thanks for the replies guys but in answer to your questions born 2 bow hunt i've never taken a shot over 45 yards. that is my maximum range, and i won't risk injuring a bird by stretching it any further. i'm just interested in putting about fifteen to twenty in the kill zone at 45 yards. i agree that 9 pellets will kill the bird, but i want to be absolutely confident i will make a clean kill at longer ranges and not cripple a tom. as for your other question, i patterned two different loads, and i shot three shells per load at each range to make sure i was gettinga consistent pattern. once again, i really appreciate your replies. Good luck this season and God Bless