Which shell patterned the best out of my Browning A5? Hevi Shot, Winchester, Federal, Kent or Rio?

I shot a variety of shells to see which one patterns better out of my Browning A5. I was surprised to see which ones did the best. Below is a list of the different shells I shot and the case cost of each. Not in any order....please watch the video to see which ones made the top 5. And don't forget to hit that LIKE BUTTON!!!!!
Browning Wicked Wing - $110
Winchester Super X - $110
Winchester Dry Lok - $220
Winchester Blind Side - $220
Hevi Shot Heavy Hammer - $190
Hevi Shot Hevi Metal - $270
Hevi Shot Hevi Steel - $150
Rio Royal Blue Steel - $90
Kent Fast Steel 2.0 - $130
Federal Blackcloud - $200
Federal Speed Shok - $90

[@darrelkopsa7143]

I am sort of a wornout birdhunter in my 70's, but my grand dad was a duck hunting demon. A lot of the pattern testers seem to have a high pattern with anything. Grand dad told me early that shotguns bead are supposed to sight below the bird so you can see all of the bird! It sure helped me with doves.

[@mitchelllee879]

Thanks so much! Consistent test and honest answers. Can’t ask for more. Was glad to hear my budget can still get me good shells!

[@paulb7943]

Just discovered your channel but man thank you for this video. Exactly what I was looking for.

[@tjjohnson4848]

THANK YOU, great ammo comparison, live long and prosper!

[@curtiseggemeyer5681]

I can say this , 1st great job the way you prepped before your video on the different loads etc and shooting off handed which is imortant. With a vent rib most guns are made to shoot a little high , but besides all that most of those loads could easily work at 40 yards, really nice patterns over all. The 90 a case Federal does take the show overall for price , performance and probably availability. Thankyou the 1st video I watched of yours.

[@andrewbeswick2253]

Very informative video pal, I’ve shot Rio’s for the last few years. Top pattern’s and fantastic prices for a slab. Keep shooting and keep safe 💥💥

[@todddykes3577]

I love the speed shok they are hammers. Next time you get out and pattern step it out to about 35 or 40 yards and you will really see the difference. Rios and speed shok will blow all the others away.

[@pahunter7816]

Nice video.. I am a die hard duck & goose hunter who has tested alot of different chokes & ammo for my waterfowl hunting setups.. I'm a lefty too.. My duck gun is a Browning Gold 12 ga shooting Federal Black Cloud in #3's out of a .675 Terror choke tube & it's absolutely lights out for ducks.. My goose gun is a Remington SP 10 ga shooting Federal Black Cloud in BB out of the .720 Terror choke tube & it's an anti aircraft goose bomber.. Both of my waterfowl hunting setups are deadly short or long range within reason & until something changes I'll be sticking with what works for me & my guns..

[@danielnalepinski3884]

In my opinion. The drylock, and speed shock was the best. Most evenly dispersed at that range. With a full choke at 25-30 yards. Even patterns is what you want at typical hunting ranges. Black cloud was a close 3rd place.

[@reddog270ss]

Most extensive shell shot pattern test vid yet. Keep up the good work. I too changed to Rio last year a.) For price b). They patterned best for price. I shoot #2's 3.5 in duck and BB's 3.5in goose. Good shells.

[@deltafowlers4648]

Thank you

[@donaldbaker1135]

Them Winchester dry locks have always been a dam good shell one of the best

[@crashnburn3980]

Federal is my favorite ammo to shoot in any caliber.

[@thefeatheredfrontiersman8135]

So, my all time favorite is the winchester elite blindside. Reason being is it does in fact hold a great pattern BUT, at the 50-60yd range it's the only one that I definitely noticed made any difference. To me it's about focusing shot placement. And often times that shot at 40yd+ makes the difference. You should do a penatration video with all these different ammo! I'd love to see that! Great job!

[@deltafowlers4648]

Late in the season when the ducks are not wanting to come in close to the decoys, I will switch to the Blindside for those longer shots. Their ability to kill and not just wound the bird is better then others when shooting farther distances.

