I'll jump back in here. I've patterned hevi-shot and also Winchester X-tended shells. They are the real deal and will outperform lead hands down. The reason why is numbers of pellets in the shell and the ability to shoot size 7.5's that hit like size 6's in lead, or size 6 Hevi that hit like size 5 lead. More pellets in the shell give better density downrange.
I can honestly say I've shot all the way thru Geese with size 5 hevi-shot. A 12 gauge 2 3/4" size 7.5 is deadly for ducks out to 40 plus yards all day long. In fact lots of folks are using that same load on turkey's with ultra tight turkey chokes. Nitro Ray is now making a 20 gauge load that is a turkey killer to an easy 40 yards each and every time.
All the above is a very specialized application and normally not needed. However, for a hard core turkey hunters, they want the ability to knock one down at 60 yards all day long if necessary. I pretty much have that covered with a Benelli SBE, scoped and rigged for the 50 yard shot and yes I do shoot factory hevi-shot loads or Winchester X-tended loads. They without fail will provide over 200 hits in a 10 inch circle at 40 yards.
