I have shot hypersonics and black clouds ( I consider these higher end shells), but in all honesty, cheap winchesters and kents work just fine for me. My opinion is that hypersonics are not worth it for me, but that might not be the case for you if you shoot them and they work well for you. Then again, you are probably a better shot than me and you might take 40 yard shots and longer (maybe blindsides and hypersonics are better for longer shots). I really try to keep my shooting within my comfortable range which is no longer than 30 yards, but prefer to shoot ducks 20 yards and closer. Cheap shells work very good for me when I shoot in my range. I would buy a box next season if I were you and try them. Love to see them fold and hit the water dead!

the new remington shells are super loud.hunting buddy used them for 2 seasons he shot one woodie just as it poped of the water. it fell not dead he shot it again then again.this was over decoys so 25 yard tops.i start walking out to get it the duck pops up and tries to fly away i pulled up and shot it with cheap 8yr old federal ammo and put an end to that.second year we hunted 2 ducks come in we shot at them just above the water i was shooting cheap winchester experts him hypersonic.mine droped dead he missed his first shot then hit it with a second and it lived long enough to give us the slip 2 hrs of looking couldnt find it. were both not good shots and missed alot with ammo we both use.i never personaly tried the ammo.like the concept of the new winchester blindside but to rich for my blood.

BDhunter (3/21/2013)the new remington shells are super loud.hunting buddy used them for 2 seasons he shot one woodie just as it poped of the water. it fell not dead he shot it again then again.this was over decoys so 25 yard tops.i start walking out to get it the duck pops up and tries to fly away i pulled up and shot it with cheap 8yr old federal ammo and put an end to that.second year we hunted 2 ducks come in we shot at them just above the water i was shooting cheap winchester experts him hypersonic.mine droped dead he missed his first shot then hit it with a second and it lived long enough to give us the slip 2 hrs of looking couldnt find it. were both not good shots and missed alot with ammo we both use.i never personaly tried the ammo.like the concept of the new winchester blindside but to rich for my blood.

Sounds like your buddy's choke is too open.

"When you hear my third shot.....that's your signal to take 'em."-Phil Robertson

ya he used an improved choke then went to a mod.he gave up duck hunting couse he cant use lead anymore i suggested hevi shot if you like paying alot for shells his response was its not fast enough.some people i guess.good pattern results just picked up an 870 and have a bunch of cheap remington sportsmen ammo.hopping to pattern it soon.

I know that you were wanting to decide between the hypersonic and the blind side, but i think Federal Ammo's Black Cloud is by far the best shell for sale. I had always been biased for anything Remington especially when it came to ammo, but this past season i decided to give Black Clouds a try. It was by far the hardest hitting shell i had ever shot despite the 1450 fps. I did not have to take second shots on wounded ducks but instead they were dropping first hit. The best thing to do is just try different shells out on your own! hope this is some help!

While I won't put down Winchesters load I will say it is STEEL and only STEEL. No matter what color, how fast and what shape you make it... steel is steel is steel and will always be steel.

With that said, Hevi Metal is my go to load, 3" BB's for just about everything so I don't have to worry what box for what hunt. Yes it does have steel in it, which does help keep the price lower, but has REAL Hevi Shot pellets in this that truly make it hard hitting and the pattern density is amazing.