How Shotgun Shells are Made! (Hevi Shot, Hevi Metal, Hevi X)

[@TheRoamingHazard]

This is the first place I've seen Hevi disclose the blend percentages, shot size of blends, and the densities of their different alloys they offer in their products. Now that I actually know I can make real comparisons on price. I had no idea what the density of hevi x was before this I just knew it wasn't as heavy as their hevi shot. BTW Federal has all this info easily available for their TSS Black Cloud blend for example right on their product page.

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

The Roaming Hazard they are actually putting this info out soon. They just hired Scott recently and he has a lot of great things in the works!

[@TripleRwoods]

I never realized how many ducks I hit but they didn't go down or die until I started recording my hunts with a Tactacam and reviewing my footage. Picked up a box of Heavy Hammer this past week. Hoping to finish the last few weeks strong!

[@Junkysata]

I got a box of the Hammers in 3' #3s. Folded birds like a cheap lawn chair. Did well out of a Jebs Mod choke.

[@John-uj9zy]

I feel very fortunate HEVI Shot makes bulk 3 lbs bottles of shot available. Nothing like a kill with ammo you put together. Tom Rosters HEVI Shot load manual and the components can be found at Precision Reloadings website. I have no affiliation with either. Shopping around for the bulk Hevi Shot can be a pain, but its worth every penny to me.

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

Thank you for that info. I really wanna load myself. I’ll look into that

[@mannys2893]

VERY cool. I’m fond of straight steel. I just bought three boxes of Hevi-Steel BBB for my 930.

[@kross1261]

I switched about 5 years ago to all hevi metal. I feel it is definitely more lethal than anything I’ve found from the competition. Great patterns from what tests I’ve done out of my SBE2 and M2 . And really not that more expensive if ya buy in volume and watch for the rebates and or sales. Thanks for the video. Very Informative

[@r6stuntman]

About 3 seasons ago I won a case of hevi steel from the Sporting Dog Adventures TV show. The first season of shooting them I found that I had fewer cripples. A lot fewer! Now, anyone can debate the reasons behind having fewer cripples and some will say it isn’t the ammo brand. To each their own. I found something I like, it works great for me and I’ve stuck with it since. I also shoot the Hevi Metal. Both are great shells! Awesome video guys, really cool to see their process and learn the details of their product line.

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

Love it! You said it’s all about what you like and believe in. Thanks!

[@davidbilbrough3726]

As an English wildfowler this was very interesting..I thought that as bismuth is VERY brittle they added some tin, but they quoted 100%. I am using two 1-1/4oz steel No 3,s for decoying on coastal marshes with a home load 1-3/8 oz copper plated No2's for the last shot. And I am having very few problems- rarely having to "cripple stop". So I find this works great without having to resort to VERY expensive shot.

[@FowlAssassinsOutdoors]

Awesome video. I really liked the breakdown of each shell and the difference between them and the making of the shells

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

Thanks!

[@Scottytoo6969]

Nice video. I bought four boxes of heavy steel #2 last season and really liked them on sale for a couple of bucks more than winchester super x. Will be picking up some off the heavier shells in the off season to try them next year.

[@donniedarko1345]

Just purchased 300 rounds of Hevi #2 today! Cool video.

[@gam7339]

So glad you made it to Sweet Home and to my home state. I use Hevi-Shot Heavy-Metal and have for several seasons. Buy local, however, Heavy-Metal is an excellent choice.

[@sds205t]

Very cool Titis, I go to SweetHome every Saturday, our church Rainging Glory feed the homeless every Saturaday night. I never knew all this time that Hevi shot was made right down the road. I'll have to check it out next time I'm there. I love shooting there 3" hevi shot 2 and 4s. Thanks for the great info.

[@chrisswain4303]

I had no idea that hevi shot was made in Sweet Home, Oregon. I might have to try a box and support the local community.

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

Honestly I didn’t know either until they contacted me. Ya just being on the west coast was pretty cool I thought

[@jacobzirkle9153]

I didn’t either. That was the best part of the video.

