Did some accuracy testing today with my Benelli M4 (18.5" barrel) Federal LE 9 Pellet 00 Buck FliteControl (LE132) & Federal LE Truball Rifled HP slug (LEB127).
Test one:
LE132 FliteControl @ 25yds
Test two:
LEB127 Truball @ 100yds
Thoughts on the test. In test one, the ability to keep 6 pellets in a 9" circle at 25yds is fantastic. In fact, if my gun was zeroed a little better, I would have kept 6 pellets in a 5" circle! I would have no concerns with taking a shot at a bad guy with people standing right next to them. For comparison sake, I shot some Winchester Military 9 pellet 00 buck and there were rounds off the target.
I also shot some of the LE132 at an IDPA steel target that was well over 100yds out. I put multiple pellets on the target every time.
In test two, the spread between slugs was about 10 inches. I am confident that with a red dot or a 4x scope that I could shoot 2-3 inch groups at 100yds! :eek:
The Federal FliteControl and Truball ammo really change the game for the SG IMHO (making it a much more accurate weapon at greater distances).
Those are the two loads I use as well for the most part. Great load for the buckshot, without a doubt does a great job of pushing the B zone out farther.
Thanks for posting that.
I’ve always used the Hornady as well but I’ve heard that we are switching this year to the FliteControl. I’m impressed and can’t wait to get some trigger time with it.
Have to agree completely on the Fed. Flite Control buckshot. Those special wads are magic.
For slugs though, I like Brennekes. Federal Tru Balls really aren’t much improvement over regular Foster slugs. Fosters have poor sectional density, due to having a big hollow base with just a dome of lead up front to help them fly straighter. Brennekes are basically solid wadcutters, nice and tough with better penetration. They get their stability by retaining a cork or plastic base pad instead, which doubles as the wad.
Good to know. I’ll have to give the Tru Balls a fair chance then. Foster slugs are certainly a known quantity and “good enough” for many uses. For my purposes (deer and bear in shotgun-only hunting regions), the Brenneke style slug gives me acceptable accuracy, excellent penetration, and the wadcutter shoulder ensures rapid blood loss.
Fosters would still be my 2nd choice over, say, sabot slugs or full caliber roundball.
I have also recently done some pattern testing with this ammo. And at 35 yds. from a 870 Express Magnum18" Cyl. Bore was able to hold all 9 pellets in the bottle of a TQ-21 NRA target.
At 20yds it grouped about hand size with 5 pellets centered and two each just left and right.
