Worth the Recoil? Remington’s New HyperSonic High Speed Steel Shotgun Loads

Later this year, Remington will offer the heaviest, fastest steel loads yet made. The new HyperSonics will containing 1 1/8, 1 ¼ and 1 3/8 ounce loads launched at a screaming 1700 fps. (I know, for you rifle guys, 1700 fps is plodding. In a shotgun, 1700 fps is off the speedometer). The nearest competitor in the speed derby is Kent, whose Fasteel clocks in at 1625, but with lighter payloads.

The technology behind the HyperSonics is ingenious. A new wad called the Turbo Jet (see picture) makes it possible for …… Remington to put so much shot at such high velocity in a shell without reaching dangerous chamber pressures. A hollow stem running from the bottom of the shotcup to the primer holds a small powder charge; the main charge surrounds it. Upon ignition, the first charge starts the wad and shot down the muzzle. Then, the second charge ignites in the larger space. The increased volume behind the wad allows the remainder of the powder to burn without creating excessive pressure. The result is a shell capable of launching more shot faster than any other I am aware of.

The shotcup is actually self-slitting. It starts out as one piece, to keep the shot together and pattern tighter (like Federal’s Black Cloud) then the “stress concentrators” on the sides cut the shotcup into petals, releasing the pellets.

All of this speed and technology will give you:
1. 16% greater pellet energy.
2. Leads reduced by 8 inches on 40 yard crossing shots.
3. A recoil headache. The 1 ¼ ounce Hypersonics will generate almost 50% more recoil than a “standard” 1450 fps 1 ¼ ounce high velocity steel load.

High velocity steel does seem to work even better in the field than it does on paper* but my gut reaction to HyperSonics is, the extra recoil isn’t worth the extra killing power and shorter leads. Of course, I am easily bruised. So, is it worth it? You tell me.

*I wouldn’t say the same about lead, and I think the current trend to 1450-1500 fps lead loads is silly.