[@John-uj9zy]

Looks like it's raining in Oregon. Imagine that. God Bless. I couldn't do that much rain.

[@danielfuller6679]

I used Black Cloud this season, worked great. I'll probably try the Heavy X next season.

[@heethen112]

I have been loading cartridges since I was a boy with my dad, and last year I met a guy who loads shotshellls.. it’s a dying art and is great knowledge.. I load with my kids and hope they will pass it on! The blend percentage is awesome, so steel is half the weight lead, and lead is half the weight of tungsten depending on blend, making tungsten 2x the weight of steel. If it didn’t matter what she’ll you use, they wouldn’t sale anything at that price point!

[@bphilbac]

Great demo and info. Thanks for the post.

[@jackoff8919]

Started shouting hevi steel last year for geese and it’s great

[@mikelyski1973]

I have shot the heavy hammers 3in #3 in 12g all Seanson and love them. Only had one box this year that I thought I had problems with misfiring. I gave the rest to my son and they shot just fine through his pump.

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

I’ve only shot Hevi hammers through my 20 ga but good to hear the performance on the 12g

[@nhk_outdoors]

I used Hevi X 12 ga 3in 2 shot and was dropping ducks from 30 yards. I could tell the big difference from regular steel shot. Here in Texas a box was around 32$ after taxes. I'm going to use to Hevi Shot from now on.

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

It’s a big difference. $32 is a good price for Hevi x

[@danielmcdonald5366]

Shot 3 inch #2's this season. No misfires or jams through a Benelli Vinci. I was impressed with the performance. Will try out #3 or #4s next season.

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

Good to know!

[@jeremydodd3762]

I'm 90% converted to shooting there shells, still have some other brands that I use for early season. I'll gladly pay the $3.00 more a box for Heavy Steel than Super X any day of the week.

[@captainkirk4692]

Yea super x trash.

[@kentuckycowboy7660]

Killer Video. Love the insight and knowledge on the processes. Love when American ingenuity is at work

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

Thanks!

[@cfoutdoors243]

Great vid. Looks like you guys had a fun trip to the factory. I never have tried the hevi-shot line, might have to give it a try.

[@John-uj9zy]

Speaking from experience 1.5 oz B shot going 1350 fps is Thor's Hammer on geese. I will take 60 yard shots if Im shooting well that day. Hevi shot has the denisty to have the momentum to still be trucking along at 60 yards.

[@sog4646]

I knocked a large canada goose stone dead out of the sky at about 75 yards, after 2 other guys had shot at it with steel bb. I was shooting #2 hevi shot. It was all caught on video too.

[@GJZ135]

I shoot Heavy Metal 3-inch #2 for everything. Never disappoints!

[@justinsmith8224]

I have been using Hevi X in a 20ga and its hands down the best 20ga load I have found, plenty of down range energy to kill big ducks up to 40yards+ stone dead

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

I’ll have to try that next season! What’s the exact load you’re using?

[@justinsmith8224]

@@MidValleyMercenaries I'll have to look to make sure but I believe it was 3in #2&#4 1oz loads in a full choke. You may have to adjust that as I am shooting a stoeger 3020 and we all know different guns pattern different but I think you will be impressed with the results. With this shell there's no need to have a 12ga in my opinion

[@anthonyp5196]

Just picked up 10 boxes of heavy metal #2

[@nickbarrickman8005]

I’m going to try them out! New to duck hunting 1st year and I don’t mind paying more for a better shot!

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

Hevi hammer is very fair and is deadly

[@sog4646]

I sure miss the prices of the clear hull hevi shot ammo i bought in the 90s. My goose hunting buddies said i was insane for paying $1.70 a shot until they saw how they performed.

[@BParker55]

Welp I suppose the pitch worked on me. I'll be trying hevi next time I hunt. Support US machine shops boys!

