliver superior performance, resulting in cleaner kills and reduced cripples.
The higher price is justified by the improved performance and ethical hunting experience. The 21% off makes the decision even easier.
I would wholeheartedly recommend these shells to any serious teal hunter. If you are tired of inconsistent patterns and crippled birds, the HEVI-Shot Hevi-Teal shells are worth the investment. Upgrade your teal hunting experience; you won’t regret it!