[@TheChancerdog1]

I’ve had the best luck with blue box, the Winchesters (pretty much all of them) as well. I get bigger ducks and Canada geese here in the North and like to go 3.5 number 2s about all the time and Kicks Full through my SBE2 I’ve had for years now.

[@sds205t]

After watching your video I went and bought the jobs joke just like yours. Took it out and pattern yet. And I use the reo 2-4 3”.Edit pattern awesome just like yours. I love the jebs choke. Oh I might mention I have the same shotgun A5. exactly like yours love it.

[@deltafowlers4648]

Thank you for this comment.....A lot of people don't pattern their shotguns. Once you find what shells shoot best out of your gun with the choke you're using, you will kill more birds. I am glad my video helped you out.

[@chrismcneil5543]

Great video, thank you! I’ll be grabbing a couple boxes of the Winchester Drylok for some patterning. Over & over I’m seeing Browning pattern like crap at a heavy price. I will have to try it in my shotgun before making the final call, but so far I’m not swayed that way.

[@deltafowlers4648]

Thanks for the comment.

[@johnnybarbar7435]

Judging based on one shot, then confusing point of impact with patterning, compromises your results.

[@maxchartrand5942]

Multiple shots of you 5 favorite next to see if the pattern hold. Subbed

[@deltafowlers4648]

Thanks for the sub!

[@jeepsclimbrox]

Nice to see another southpaw shooter. Good video👍🏼

[@deltafowlers4648]

I am right handed but shoot left handed......always have....LOL Thanks for the comment, please subscribe!!

[@Marcus_972]

The Rio surprised me. I've been a Black Cloud guy for years now but I'm gonna buy a box of those Rio shells and pattern them. I shoot modified on tight holes over decoys but mostly full choke over rice fields out of Browning Maxus and a Maxus II 28" 12ga, will be interested to see how they do.

[@peternelson9865]

Curious as to what the FPS is on the ones that did well compared to the ones that shot high. The ones that shot high I think would do well at longer distances

[@gasolinedreams2691]

Just bought a case of Rio online and it was $274 delivered and I was glad to get it. I can’t imagine what some of the other stuff would be by the case these days. I’m glad the Rio pattered so well. I had been shooting blindside but I can’t even find it now.

[@deltafowlers4648]

I saw some Blindside yesterday in a store and they were $350 for a case.....unreal.

[@Badazz069z]

When I did my pattern testing. I tested Kent 4, 3, and 2 shot. 4 shot was the only thing that was good. So would be interested to see the difference with different shot size with the same brands

[@dylanryan7240]

I’m glad I cheaped out

[@jeffhamby5644]

I was surprised at the RIO. I just bought some because of the ammunition shortage and hadn’t patterned them yet. Shooting an A5 wwing just purchased and added a Jeb’s .690 choke. Rio’s are #4 3.5. Hope they shoot as well.

[@deltafowlers4648]

Let me know how they do

[@andrewn.5117]

Jebs chokes are awesome. Their Turkey headhunter choke throws the best pattern I’ve ever seen

[@jaynewmeyer6020]

Been shooting the rio blue 2's, 3's and 4's for last 2 seasons and they kill everything to about forty five yards using Carlson's flush mount. I live were we can hunt pheasant and still pass shoot duck and geese. Don't want to play the choke game all the time and found that IM does everything (lead also) to 45 yards with patterns good enough for mallards and pheasant. Winchester and Federal are good also. Can only buy what they have nowadays and I stick with those three. How did your tests go? Interesting stuff!

[@royedwards3388]

Each gun patterns differently and you were using factory chockes at a close yardage! I'd love to see this test done again at an extended range of 50 yards. Blind sides are absolutely terrible beyond 40 yards! Anything close I will give it credit but for an all around I'll stick to hyper sonics with Carlson Creemator Long Range choke. I'm a believer in shot size, choke, and range equals more game in fridge. Beretta Extrema 2 with Carlson FS steel LR combined with Rem Hypersonics 1 1/4 ounce 1shot! deadly on ducks and geese

[@deltafowlers4648]

Thanks for your comment. I was using a Jebs Long Range choke. I agree with what you said about the Blind Side, not very good out pass 30 or 40 yards.

