There is no doubt that the best, hard, spherical shot will make the best shells. I've done some amazing things with Remington STS's out of my 20 ga. LC at a stupid long crossing Sporting Clays station.
Unfortunately, finding that perfect shot is difficult, if not nearly impossible.
On the other hand, I still have half a ton of lead I bought at 11 bucks a bag, a closet full of wads and a small stack of sleeves of Fiocchi primers picked up at 75 bucks. My practice shells, most of them 7/8ths, run just north of $2.55.
If I were still competing, though, I'd shoot the best lead I can find, be that in my reloads or in factory premium loads.
