Well, a few days ago I made it to the range to FINALLY shoot my 590A1 that sports an 18 1/2 inch barrel and it was a glorious experience. I’m a handgun guy and I haven’t shot a shotgun since I was much younger ... perhaps 30 years ago?? The 590A1 is a devastating weapon for HD and I'm very excited for it's potential to protect the family but I need ammo that is consistent. Anyway, I went to Sportsman Warehouse to look for some good HD ammo and came to the range with two that seemed ready for a test drive:
- Federal Premium Vital Shok 12 Gauge 9 Pellet 00 Buckshot
- Federal Power Shok 12 Gauge 9 Pellet 00 Buckshot
First, let me say that my shoulder is hurting and I went to the range 3 days ago. I’ve got no pictures so I’ll have to describe what happened. I only shot 10 rounds of the Federal Vital Shok and 5 rounds of the Federal Power Shok ... this all occurred at 10 yards out, which is pretty much my longest shot in the house.
Vital Shok - My first 10 rounds where of this ammo. The majority of the hole from each shot was 1”-2” in diameter ... it beautiful sight to behold but it seemed that several times 1 pellet would find it’s way about 9”-12" off the original point of contact. Not a major concern but this inconsistency gives me some pause considering I have kids and I can’t afford any errant pellets.
Power Shok – This ammo also made a 1”-2” diameter hole but it seem to have more inconsistency and errant shots than the Vital Shok. 1 pellet from each shot always found it’s way 9”-12" from the original point of contact.
Bottom Line - Before I use my 590A1 for HD, I’ll find some better ammo that I can absolutely trust ... one that has no errant shots. If I had to choose between the two for HD ammo without kids, I’d pick the Federal Premium Vital Shok. Neither were bad but the Vital Shok had less errant pellets than the Power Shok. I’ll continue my search for a more consistent 12 gauge round. Today, I’m heading over to Cabela’s to look for some different ammo.
But before I shoot it again, I’ve got to let me shoulder heal ... the old body ain’t what it used to be.
- Federal Premium Vital Shok 12 Gauge 9 Pellet 00 Buckshot
- Federal Power Shok 12 Gauge 9 Pellet 00 Buckshot
First, let me say that my shoulder is hurting and I went to the range 3 days ago. I’ve got no pictures so I’ll have to describe what happened. I only shot 10 rounds of the Federal Vital Shok and 5 rounds of the Federal Power Shok ... this all occurred at 10 yards out, which is pretty much my longest shot in the house.
Vital Shok - My first 10 rounds where of this ammo. The majority of the hole from each shot was 1”-2” in diameter ... it beautiful sight to behold but it seemed that several times 1 pellet would find it’s way about 9”-12" off the original point of contact. Not a major concern but this inconsistency gives me some pause considering I have kids and I can’t afford any errant pellets.
Power Shok – This ammo also made a 1”-2” diameter hole but it seem to have more inconsistency and errant shots than the Vital Shok. 1 pellet from each shot always found it’s way 9”-12" from the original point of contact.
Bottom Line - Before I use my 590A1 for HD, I’ll find some better ammo that I can absolutely trust ... one that has no errant shots. If I had to choose between the two for HD ammo without kids, I’d pick the Federal Premium Vital Shok. Neither were bad but the Vital Shok had less errant pellets than the Power Shok. I’ll continue my search for a more consistent 12 gauge round. Today, I’m heading over to Cabela’s to look for some different ammo.
But before I shoot it again, I’ve got to let me shoulder heal ... the old body ain’t what it used to be.