Estate #4 Buckshot

FurFlyin'

FurFlyin'

New member
Estate 2 3/4" #4 buckshot on sale at Cabelas. I think it was $12.99 per box of 25. I've never shot Estate buckshot but have shot a few cases of their dove loads. I'd rate their 3 1/4 dram 1 1/8 oz shot Dove load as being very comparable with the Remington Heavy Dove load. That's good company in my opinion. I prefer 3" but how can you go wrong with 25 buckshot loads for 13 bucks? I still can't stomach paying $3.50 each for Dead Coyote shells. They may be the best thing since sliced bread, but #4 buck works awfully good.
 
Since this post stirred up such a fury of replies
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, I thught I'd post some info now that my buckshot has arrived. I bought a 25 round box of 2 3/4" Estate, four 5 round boxes of Remington 3", and one 5 round box of Federal Premium. All are #4 Buck. I got it tonight and was very surprised at the muzzle velocity printed on the packages. The Federal 3" shows 1100 fps, the Remmy 3" 1225 fps, and the Estate 2 3/4" shows 1325 fps. I don't have a chronograph so I have no way of validating this, but if the MV holds true the Estate should have a longer effective killing range. There's only 4 pellets difference in the 2 3/4" (37) and the 3" (41) I will be shooting with my Benelli SBEII using a Carlsons Full Choke. I will post target info, when I shoot some.
 
I'm looking forward to seeing the results of your pattern test for the estate buckshot and hoping it turns out as I we never pay $3.50 a shot for dead coyote shells.


orson
living the dream on unemployment
 
FF: I'd be curious in seeing the results too. Question: Does the Estate have a folded crimp like most American shells, or is this stuff a roll crimp and flat "card" wad over the end of the shell? I have some Sellier & Bellot (sp?) 2 3/4" OO buck, and noticed that it is roll crimped with a plastic flat cover over the end, and in effect, it has a longer shell length/capacity than folded crimp shells as it only has a little bit of shell body to open up into the forcing cone vs. folded crimp, and therefore doesn't increase the pressures there. Does any of that make sense???? I think I confused myself! Basically, they use a bunch of the shell length of empty folded crimp shells for powder/shot capacity, and just top it off with a flat cover and a roll crimp, while still not violating the forcing cone area during the shot. My OO shells are almost the length of a 3" shell, but listed as 2 3/4" (70 mm) becuz of this.

Your patterns will tell the tale.
 
Will post results ASAP guys. It's supposed to start raining tomorrow morning and stop Saturday night, so it may be a few days. I guess I could shoot in the rain. I won't melt, but I might clump up a little.

Mike, the Estate is made in the USA. It's just regular 2 3/4" crimped shells. Like I said in my OP, I have shot a few cases of it for Dove hunting (with great results) I had never looked to see where it was made until I got this box of buckshot. I figured it was made overseas. I would still shoot it for Dove hunting, but the local pawn shop I was buying it at went under. Can't find it locally anywhere now that doesn't jack up the price too much.
 
Wow. 37 pellets. I can't figure out how they are getting that many in a 2 3/4" shell with out skimping somewhere else. Only so much room in a shell. I've never seen a 2 3/4" with that many in it.

It would be interesting to shoot them across a chrony.

Let us know how they pattern and your overall impressions after shooting them.
 
I think you are mistaken on the pellet count and velocity. 2 ¾” 12 gauge No. Four Buck comes in two versions. One has 27 pellets at about 1,325 fps. The “short magnum” load has 34 pellets at about 1,250 fps. Estate ammo is an economy load of the Federal Cartridge Company and is now loaded in Minnesota where the Federal home company is located.
 
Originally Posted By: GCI think you are mistaken on the pellet count and velocity. 2 ¾” 12 gauge No. Four Buck comes in two versions. One has 27 pellets at about 1,325 fps. The “short magnum” load has 34 pellets at about 1,250 fps. Estate ammo is an economy load of the Federal Cartridge Company and is now loaded in Minnesota where the Federal home company is located.

You ain't just whistling Dixie.
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You are dead on, 27 pellets it is. I think I need to go get my eyes checked. I was wondering how they got all those pellets in there. LOL I am surprised to find out that Estate is an economy load from Federal. I have never liked Federal dove loads, but really like the Estate dove loads. Even with the lower pellet count, I'm hoping the .24" pellets moving at 1325 will pattern well. That should roll a yote. I'll post pics of targets when I get to shoot.
 
Alright, 27 pellets. That sounds mucho better.
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Had me wondering.

13 bucks for a box of 25 is a heck of a price. I'll be watching for your opinion after shooting some.
 
Furflyin, I bought some, but haven't used any yet so I am greatly interested in your results.

Thanks!
 
Furflyin, I bought some, but haven't used any yet so I am greatly interested in your results.

Thanks!
 
I like it best of all the full chokes that I have. Did I mention it's the only full choke I have.
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They're not too pricey. Normally the Crio chokes I have to get are pretty expensive but this one was less than $40. I would like to try a different one and see how it patterns. But with 11 out of 27 pellets in a kill sized zone at 40 yards will be pretty hard to beat I think.
 
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