Help-terrible pattern

davedwrite · 10-05-2003, 12:25 AM

I went out today with my Rossi 20ga and from 30 yards fired a pattern that looked like it covered two acres. I was using Winchester 2 3/4in,#8 and the gun is a 3" modified. I know I picked the wrong shells, thought I had #6 turkey load (need to get the glasses changed)

Anyone have any suggestions on what to use with this gun?

davedwrite

Adrian J Hare · 10-05-2003, 05:16 AM

For turkeys, I would say try out a couple of brands, 3 inch in a number 4,or 6. I believe you got some Dove loads...BT

Bobgobble2 · 10-05-2003, 07:49 AM

Dave at 30 yards a modified choke is going to have a pretty wide open pattern.Too wide for turkey hunting in my opinion.Look to a a tighter choke constriction and use the proper shot size as BT suggested and you will have better results!

davedwrite · 10-05-2003, 10:58 AM

Thanks guys, unfortunately nothing I can do about the choke, not one I can change at least not without retooling as far as I know, but I;ll try another shell and try to get the birds in closer! Just love a challenge!!

davedwrite

KitsapCaller · 10-05-2003, 12:10 PM

Dave, can I be perfectly blunt with you for the purpose of helping you out? A modified choke will never deliver the pattern you' re looking for in a turkey shot. The only way you' re going to get the desired pattern is by going to a extra full turkey choke with either #4,#5, or #6 shot in 3" shell. I like #6 because it delivers more shot to the target, but many people like the 4' s and 5' s. Once you get the extra full choke, try at least three different namebrands of ammo (Rem, Win, and Fed?) and try all three at different distances. Maybe 20 and 30 yards. Don' t be discouraged! It took me almost four years to finally figure out what works for me.

Phish-On! · 10-05-2003, 10:13 PM

I was wondering if that Rossi has a choke tube threaded barrel - if not, and if you want to use that shotgun, you will probably need to either have it threaded by a reputable gunsmith or buy an extra barrel just for turkey that is (or can be) threaded. As the others have stated, a Modified choke won' t constrict your shot charge satisfactorily for turkey in most normal ranges (in any guage). Using a Modified will result in some kills, but you will likely wound and lose more.

I don' t know squat about Rossi shotguns, but if you are determined to use this one, I' d be scouting for a dedicated turkey barrel for that particular shotgun and once I had one I' d be starting my patterning at 15-20 yards with actual kick-ass " turkey loads" , and be working my way out from there. Best of luck.

Mr. Longbeard · 10-06-2003, 02:31 PM

I think I would save my money and buy a Turkey gun.... 12ga 3in