Patterning Question

rookiebowhuntr_PA · 03-31-2007, 12:42 PM

Hello
I'm shooting a Mossberg 535 with a xx choke and 3" # four shells. If I shoot this at 20 yards how many pellets in the vitals would be good to see?
If I am not getting good numbers in the vitals should I change the bullet or the choke?
Thanks for your help.

jepcho · 03-31-2007, 01:09 PM

At 20 yards you should be getting an extensive amount of pellets in the head and neck. Numbers can vary but to get an idea, a good pattern would be 35 or so on up. If you are not getting the results you want, try different ammo first, because it is a little cheaper. If that doesn't work then you can move to trying a different choke tube.

BullRider115 · 03-31-2007, 01:22 PM

I shoot the 535 and at 40 yards I put 23 in theneck and head with 97 in a 10" circle. I used the Winchester Double X magnums 3" #4 shot.

Rebel Hog · 03-31-2007, 02:18 PM

The ideal pattern for turkey hunting is 100 pellets in a 10-inch circle at 40 yards. This density means that there should be plenty of pellets in the small vital area of the turkey"™s head and neck to kill it quickly and ethically.

No. 6 turkey loads (approximately 222 pellets per ounce), then a 2-ounce load of No. 6s should pattern about 25% of its shot in the 10-inch circle. Two ounces of No. 5s (171 pellets per ounce) should give you a pattern of about 30%. Two ounces of No. 4s (135 pellets per ounce) should result in a 37% pattern. These numbers are based on lead pellets, so heavier-than-lead alloy pellets will have fewer pellets per ounce and the percentage will differ slightly.

SwampCollie · 04-01-2007, 05:04 AM

My gun will put the entire pattern on a paper plate at 20 yards. If I miss the vitals, it ain't the guns fault....

Shoot at a larger target board! You choke should be very tight at that distance, no matter what you are shooting. I would also take some shots at 30 yards, because at that range, you will be able to see any issues with your choke/load combo.

Mr. Longbeard · 04-01-2007, 07:51 AM

If your shooting a turkey gun with a turkey choke. I wouldn't even waste much time at 20 yards... I would focus more on 30,35, and 40 yards... Even a mossberg should throw a killing pattern at 20 and 30 yards

Arrowmaster · 04-01-2007, 08:04 AM

Well my Mossberg throws a killing pattern at 50 yards. Always make sure you practice at 20 yards as well and out farther. Mossberg is a very reliable gun. Just pattern and practice and then have patience while out hunting...