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

👍🏼🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@TsHeEjBoI4eVa]

That's awesome how u got an invite there. I use the hevi-steel 3in #2 for ducks and geese and it seems to work best for me n my gun. My thinking is, at 20-30yds, any shells can kill birds, it's all on the shooter. If you're going to shoot farther, then maybe upsize the shot. Anyways it's mainly because i can't afford them lol but im doing good with hevi-steel so stick with what works for YOU.

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

You’re exactly right, at 20 yards it will all get the job done.

[@silveradoman3632]

Yea I’m not paying $20-$50 for a box of shells lol my Winchester’s get the job done just fine

[@russellrock4521]

Silverado Man thank you they way over priced them Winchester’s are my go two #2 💪🏽

[@jjoutdoors801]

Hell you can find Winchester super x box’s for 5$ at Walmart and I’ve killed tons of birds with that.

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

Each to his own 🤙🏼. I’ve killed them with Winchester’s for years. I switched cuz my A5 didn’t cycle them very good

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

Russell Rock their Hevi steel is almost the same price as super x. But ya man shoot what you love, we’re not trying to change anybody’s mind

[@blacktailbowhunter0135]

Where im from, winchesters are $20 a box, hevi shot is $24. For the extra $4 my gun shoots these shells much better and I get a much better pattern which equals faster kills and less wasted shots. I dont know where your paying $50 for a box of hevi shot but I can see why you dont buy them if they cost that much

[@Bloor11]

I shoot hevi steel #4 in early season then switch to #2 for late season. Absolutely love it, never had a misfire of any time, no failure to eject. For some reason Remington wont eject, and Winchester shells wont eject....my shotgun is a Winchester sx4 hahah

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

Ya I’ve never had any misfires or fail to eject with any of their stuff.

[@Bloor11]

@@MidValleyMercenaries I love it! Patterns amazing compared to other brands, I have no reason to switch! Although the hevi steel patterned better than the hevi metal. But every gun and choke combo shoots different!

[@whackinstackin3149]

Good video! That’s pretty cool how all that works! Congrats on the sponsor.👍

[@kenstout9823]

That was a wealth of information thank you for doing this video. I personally shoot the heavy x fours out of my 20 great video

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

Thanks Ken. 2 3/4 or 3 inch?

[@kenstout9823]

3 inch ,pheasant medicine

[@morganyoder4277]

Thats super cool. I shoot hevi metal and it’s cool to see how it gets made. Keep up the vids Titus.

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

Thanks Morgan!

[@SomewhereInWisconsin]

Sweet video. I wonder how many companies actually melt their own shot? How does it get into a spherical shape?

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

Thanks. I wondered the same thing. How it gets the spherical shape is the hidden secret. They keep that under wraps. Took them a year to figure it out they told me

[@yunassaxer7119]

great!super. good!

[@dustingreen2422]

Never shot them, to damn expensive... I mean that just my approach to them, but thanks man, learned alot about them, but unless someone else is shooting them next to me, or someone bought them for me, I won't use them..

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

Each to their own 👍🏼

[@kross1261]

I Used to think that way...until my friends convinced me to finally try them. If ya have the little extra $ it worth it.

[@ryantaylor9448]

That hevi metal is stout! I bought a box to try early this season. Sold. I ordered a case after the first trip.

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

We love it too

[@Maineduckhunter]

Very informative video. So how many cases did you come home with, and will they start sponsoring you?

[@cafowler559]

What a cool experience!

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

Definitely!

[@blakewells9010]

Pretty neat process!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Very cool thanks

[@josephtufts7649]

Incredible so the heat is so hot there is no way for the person at home to make their own steel or tungsten shot

[@jeffreyryannix]

I was wondering if u like ur franchi affinity 20, and could u do some pattern videos with it?

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

I love it man! Def going to be doing some pattern videos in the off-season

[@FALhunter]

This year I’m running the Kent 2.0’s. Hevi X #6’s are great, Hevi X #2’s on the other hand were absolutely horrible.

