Patterning

[HoofsandWings]

How many shots should I take at 40 yards per each load/choke combo? I talked to the range master and found a way to pattern within the range rules.
What diameter target should I be using to test my patterns?

Thanks

[strutnrut1984]

hi hoof , i dont usually by targets for patterning all ever use is a paper plate tacked onto a 2ftx 2ft square of cardboard. then i outline my forearm and fistonto the plate which is about the size of a good toms headand i color it in for realistic, u can usually tell your pattern with a few shots. are u using a scope?

[jackelope]

i usually shoot as many rounds as it takes for me to decide that i have a good pattern...usually just a couple.
i buy targets but thanks to strut i think i will be making my own. i have never thought about that.
i shoot 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 yards just to make sure i cover the bases.

[WDFW-SUX]

I've been playing with chokes alot lately and have decided that a light full and a full are the best ones for me.

[NWTFhunter]

I think that you can download a target off the national board.  Let me see if I can find a link for you

[MuleyontheWall]

We are heading out today to pattern the girlfriends new 870..I've always just taken two or three shots with each combo..and this is just me but I like having the turkey targets and replace it after each shot, that way what i do is write on the bottom of the target what each shell and choke was in the gun so at the end i can have them all sitting there and compair to decide which one worked out the best..

[yelp]

Start with a 4'x4' piece of plywood and a large enough piece of paper to see pattern.  I need to know where each combo hits to pick the best pattern/shot/choke combo for any particular gun.  This will limit the amount of ammo you go through.  Also patterning can be hard on the shoulder.  Also I always pattern gun from the ground like I hunt.  I use a chair and a tree or truck tire to back up against. It is also critical to see where your patterns hit to adjust the AIMPOINT or fiber optic sights (if you use them).  My favorite is the tri-viz by hi-viz.   I use them to dial the gun in so I know exactly what is going to happen to that turkeys head.  Decapitation is the name of the game. Ethically harvesting that tom. I also like to practice shooting out to 50+ yards just to know which combo is effective at those ranges to.  There is nothing like a state record Longbeard hanging up at 50 yards and you second guessing whether you can make the shot or not.  Ethically however it is better to pass if you aren't comfortable and then you can chase'm the next day.   

[jackelope]

i'm also using the tri-vis sight...it's the way to go. maybe a scope or aimpoint when i get a new gun.

[muleysgirl13]

muleonthewall and I did my 870 this afternoon and after about 2-3 shots of each different ammo it was pretty easy for us to tell that one was SIGNIFICANTLY better then all the others.  I still did about two more shots with each but it still came out the same.  I was using the same choke the whole time.  We had pretty good sucess and it was actually the cheaper of all the loads we had tried.  Every gun is different though.

[Gutpile]

I use two shots per load. I like the turkey targets for patterning but they are not necessary. Like others have said you know right away which loads shoot better than others.

I pattern at 40 yards for a 12 ga.
30 for a 20 ga.

[hornhunter]

One of those EXTRA FULL Turkey chokes is not a must unless you plan on taking 60-70 yard shots.  Any closer and the pattern is so small you can miss real easy.  Any FULL choke is just fine.  3" #5  patterns great through several guns my friends and I have shot.  My       

 

[Gutpile]

One of those EXTRA FULL Turkey chokes is not a must unless you plan on taking 60-70 yard shots.  Any closer and the pattern is so small you can miss real easy.  Any FULL choke is just fine.  3" #5  patterns great through several guns my friends and I have shot.  My       

 

Well, I somewhat agree but I have yet to meet ANYONE who missed because the pattern is too tight at short range and I know MANY people who have missed at 30+ because the pattern is not tight enough. Also NO turkey choke/load combo will get you 60-70 shots.

In turkey hunting and other things I say the tighter the better.

[hornhunter]

Gut,

Sure there are plenty of load /gun/choke that will get you out to 60-70.  Im not shooting that far, but YES it is possible.

[Gutpile]

Not consistantly

[ICEMAN]

Gut,

Sure there are plenty of load /gun/choke that will get you out to 60-70.  Im not shooting that far, but YES it is possible.

Wow, where did you see that? 60-70yard ethical shot range?  I would love to read about that....sounds just too far to me...  Any links you can provide?