[@BadAssBassFishermen]

All I shoot is Rio's and love them, really good for the price

[@Kelo63]

How are they with a benelli sbe3

[@BadAssBassFishermen]

@@Kelo63 i have a sbe3 20 and shoot Rios out of them and they work great

[@Kelo63]

@@BadAssBassFishermen alright

[@epictcg4424]

Price for performance is rio and federal speed shock! Nice pattern testing.

[@deltafowlers4648]

Thanks for your comment....always good to see what shell shoots the best out of your gun.

[@nebraskahunter100]

speed shok has worked well for me over the years.

[@deltafowlers4648]

I am going to give them a try this year. Thanks for the comment....Please subscribe.

[@scottjones6338]

Great video! New waterfowler here, I’ve been told by many to not shoot steel out of a full choke. However, I see some full chokes in the stores listed as you can shoot steel and hevi-shot through them. Can you explain this if you know? Thank you

[@deltafowlers4648]

You can shoot steel out of a full choke. I like shooting a full choke because it holds a tighter pattern and does not wound as many birds. But, you have to practice shooting with a full choke. Once you find what shell shoots the best out of your set up, you will kill more birds using a full choke.

[@jrow84]

There are some chokes that you can not shoot steel out of. They should be labelled. Don't listen to blanket statements like " you can shoot steel out of a full choke". You can shoot steel out of SOME full chokes.

[@SnmaCoHarversters]

A steel full choke and lead full choke are different constrictions. The lead full is tighter

[@adrianlouviere7650]

Good video but all that was said and done will mostly change on a moving target because the shot collum has to come into consideration per Bob Brister as I recall. Thanks

[@adeebam5723]

Good video but please allow me to point 4 things out, 1- the shots will vary with different temperatures, so don't count only on this test which is in hot weather 2- sometimes you need to try different chokes, some shots may do better 3- It is not only the pattern which counts, the punch is important 4- not all shots have the same speed, speed counts.. Here you are shooting a sitting duck I agree with your review based on the gun, choke, distance to target and temperature... But if one factor changes, the whole review should 😉

[@tjjohnson4848]

Could the velocity and shot weight difference account for the height of the pattern? I'd ignore where it hits and focus on how it patterns, sight in gun for one that patterns best.

[@willmcalister2226]

Great video!

[@deltafowlers4648]

thank you

[@travisgary6519]

Awesome video showing the difference between shells, really appreciate you taking the time to do this. I shoot the Winchester DryLok out of my Benelli Vinci I get a pretty good tight group pattern. Never went thru all those different brands before. I guess I know what I'm doing next weekend!

[@deltafowlers4648]

Thanks for the comment.

[@wcb5890]

Very important to note this is your gun and your specific choke. Different guns and chokes will provide different results. I personally look for the best overall pattern and shim or tweak the gun to center that pattern up. There were some loads in the bottom that had better patterns but your gun just shot them high.

[@deltafowlers4648]

you are correct and you will hear me say this in some of my other videos. You have to find the right choke and ammo that shoots best out of your gun.

[@sds205t]

Very very very good video.

[@deltafowlers4648]

Thank you

[@Tess_untamed]

I think the ones you shoot high on are going to be good for longer range. Something to think about.

[@deltafowlers4648]

will do thanks...

[@kross1261]

Years ago I had a browning BPS 10 gauge. It patterned high. Cost me turkeys geese and so on. Contacted Browning they said they design there guns to shoot high like that makes a better sight picture?!? That might be ok for pheasants flying straight away but I want my gun to shoot where I point it. That idea is bs when trying to figure out leads on passing birds. Now later on I bought a browning 20 gauge semi automatic it shot strait but kept breaking firing pins so I got rid of it. All Benelli now.

[@robin8559]

I've been told many barrels shoot 70% above the bead , 30% below. By design,. I think his gun is likely that way.

