RE: New Englander 12 gauge
Well I specifically ordered it with the full choke. And I was surprised that the felt wads shot a tighter pattern then the shot cup. I still have a lot of playing around to do. I also discovered that if you swab between shots, the pattern is tighter.
I also discovered that the over the powder, and the felt shot buffer will not load through the choke. I specifically asked Fox Ridge Outfitters, "Do you have to remove the choke in order to load the shotgun?" They told me No you do not. Well they must shoot them with a plastic shot cup. I can load that with out removing the choke.
Also recoil is not all that bad.I was surprised. I will try some of the other things you all mentioned. This is a lot of fun to play with. My goal is a 30+ yard turkey load.