As far as I'm concerned there's nothing Federal makes that comes in a 'quality' hull. It's all shoot and pitch including Gold Medal. I'm not saying they can't be reloaded, but life is too short to dork with inferior hulls. They're cheap for a reason.
The Herter's, Rio, Cheddite, etc. are the same deal. Have at it if you want, but I ain't gonna.
Remington 16s are the best available to load, and in fact the Remington is the best available in any gauge except 28 and 410 where AA is still king of the hill.
I've used enough of the Herter's factory shells to be able to recommend them highly in any gauge or loading. Cabela's should be commended for not charging the '16 gauge premium' on the Herter's line of shells. Bravo Cabela's.
The only alternative I can think of is in form of Winchester loads with stars on base (Starline make) in form of Browning ammo made at WW Australian facility. Not sure what quality cases are, but loaded ammo is substantially more expensive than equivalent loads from competition using Cheddite cases. Quite interestingly 16ga Winchester shells in grey boxes are also loaded at Australian factory but use Cheddite hull. That is the way it has to be because it would not be good if customers bought Browning ammo and found Winchester stamped on case base.
I believe that are fair number of buyers still think Browning actually manufactures something. Finding out the truth may not be good for company business. For example, what I mean is the new Browning Auto 5 with Benelli recoil system is collection of mass produced parts assembled into guns at secret location (I would guess Portugal or South Korea).
