16 ga ammo

Pa SxS · 12-17-2014, 08:15 AM

I finally have a 16ga VH and I need ammo for it. I'm not going to shoot it regularly so I'm going to shoot factory loads instead of reloading. It looks like I can buy Remington game loads with 1oz of shot locally, or I can buy RST's in either 7/8 oz or 3/4 oz. Considering I'm just getting over shoulder surgery, recoil would be a consideration and of course the 1 oz game loads would have more recoil than the RST's. There is also a cost difference, the game loads would be about $95 for a flat versus $125 for the RST. Has anyone shot the Remington game loads and are they a shell that has a lot of felt recoil? I realize everyone feels recoil differently.

Big D · 12-17-2014, 08:29 AM

IMHO, factory shells have higher recoil, to ensure they can cycle through dirty semi-autos. I suspect (altho I have no data) that they use smaller amounts of hot powder, and may save a bit of money on powder costs.

Bruce Day · 12-17-2014, 08:33 AM

Chuck, the Rem 1 oz loads will have more recoil than Federal 1 oz loads. I order Federal H160 loads, 2 1/2 dram, 1165 fps. My case price brings it down to $80 per flat. I use that load for most targets and hunting in either 8, 7 1/2 or 6.

The Remington 1 oz 16's are 1200fps. Although no dre is stated, my guess is that they are 2 3/4 dre. Some here have complained about their recoil. To me its the right recoil for their load, although it is more than the Federals.

I have shot RST 1 oz loads, they are about the same speed as Federals, and to my shoulder, the RST 1oz and the Fed 1 oz feel the same. Obviously, if you really need minimal recoil, you could ask RST to run a few cases of 7/8 oz low speed, maybe 1050 or 1100fps.

OH Osthaus · 12-17-2014, 08:43 AM

I have always found that the Remington game loads to be some of the heaviest recoiling shells for their load

i do not shoot them in any of my side by sides

George M. Purtill Member #28 · 12-17-2014, 08:48 AM

Chuck- Cabela's had their Herter's brand with 1 oz. in #8 shot for $69.99 per flat in East Hartford. I loaded up on them 3 weeks ago. They appear to be Cheddite hulls.
I used them interchangably with RSTs 2.5 inch loads last Sunday at Addieville and honestly didn't feel much difference.
I was able to miss equally well with both loads.