[@carsonito852]

FALhunter yep for me kent has been the best for the past probably around 30 years.

[@018132]

What's wrong with the #2's????????

[@mikelyski1973]

For some reason the Kent's hate my franchi. I ran 2 boxes though it when I first got it. The pattern was random and they kept getting hung up on my ejector.

[@FALhunter]

018132 they lack any type of knock down power. My buddy and I have hit multiple geese at the 30 yard range with Hevi X #2’s, the birds would fall about 10-15 yards and then they’d pump their wings and keep flying.

[@FALhunter]

Daffy Duck my SBE 3 shoots and patterns the Kent’s very well. It looks like they’ve greatly improved their primers.

[@hollyolson21]

Awesome video! Do they make speedball at this location? Only one I saw that wasnt covered and am curious about. Great video man!

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

Thanks! Yes they do make it there. Totally forgot to go over that!

[@Blue_Collar_Hunter]

When I use to shot hevi shot I preferred hevi steel vs hevi metal. Hevi steel patterned way better out of my guns compared to hevi metal which I shot for years.

[@jameskrivitsky9715]

Thanks for the vid. I am curious about the part where the molten metal / alloy is poured into water. Does that make the hot metal glob and cool into various sizes of shot which is rough until rolled and sized through strainers ? J K

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

Yes exactly

[@danielfuller6679]

Awesome video. Thanks

[@knasasduckkiller]

I shoot the hevi x for geese in a 3 inch #2 and early season duck which I consider from teal season to around thanksgiving I shoot hevi metal in a 6 shot then after thanksgivingish I switch over to hevi metal in a 4 shot. Then white bird chasin I just use steel cause I’d go broke if I tried to use the hevi metal lol. That is unless hevi shot would like to sponsor a guide service 😉

[@HaleYeahFishing]

Good stuff man!!

[@dellgregg7926]

That's awesome. What's the difference between hevi metal long range and regular hevi metal?

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

The original HEVI-Metal was 10.1g tungsten 2 shot sizes smaller than the layer of steel. The market wanted more range, so they made our HEVI-Metal LR 9.6g bismuth 1 shot size smaller than the steel.

[@sloughsharkoutdoors5740]

@@MidValleyMercenaries sad to see it change. Shot it for both upland and waterfowl. Kept everything simple, worked and patterned great. Back to pattern testing again this year to find a new load I guess.

[@theealaskanviking5257]

I’d love to be a part of the Hevi shot team!!

[@michaelbeverley4008]

I patterned Hevi Hammer out of Winchester SX4 with the Carlson Cremator LR and it patterned horribly. Was really wanting it to perform well. Kent 2.0 and Federal Speed Shock or Black Cloud patterned a lot better for me.

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

That’s too bad. Gotta use what’s best though, don’t blame you there

[@Max-dx7rd]

Cool video it reminded me of the show how its made. Also do you plan on restocking the mallard till death do us part hoodie?

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

Thanks. Ya we will but not until prob late August

[@wieberlee161]

How can we like to order the Shells

[@tomgensel4134]

Very cool!

[@larryheadings8921]

Awesome video. Very interesting.

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

Thanks!

[@jeremiahhardy8938]

Man that’s awesome 👍🏻

[@sarahheadings3479]

Very interesting.

[@jackstauberaudios1259]

Ed springer is my dad!!!!!

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

Wow that’s cool

[@johnnyhonda4404]

I loved the 3 inch #3 Hevi Metal loads. Unfortunately they "redesigned" them this year and are now using a mix of steel and bismuth instead of steel and tungsten alloy. The tungsten alloy loads patterned beautifully in my SBE 3. The newer bismuth mix patterns were terrible. I think since bismuth prefers a tighter choke and steel does better with a little bit more open choke it's just a poor choice to mix. Steel is hard, bismuth is soft. While steel and the tungsten alloy are harder so they require a similar choke. Please urge them to go back to the original Hevi Metal loads!

