R33h:

I agree this should be the first step before going to the smaller targets. If the dense part of the pattern is not at the point of aim one must make some sight adjustments or find a load that is placing the pay load at the point of aim.

I have seen patterns on paper that were shaped like a donut with the shot pattern circling the aiming point and leaving very few BB's in the center of the bullseye. Also most common the center of the dense pattern can be off in any direction. This type of problem is probably not going to be discovered on smaller paper. It could be performing very well, but needs a sight adjustment.

To find the best load takes sometime, lots of papers an a lot of recoil....

Have fun.....