Pattern Opinions?

[Bigger Fish]

So…I patterned my gun this weekend, all at 20 yards:

1st load:  2-3/4”, 1-1/4 oz, #5 – not very dense.

2nd load:  3”, 1-1/4 oz, #4 – decent density, as you can see below.  I think my stock is a little long – I have the bruise to prove it.

3rd load:  Was supposed to be 3-1/2”, 2 oz, #4.  But I didn’t shoot it.  Why?  Because it got stuck in the action.  Why?  Because after the range master managed to work it out, we realized I had bought a box of 10 gauge shells.  Man, did I feel stupid!  But it ain't the first time...

I think someone was just trying to tell me that I don’t need to be shooting 3-1/2” shells, and quite frankly, with the wallop from the 3”, and the density I got from it, I’m good with that.

Here's load #2:



Thoughts?

[Curly]

Why are you patterning at 20 yards?  Wouldn't you be more interested to see how the pattern is at 30 or 40 yards?

It does show that you should be able to pulverize that turkey's head at 20 yards.

[Bigger Fish]

The range I was at only allowed patterning from 20 yards.

[jackelope]

MAke sure you pattern it at 40-50 yards and determine your max effective range but with a pattern like that I bet you'll be fine. That's a great pattern there. There's no need for 3.5" mag's...they could make a turkey more deader but thats really not necessary, once they're dead, they won't get any more dead.

[yelp]

I would try to pattern 35-40 yards.  IF all you have is a 20 yd range then it must be very consistant and dense pattern.  You shooting a choke?  I would suggest shooting  the densest pattern you can.  I also like the shells that have different size shots 5 and 6.  I call them gap fillers.  If you are shooting loose patterns at 20 they will be really loose at 40.  Als use a turkey target with skeleton to be able to count the actual pellets.  I find that is more realistic than shooting at a round target.  I have a comfort zone of 40 yards but I also know what my gun will do at 50.  You won't know unless you shoot.  Try finding a spot where you have some distance.  YOu never know hwen that tom may get hung up and you then have to decide if he is close enough or not!  By the way I shoot the 3.5" candlesticks and my objective is decapitation..period!  I can guarantee that Tom ain't going anywhere than in my vest!  Plus I still shake too much from all the excitement and I like to hedge the bet!  LOL

[crane]

I also stress the distance thing.  From the looks of that pattern you may not get any pellets in the bird at forty.  It looks kinda loosey goosey for a twenty yard shot.  Ten Gauge in a twelve???  You will shoot your eye out.  Pay real close attention to the proper caliber, people die from stuff like that!!!!!!!!!

[gaddy]

i pattern from 20 to 40 & found my jellyhead & 3 1/2 #6 to be the most consistant with shot density in all ranges. fortunately all my Turks have been close & was able to adjust my shots so as not to pepper the bird with shot, hitting only the head & neck. i do have to say that the first time i tried this combo it was an eye opener. good thing you only have to shoot once if all goes as planed

[Bigger Fish]

Yelp:  Sorry, forgot to mention - Carlson's Extra Full choke.  (.685?)

Crane:  Certainly was not my intention.  I had been having difficulty finding 3.5" 12 gauge shells.  When I saw these on the shelf, I just grabbed them (cuz they were surrounded by all 12 gauge ammo), and assumed they were 12's.  Lack of attention on my part, but that's how one learns I guess...

All:  If I had an option to shoot farther, I would have, but didn't have the choice at this particular range.  All of my targets with the 3" had about the same density.