absolutely. its best to pattern with at least 3 shot sizes every year. metal expands and shrinks in certain climates and temps so its best to pattern before you head out to the woods, find the load that best suites your choke and shooting distances. the more pellets in the kill zone the better off. Loads change from time to time so do not assume all mfg'd loads of the same load are going to shoot the same. They dont. Try 3 differnt mfg'd loads such as Remington, Federal, etc....they will not pattern the same.Also try different shot sizes and length shells such as 2 3/4, 3 inch and if yourereciever will take 3 1/2 inch, try them. Hope this helps.