[@jasonvelasquez6673]

I'm w you.... I bought the last few cases of the old formula from Macs before the season. Might switch to HeviX or switch brands....I hate to do that.

[@weskieler4320]

Same here. Just grabbed a box of hevi bismuth 3” 4s. Hope to do some patterning but i had awesome results with the old hevi metal 3in 3s. I will prob also pattern the new Hevi metals also along with Boss.

[@johnnyhonda4404]

@@weskieler4320 I patterned the new Hevi Metal. It was disappointing. I picked up some Boss 2 3/4 inch, 1-1/4 oz #4s to pattern. They are a little cheaper than Hevi Bismuth and they are copper plated.

[@From_the_mil]

What % of tungsten is in the Hevi-X shot?

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

100%. It’s not mixed with any steel

[@From_the_mil]

Mid Valley Mercenaries it can’t be pure tungsten, pure tungsten has a 19g/cc density not 10g/cc

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

DangerZone I guess I’m trying to saying it’s not mixed with steel. That question could be taken multiple different ways. Ratios won’t be given just for privacy purposes but it’s mainly tungsten that has some iron and nickel added in to trick the tungsten in melting at a lower point. Tungsten by itself has to hit 6900 deg to melt. You can see in the video very little iron and nickel are added. Every pellet in Hevi x is a tungsten alloy

[@FALhunter]

Hevi X isn’t tungsten, I made that mistake once and I won’t ever do it again. They call it a “tungsten alloy” meaning it’s a mixture of metals.

[@From_the_mil]

Mid Valley Mercenaries thanks for the video and response.

[@brooktrout1477]

Pretty cool thanks

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

👍🏼

[@FALhunter]

Great video man!

[@fullstrapoutdoors9154]

That is so cool so did they just invite you up there or did you get sponsored?

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

Ya they invited us up. Potentially

[@lukebabb1480]

Hey Mid Valley Mercenaries I’m trying to start a KZbin how did you get all of your subscribers?

[@marcusluna209]

Hevi Metal until Rogers bumped up the prices. I stalked up on 6 cases of Rio before they cut off out of state shopping to your house.

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

Ya good idea. Kittle’s is where we pick up our shells now

[@philipwatzke5198]

Interesting video podcast was good too

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

Thanks

[@dada-mw5yi]

so how come we in SF CA can not find any Ammo??????????

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

🤷🏻‍♂️

[@calemckinzie7574]

Now personally I’m a federal man speed shok and blackcloud for me

[@jasonvelasquez6673]

Old Hevi-Metal #2 & #4 that had mix of steel and hevi-shot. Haven't tried the new (steel & bismuth) Hevi-Metal formula yet....I would be curious to hear why the change. Old Hevi-Metal formula is/was a crusher.

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

The original HEVI-Metal was 10.1g tungsten 2 shot sizes smaller than the layer of steel. The market wanted more range, so they made their HEVI-Metal LR 9.6g bismuth 1 shot size smaller than the steel.

[@jasonvelasquez6673]

@@MidValleyMercenaries thanks for letting me know. Cheers!

[@bustinclayswithlouisoviedo1894]

I used Hevi Steel 3inch 1 1/4ounce #3 shot 1500fps this season with a full choke and I was crushing ducks out to 55yards

[@finniganholmes5883]

Are you still gunna do podcasts

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

Ya we just released one today

[@finniganholmes5883]

Thanks I was duck hunting and listening to them all

[@peterbroderick6043]

300 cases a day but cant find any on shelves or online........

