I'm old enough to remember shooting lead at ducks as a youngster before the states started phasing it out in the mid-late 80's and the Feds banned it outright in '91. So I've been shooting steel ever since. Tried some Hevi-shot one time with underwhelming results.

Was listening to any interesting podcast the other day from a small sporting goods store in eastern AR (Webb's in Dewitt). They were formerly a sizable dealer for Migra. To make a long story short, Macks squeezed Migra into shutting off Webb's if Migra wanted to get a large order from Macks. So, BOSS gets wind of this and immediately approaches Webb's with an exclusive dealer arrangement. I like to support independent family owned businesses like this and have heard lots of positive about BOSS shells. Plus they have decent prices, and now that Macks is owned by BPS, I want to give these shells a try and support a local independent dealer at the same time. Anybody have any experience with these shells before i go load up on a couple cases? Knockdown power, range, etc?

No input on waterfowl loads, but BOSS is what I've used on pheasant hunts and I promise you any misses weren't the fault of the shells. I think they are great shells.

I goose hunt with an outfitter that has a sponsorship from BOSS and a pretty popular podcast. I got a couple boxes from them last year on our hunt when I was running low. It cycled in my gun just fine and it killed geese. It was more per box than if buying a case of my regular shells from Roger's, but it was there and I needed it.

I have shot them for a couple of seasons now. They pattern really well for me. I haven't had a chance to shoot their new version (warchief) but buddies that have like those too.

they are good. Hard to tell how good. I killed birds with steel too. But I do like BOSS. It is what I have shot the last three seasons. I think we just overthink all of this.

I love the 3/5. Have killed cranes, honkers, specks, snows, sea ducks and ton of puddle ducks.

Dad has been shooting out of 28 gauge 2 3/4" 7/8 oz. I have shot 16 gauge 2 9/16" out of my grandpa's old Parker (my go to) and 12 gauge. 2 3/4 and 3" out of Benelli.

Going to shoot a swan in N.C. with the 16 gauge and 3/5 in Jan.

Only misgiving is the pellets tend to fragment sometimes and 3/5 isn't enough wallop for big sea ducks.

Micropterus said:

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I'm old enough to remember shooting lead at ducks as a youngster before the states started phasing it out in the mid-late 80's and the Feds banned it outright in '91. So I've been shooting steel ever since. Tried some Hevi-shot one time with underwhelming results.

Was listening to any interesting podcast the other day from a small sporting goods store in eastern AR (Webb's in Dewitt). They were formerly a sizable dealer for Migra. To make a long story short, Macks squeezed Migra into shutting off Webb's if Migra wanted to get a large order from Macks. So, BOSS gets wind of this and immediately approaches Webb's with an exclusive dealer arrangement. I like to support independent family owned businesses like this and have heard lots of positive about BOSS shells. Plus they have decent prices, and now that Macks is owned by BPS, I want to give these shells a try and support a local independent dealer at the same time. Anybody have any experience with these shells before i go load up on a couple cases? Knockdown power, range, etc?

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I've been hunting Boss shells for 4+ years.

Starting with 3" #5. Now I just shoot the 2 3/4" #5, and I haven't noticed a difference except in recoil.

Mainly in a 1st Gen Benelli SBE. Out to 40+ yards with Carlson mid-range choke, they absolutely hammer ducks.

Most of what I hunt is teal, but I've seen no issues with Pintails, wigeon, or gadwalls.

Never shot the Warchief loads, but I've watched a number of youtube videos testing their claims, and the buffered loads pattern substantially better.

Next time I buy a case I will get the Warchiefs.

Bismuth is 2x the price of quality steel, but my duck per shell ratio is substantially better, and I think I get fewer cripples.

I can see the price might be daunting, but the extra $15-20 a hunt is worth it to me.

I didn't know bps owns macks

I've used Boss shells exclusively for waterfowl since 2021. I always hit the early teal in September and big ducks and geese in November-December.

I use only the shorty #5s in 12ga. I also have #5s and #7s in 16ga and 28ga. They are lethal, significantly decreasing cripples and the need for follow up shots. I've even taken early season Snows with them.

Warchief loads are great but it is hard to say they are "better" than the legacy loads. Both pattern really well. Size down shot size from steel (#4 steel-#5 bismuth) as a general rule.

It is a great company that is responsive and ships immediately. Highly recommend.

I've heard great things about BOSS shells too, especially their knockdown power with bismuth. It's awesome you're supporting Webb's, it's always nice to back independent dealers. I'd say grab a couple cases and see how they work for you.

kyledr04 said:

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I didn't know bps owns macks

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Yep, they closed on the deal this summer.
Appreciate all the responses; sounds like theyre quality shells from a quality company. Will report back through duck season.

While I haven't shot them, one of my hunting buddies does and I have been next to him on cranes and geese and I had steel. Short answer, if you shoot decoying birds it doesn't matter.

They do give you more pattern density and longer range, but again, if you have to resort to longer shots, the hunt is already most likely a bust. Let the birds work.

The only reason I'd shoot them would be in guns that aren't steel proof.

We have shot Boss for a couple of years now and like them just fine.