I do the same as Pygmy. I start with trap loads at 10 yards and try to punch out a 25 cent piece orange dot.

Once I have that done I then shoot at 20, 30, 40, with the real Mccoy -- real turkey loads I will use.

Far easier and less punishing doing the bulk with light loads.

Now the other thing that affects your pattern is your choke tube and then the load you are using and one may need to experiemtn with a few different types.

I use a 3 inch - Winchester Supreme #4 copper plated lead using a Hastings Choke.

Many here use Rino or Jelly Head chokes and then Heavy Shot -

I do have my gun patterned out to 55 yds easy but I will not shoot a bird until it is less than 30 or closer. I like them close.

The reason I went to a scope (use a Nikon Monarch) is my eyesight does not allow me to see a back ramp with a front bead on open sights any longer.

But this thread will be moved to the gun forum to see if we can get other user suggestions,

JW