Proven Performance: HEVI-Shot HEVI-18

After shooting a variety of loads through this gun, the goal with these HEVI TSS loads was simple: check out pattern density at common hunting distances using two popular offerings from HEVI.

I tested the two versions of the HEVI-18 in 28 gauge, both 3-inch shells carrying 1-1/4 ounces of 18g/cc TSS, but one in No. 9 and one in No. 7. The velocity for both loads is listed at 1,100 feet per second.

I reached out to a representative from HEVI-Shot to learn what the total pellet counts were for each load; there are 231 pellets for the No. 7s and 451 pellets for No. 9s. That dichotomy aptly illustrates how shot size affects total payload.

I patterned both loads at 20 and 40 yards and counted pellets within a 10-inch circle.

The No.9s created the densest patterns of the test at both ranges, naturally. At 40 yards, it placed 196 pellets inside the 10-inch circle.

At 20 yards, the pattern was extremely concentrated, producing more than 300 pellets in the 10-inch circle. The center of the pattern was too dense to fully count, as multiple pellets passed through overlapping holes. The result was a very tight core with substantial pellet concentration.

While a closer shot seems easier, when hunting with No. s with this dense of a pattern at 20 yards or within, you should be cautious, as you are essentially shooting a pattern the size of a softball. Accuracy is crucial.

The No.7 s showed a more open pattern, as expected with fewer pellets.

At 40 yards, it delivered 122 pellets in the 10-inch circle. At 20 yards, the load placed 173 pellets in the circle, providing a dense pattern.

The No. 9s provided a higher overall pattern density, while the No. 7s maintained lower pellet counts with larger individual pellet size. The difference in performance between the two directly reflects the difference in pellet count and shot size.

In practical terms, both loads produced dense, consistent patterns at typical turkey hunting distances. The No. 9s offer maximum pellet count and tighter pattern concentration, while the No. 7s provide fewer pellets with increased individual pellet size.

The MSRP for these loads is $72.99 per box.

HEVI-Shot is known as an industry leader in turkey hunting loads, and the company’s HEVI-18 is a testament to that. The density of TSS allows for higher pellet counts and strong pattern performance, which is exactly what these results showed.