Hi, Stan. Team Ithaca missed you at Georgetown.

I would surmise that the irregularity in shape of HS pellets makes it much more subject to pellet bridging. Bridging of spherical pellets is a relatively rare occurrence. The pellets must align very precisely and have relatively low surface friction so they can slide/roll and collapse the bridge. The irregularities of HS, IMO, can mechanically interlock, greatly increasing the chances for development of a stable bridge. The bridge, then, becomes an obstruction to the following pellets and wad and sets up a gas hammer situation.

Does this square with your experience?

DDA