[@jrow84]

Very possible. He may be looking at too much rail, though. Improper sight picture is usually the biggest cause of shooting high or low

[@chrisgreenaway6696]

I’ll stick with my sbes and Kent been working since 05 used to use challenger 3 1/2s and it felt like throwing popcorn at honkers

[@MAL-yt4yh]

Tom Roster has studied steel and alternate shot since the compulsory change from lead. The tables produced on lethality express very clearly the most common field ranges ducks and geese of all sizes are shot at. The distances vary from 20 to 70 yards, the most common averaging 30 to 45. Shouldn’t pattern testing thus be conducted at both ranges to capture what the passing shot may illustrate or the follow-up shot on flaring birds?

[@JOELCONLEY]

Subscribed for content and Ryan Upchurch in the intro lol

[@alexsharykin5435]

It's will be see much better on a 40 yd. Very great video. Can you do same thing just on a 40 yd

[@mr.unknownuser3563]

Good video presentation.. I thought the RIO was the best.

[@deltafowlers4648]

Thanks for watching!

[@theno3topqb]

Just curious, why pattern a full choke at 25/30 yards? At that range, a more open choke would be better suited.

[@deltafowlers4648]

Even with a full choke, I still like to get the birds in as close as possible. And when they will not come in close, the full choke helps with the longer shots. I can not stand to wound a bird. I like the tight pattern the full choke gives you for a good kill. You have to find the right set up for your gun and practice. If you learn to shoot a full choke, you will kill more birds.

[@jrow84]

He's going for the "complete kill or complete miss" shooting theory. Chasing cripples suuuucks

[@pastornate0827]

Any chance of doing the same test at 40 yards?? See how much they open up/pattern...

[@deltafowlers4648]

Good idea....I will see if I can get that done before hunting season starts.

[@taylorbernard8497]

Like your show

[@deltafowlers4648]

thank you

[@socalikid]

Nice video. But I'm depressed now because the cheapest case is $170 for RIO or $200 for federal. Sad 😔

[@coopergenz456]

Me and my dad always hunt with super x there cheap and they shoot good

[@pastp3805]

Blindside is what I shoot for killing power because of the weight of the shot...1 3/8 oz just works better than 1 1/4 oz.

[@deltafowlers4648]

I do not disagree with you on that.....Blindside's cause damage.....They kick a little too hard for me and messes up my second shot.

[@shawncummings5119]

Thought you would have tried remington nitro.I have taking a Lot of birds with it and the cheaper peters brand

[@deltafowlers4648]

I didn’t even think about the Nitro.

[@taylortickle5097]

Now in 2022 the only shells under $300 a case at least around Mississippi if you can find them is the browning shells or monarch shells, just the heavy metal is $45 a box

[@deltafowlers4648]

It's crazy and only going to get worse.

[@taylortickle5097]

@@deltafowlers4648 you should try the apex shells made in Columbus ms, their only $25 a box for 3” 3 shot

[@Jarl-yt9bz]

It took me a bit to learn this and tons of shells, try aiming a little lower on the duck A5’s tend to shoot high, have had three they all seem to do it, gun works great for sight picture.... unless you run lead (upland) it’s spot on

[@deltafowlers4648]

Thanks for the comment....please subscribe.

[@robin8559]

I've been told many barrels shoot 70% above the bead , 30% below. By design,. I think his gun is likely that way.

[@jaynewmeyer6020]

Hunting over decoys, the full choke will destroy the ducks. Most shells will work over decoys. The 40 yard mark is the best for all around hunting. A good range for pheasant hunting as a role. Some good hunting in non toxic areas

[@caserhodes2449]

What choke are you using? I just bought a a5 and don’t know what the best choke would be.

[@deltafowlers4648]

Jebs High Voltage Long Range (Full Choke)

[@Thorzaan]

@@Shotguner the long range is either the .690 or the .685. It depends on the shot size you use. The .685 can only be shot with #2 and smaller. I recently got a .690 and it patterns very well at 40 yards

[@kx85yz85]

Got the same gun as your and I was wondering do your A5 not cycle the cheap 2 3/4 shells such as challenger and such? Thanks

[@deltafowlers4648]

The only 2 3/4 shells I shoot are RIO's when I dove hunt. I have never had a problem

[@rickjames2922]

Seeing how different shells pattern out of your shotgun is important, but the kinetic energy caused by the impact of the pellets hitting the bird is what really drops ducks. Thats what you're paying for with more expensive shells. Higher quality metal creates more kinetic energy that really knock down a bird. With that being said, I shoot winchesters because they're cheap and are easy to find.