[@stevechmiel6016]

I shot a couple cases of hevi x 4’s in 20GA over the past couple years and it flat wrecks ducks and geese at stupid distance

[@MrSamman82]

I shoot Hevi Metal #3 for ducks and #2 for geese

[@chrissisemore269]

They make a good shooting shell but they don’t take any moisture if they have any moisture in them they don’t fire or fire but not right

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

Interesting. I’ve dropped them in the water and used them later and had no problems. I’ve went through almost 3 cases and no issues yet

[@chrissisemore269]

Mid Valley Mercenaries that’s weird my shells have gone to waste it seems because every time I fire them I’m iffy as to if they will go off now

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

Chris Sisemore what shells are you shooting

[@chrissisemore269]

Mid Valley Mercenaries hevi metal

[@beyang8122]

I use the hevi metal

[@ballisticprogram7310]

This is the first time I have ever seen hevi shot be open about their densities. They have a history of hiding that information to sell more product. They have lost a lot of trust and respect over the years by some pretty shady practices and tricky wording to not disclose the composition of their shells. It is refreshing to see them own what they are selling. It is sad that the marketing guy has no clue about the relationship between density and weight.

[@jeffreemillican4733]

We need to go duck hunting together bud😂

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

Ha. Why’s that?

[@jeffreemillican4733]

Cause your awesome and it would be sweet to knock some ducks down with yall 😎

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

Jeffree Millican haha 🤙🏼🦆🦆

[@jeffreemillican4733]

But I’m 16 and live in Mississippi so we a good peace away from each other😂

[@jeffreemillican4733]

But we suppose to be going to Arkansas next month on a paid conservation goose hunt 🤘🏽

[@timsmith5837]

Dead coyote kills large geese and crane like 4buck of old with more pellets and better patterns. The T shot will completely penetrate large geese with ease. I love it just can’t afford as much of it as I would like. The stuff is just amazing.

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

I never expected to hear somebody shooting that at geese. Good to hear

[@timsmith5837]

I failed to mention it’s also death on coyotes but you probably guessed that lol,

[@brooktrout1477]

Love the smell of gun powder

[@littlebuckslayer]

Heavy metal all the way I have a case of 6s a case of 3s and for geese a case of BB I also have a case of Black cloud BB that I got a good deal on when Gander outdoors closed in our area but prefer Heavy metal much cleaner burning and a little better range than Black cloud

[@matteobeltramo6224]

I like hevi metal

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

👍🏼👍🏼

[@matteobeltramo6224]

@@MidValleyMercenaries 👍👍 for the sick vid

[@jimstephens8028]

Woah! Stop! Wait a minute! About the 14 minute mark??? So a box of Hevi-X weighs more than a box of Hevi Steel? Both have 1 1/4 of shot in the 3 inch. The hulls weigh the same. The primers weigh the same. The powder weighs the same. The box weighs the same. They will weigh the same. I really like Hevi-X and have used it two seasons in Iowa, Nodak and Oklahoma. Great stuff. I am not bashing the product at all, but come on.

[@donovanrape9812]

I found seeds inside of mine

[@GoingPlacesOne]

Hevi steel, 3 inch, 2 shot...benelli sbe3...kicks high flyer extra full.

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

🤙🏼

[@markmolok2261]

I just cut open a HEVI shot 3 1/2 BBB 1 1/2oz shot and only half the pellets were BBB the rest were deformed #1 shot and for the buffer they used some kind of seeds no shit these shells were light on shot and deformed inferior ammo

[@bigcatsne]

My uncle makes my shells. He is just a little slower.😂

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

Lol. I’m gonna get into it soon just for a hobby

[@alienas22]

I used to be a hevi shot guy until i found kent faststeel 2.0. Half the cost and patterned better out of my sx3. But im not knocking hevi shot what so ever i killed alot if birds with it.

[@MidValleyMercenaries]

I def think everybody should use what patterns the best out of there gun and fits in the budget.

[@HolshoeAlex]

Yeah glad I saw this so I don’t buy these again! Those pellets aren’t even round! Boss Ammo baby!

[@thegreatmrfu]

but did they hook ya up with discounted shells 😁🤔 share the love ? 20% off with promo code -midvalleymercsrock! 😁😁😁

[@محمدنریمانپور-ق6ك]

🙏👏😔 ایران

[@jonathanmelanson3257]

Not very nice looking shot look like eggs lol

[@richardkeithplank3472]

How are they for reloading???