Just to let anyone know who likes to shoot Monarch SS. I was at Academy today and they let me know, this years shells are made of aluminum not brass. Not for me.

The only shells that are Brass headed are remington STS and winchester AA... the rest are just colored brass, steel heads. Federal Gold medal may be actual brass as well, but I don't reload them, so I don't know.

Try a magnet on them and check for yourself. The STS and AA will barely stick as the only thing ferrous is the primer cup.

Thanks Elpatoloco, gonna have to try that. I really like the Monarchs, they are a little more smoke, powdery, but like em so so. How about Rios?

BTW, Academy has the best prices for Win AA shells. Plus Winchester has a $2 per box rebate going on right now. I mainly shoot 28ga and 20ga for doves. The Win AA super sport #7.5 1300FPS hit hard and have great range. I have not used the Monarch shells.

For factory loads, Rios are my favorites and they are made right here in Texas.



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RIO's for me.

12Ga 7.5 brand doesn't really matter- shoot Mod in states- I mod to extra full in South America- but w a 20ga- for they money, buy Rio 1oz if you can find them

55 a flat after rebate no shipping cost Rogers sporting goods online- I use xtra light loads no need for "silver bullets" too much recoil

Just ordered from Academy 10 boxes of Winchester AA Super-Handicap Target Load $7.49 a box with $2.00 a box mail in rebate. $5.49 a box ain't bad. The super-handicap has been my favorite shell for years.

YEP, I got my $20 check from Winchester last week. This is the BEST deal on a Premium shot shell. Mine are Sporting 8's, dove killers

pretty sure that rio makes the monarch's Hulls look identical and both are dirty

Remington Shurshots #6 for me though

They do, just a cheaper version.

I too like the RIO's they work great in my semi auto, they can be a little dirty but they action through my Winchester SX2 real well... Cabela's has em...

Monarch Dove Load this year is made by Winchester.

I just picked up 3 cases of Remington 20g shells. I started a thread a few days back about Rem shells tight in my 20g O/U. I checked some shells in the 3 cases I just baught and they fit great just like they should. I texted my dove lease buds who shot a lot of rio last year...they said their going back to Remingtons this year. Rio were ok but they all thought the Rem's touched a few birds out there better than the rio's.

I was looking at the Monarchs though as I loaded up the Rem cases...$20 case cheaper than the Rems.