[@deltafowlers4648]

Thanks for your comment.

[@andrewn.5117]

Lmao

[@brandoncorley1514]

I Love shooting Rio! All i shoot is Rio & Federal blue box! Rio is my favorite

[@deltafowlers4648]

Thanks for watching and thanks for the comment.

[@dukhntr21]

Would be nice to be able to get any ammo right now

[@jrow84]

I was going to start reloading but can't get supplies for that, either. The bastards

[@kross1261]

We (3 guys) took out a bunch of various shells about 4 years ago. But we shot these all through our Benelli shotguns (SBE2, M2, Vinci) with crio mod 3 notch chokes. The top shell hands down (40 yards) was Hevi Metal and federal blue box/speed shock was second. So it’s important to see what your gun likes. Now another thing to consider is how hard the shot hits. Hevi Metal just plain hits waterfowl hard and kills more cleanly imo. Now the bad news about Hevi Metal is the recipe (no longer use tungsten-too expensive) has changed and the new extended range doesn’t preform me. So once I blow through my remaining shells I’ll be looking. I bought a couple 4 packs ($40) of bb and 2’s federal blue box at Walmart for back up. Rio’s I’m a bit leery of I was on a guided snow goose hunt the 3 guys hunting with me were telling me how great they were and how I shouldn’t buy those expensive shells. Throughout the hunt there guns kept jamming and they looked like they burn pretty dirty.

[@deltafowlers4648]

great comment......good information...Thanks.

[@jonathanmay3808]

I use rio shells, I feel like they burn clean and have never had one jam in my beretta.

[@clintivy623]

What choke are you using? Jebs lightning ?

[@deltafowlers4648]

Jebs High Voltage Long Range.

[@garyadams2822]

What full choke were ya using? Thanks

[@deltafowlers4648]

Jebs High Voltage

[@timothyhambysr1316]

Care to try any Apex?

[@greglinsmythe3375]

Please stop touching the muzzle when the gun is loaded. It’d be better that you blow your choke out than blow your hand out. Other than that, really liked this video, quick comparison of a lot of the most popular ammo.

[@chug-a-lug6842]

I feel like you could do this test 5 times and get a different top 5 every time I wouldn’t go off of just one shot each I do at least 5 different targets on each shell and you will get a much more refined answer

[@deltafowlers4648]

thanks for your comment

[@larryporter6792]

great video

[@deltafowlers4648]

thank you please subscribe!!

[@kirklandbabin1597]

What’s the chamber size in your A5?

[@deltafowlers4648]

it can shoot 2-3/4, 3 and 3-1/2

[@zent645]

What choke tubes were you using?

[@deltafowlers4648]

Jebs extreme long range

[@XxfisheykillaXx]

What choke did you use for these tests ?

[@deltafowlers4648]

Jebs Long Range (Full)

[@jeffreyjackson318]

Federal shoots best in my A5

[@theomnij]

These prices, yup

[@sambrooks9599]

What choke were you using?

[@deltafowlers4648]

Jebs extreme long range

[@brenttonnolen8908]

What shot size are these?

[@deltafowlers4648]

number 2 shot

[@ptrd5945]

What exact choke are you using?

[@deltafowlers4648]

Jebs Long Range....(Full Choke)

[@ptrd5945]

@@deltafowlers4648 I’ve heard great things about the Jebs. Thanks for the reply, and keep the awesome videos coming!

[@jaredanderson7376]

Where do you buy the Rio from

[@deltafowlers4648]

I picked this box up from Sportsman's Warehouse, but I ordered a case online from Rogers Sporting Goods.

