I don't like S&B Buckshot

Dave R · April 10, 2001, 10:45 AM

I was intrigued by the ads in Cabela's for S&B 12 ga. buck. 12 pellets instead of 9, because of a shorter wad. So when I saw it cheap at the gun show, I bought a box.

It patterned horribly compared to the Federal I am used to. Used a modified choke, which gave best patterns with the Federal. Patterns were twice as wide with obvious flyers.

Then I checked my barrel and saw why. The wad does not cover the shot (as Federal and other brands do), and the leading in the barrel was significant, after only a few rounds. From the streaks in the choke, I'd say some of the outer pellets were being squished nearly in half. The lead streaks were about the same width as pellet diameter.

So the rest of the box becomes "use only in case of emergency" for me.

Dave McC · April 10, 2001, 12:19 PM

We all live and learn, Dave. I've some not so fond memories of some bargains there weren't.

And, in this era, bad patterns are not the rule. Even "Police" issue ammo has been upgraded to produce patterns unexpected in earlier times. Those deer hunters limited to buckshot have done lots of field research,and improvements in components,especially wads,buffering, and powders,have come closer to doubling the effective range of buck.

I suggest you write this off to the learning process, and check the Net for that Estate "SWAT" ammo. All reports so far indicate it's good stuff, and I got mine on sale last year for $2.95 a 10 pack. Patterns with this were far smaller than my old duty 00.

Destructo6 · April 10, 2001, 12:42 PM

That's not the only problem with S&B shotshells. They're also about 1/8" longer than US-made 2-3/4", making your 8-rnd mag into a 7rnder.

Coop de Ville · April 10, 2001, 12:58 PM

I purchased 400 rounds of the S&B 00. I tried it out last week for the first time and was mighty irritated. I was getting 18" patterns at 10 or so yards out of my Police Mag. Really bad. I still have 350 rounds to go through

before I'm finished. I will look for the Estate Swat.

Thanks for the info. -Coop

April 10, 2001, 01:07 PM

Dave R, try going with less choke. That should reduce the deformation and may improve your patterns. However, you called it - the best thing S&B has going for it is it's cheap.

Dave R · April 10, 2001, 02:38 PM

Jeff, I may try one more batch with Improved choke, but the stuff leads the rest of the barrel...which I hate to do.

April 10, 2001, 12:58 PM	#4
Coop de Ville Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2000 Posts: 436	Yeah! I purchased 400 rounds of the S&B 00. I tried it out last week for the first time and was mighty irritated. I was getting 18" patterns at 10 or so yards out of my Police Mag. Really bad. I still have 350 rounds to go through before I'm finished. I will look for the Estate Swat. Thanks for the info. -Coop

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April 10, 2001, 10:45 AM	#1
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2000 Location: Idaho Posts: 6,073	I was intrigued by the ads in Cabela's for S&B 12 ga. buck. 12 pellets instead of 9, because of a shorter wad. So when I saw it cheap at the gun show, I bought a box. It patterned horribly compared to the Federal I am used to. Used a modified choke, which gave best patterns with the Federal. Patterns were twice as wide with obvious flyers. Then I checked my barrel and saw why. The wad does not cover the shot (as Federal and other brands do), and the leading in the barrel was significant, after only a few rounds. From the streaks in the choke, I'd say some of the outer pellets were being squished nearly in half. The lead streaks were about the same width as pellet diameter. So the rest of the box becomes "use only in case of emergency" for me.

April 10, 2001, 12:19 PM	#2
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	We all live and learn, Dave. I've some not so fond memories of some bargains there weren't. And, in this era, bad patterns are not the rule. Even "Police" issue ammo has been upgraded to produce patterns unexpected in earlier times. Those deer hunters limited to buckshot have done lots of field research,and improvements in components,especially wads,buffering, and powders,have come closer to doubling the effective range of buck. I suggest you write this off to the learning process, and check the Net for that Estate "SWAT" ammo. All reports so far indicate it's good stuff, and I got mine on sale last year for $2.95 a 10 pack. Patterns with this were far smaller than my old duty 00.

April 10, 2001, 12:42 PM	#3
Destructo6 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 1999 Location: Nogales, AZ USA Posts: 4,000	That's not the only problem with S&B shotshells. They're also about 1/8" longer than US-made 2-3/4", making your 8-rnd mag into a 7rnder.

April 10, 2001, 01:07 PM	#5
Jeff, CA Guest Posts: n/a	Dave R, try going with less choke. That should reduce the deformation and may improve your patterns. However, you called it - the best thing S&B has going for it is it's cheap.

April 10, 2001, 02:38 PM	#6
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2000 Location: Idaho Posts: 6,073	Jeff, I may try one more batch with Improved choke, but the stuff leads the rest of the barrel...which I hate to do.