[@jaredanderson7376]

@@deltafowlers4648 thank you

[@jaynewmeyer6020]

Shooting over decoys at that range is basically wanten waste with all of those shells. Nothing left to eat, not even the dogs can make out. I think at that range I would have to go with IC?

[@outdoorrn2980]

Dryloks

[@deltafowlers4648]

Dryloks did pattern well......

[@westonbeck8004]

You like the jebs high voltage? Is it the .685?

[@westonbeck8004]

Black nitride or stainless steel?

[@deltafowlers4648]

Black nitride

[@westonbeck8004]

@@deltafowlers4648 .685 I mostly shoot #3 shot and just curious what constriction has worked the best for you in the #3-#2 range

[@deltafowlers4648]

@@westonbeck8004 I always shot 3 inch number 2's.....I have the ported choke....I have never had a problem

[@carlochierico7630]

Bel video ! Complimenti dall' Italia ! Se posso permettermi un consiglio , oltre a spiegare a parole quello che fai , dovresti anche scriverlo in grande in modo leggibile , soprattutto per quanto riguarda la strozzatatura del fucile , la distanza è il prezzo delle cartucce . Grazie .

[@noahbanks907]

What choke are you shooing

[@deltafowlers4648]

Jebs high voltage extreme long range

[@plgoutdoors7162]

Looks like you pulled half of your shots high and left or high; would like to see from a bench rest great vid though

[@deltafowlers4648]

thanks for the comment

[@jimmydunn2231]

I know a lot of people swear by those REO.

[@stevenpitrucha1969]

Rios shoot great but they are dirty dirty powder.. Speed shock!!

[@deltafowlers4648]

I shot Rio and Speed Shok today and I really liked the way they both shot. I clean my gun after every two to three hunts anyway so the shells being dirty doesn’t bother me yet.

[@sds205t]

Since they change the kent from the old it’s crap. Doesn’t pattern and it doesn’t feed through my A5 .

[@deltafowlers4648]

It is crap...It does not pattern well at all.....When I hunted with them this year, I shot about 15 rounds and then put the box in my blind bag. They did not get hung, but it feels like the A5 just does not like those rounds. And I didn't kill any ducks with them either!!

[@sebastianarmaz3958]

what does he mean when he says "a case"

[@deltafowlers4648]

a case has 10 boxes of shells totaling a total of 250 shells

[@sebastianarmaz3958]

@@deltafowlers4648 ohh ok thank you

[@waggscole4971]

Switch your safety to lefty handed it’s easy and I did it and it was a night and day difference

[@deltafowlers4648]

I did do that....it does make a big difference...before I switched, I kept knocking the safety back on when trying to shoot. Caused me to miss a lot of ducks. LOL Thanks for watching....please subscribe

[@mickmay7433]

Ain’t the cartridges it’s you probably gun not fitted ??

[@christophermercer2632]

You said 210$ by a case u mean like 250?

[@deltafowlers4648]

Which case are you talking about?

[@christophermercer2632]

Delta Fowler nah i dont mean the price i mean you were paying that much money for how many shells brotha

[@jonathanmay3808]

@@christophermercer2632 thats gonna be 250 shells

[@ryals32]

U from Cdale?

[@deltafowlers4648]

Originally yes. Moved away about 19 years ago but will always call ClarksVegas home.

[@ryals32]

@@deltafowlers4648 I’m from there as well thought I recognized u.

[@MrM-wk9yf]

I hate Hevi Shot / metal all hype and marketing ! I shoot anything Winchester , federal , and Remington now Remington is owned by Federal . I guess I’ll be shooting Federal . I shoot a Affinity and Rios shells don’t do good out of them or I’d shoot them ! Try Fiocchi shells Arkansas Timber they are good .

[@deltafowlers4648]

I have not shot Fiocchi but may pick up a box if I run out...I have already bought the shells I plan on using. Federal Speed Shok and Rios....I bought a few boxes of Winchester Dry Lok too. I plan on seeing which ones I kill more birds with. Season is almost here!!

[@MrM-wk9yf]

@@deltafowlers4648 Them Federal Speed Shok are good stuff !! As will is the red box .