Originally Posted by
bald9eagle
Sounds like a fine pattern to me.
Couple questions. How long is your barrel? A longer barrel will improve the pattern.
How many shots did you take with the Nitros? I ask cause I've heard guys talking about taking only one or two shots and being done.
Were you using a Lead Sled or sand bags on a bench? When sighting in or patterning my gun I like to make sure that I am as steady as possible. You need to take all variables out of the equation. Did I flinch? Was I steady?
One more thing....As much as I love the Nitros and how they pattern at long ranges....try being patient and make shorter shots.
Answers:
1. 26" barrel
2. 7 shots with Nitros
3. Used a bench with sandbags and was rock steady. Pattern was same every shot. And used a huge backdrop to establish my pattern.
I have shot lots of birds, but 30-40 yards isn't what I'm worried about. It's the birds that hang up at 50ish yards that concern me. I think my pattern is exceptional at closer ranges. But I am in the hunting industry and am blessed to hunt a lot. And hunting 30-40 days of turkey, the occasional 50 yard bird isn't uncommon. Just trying to be able to make it count when this shot arises. So, far, my birds don't fall at 50 yards, but at 30 they cut backflips. Just trying to get a bit more distance. And to me losing 90 pellets in a pattern at 10 yards more isn't acceptable. Maybe I'm overly anal about it, but I know guys dropping birds at ridiculous ranges that I'm scared to say how far. I should be able to kill them at 50, but for some reason I'm not. My 3 1/2" SX2 with a Rhino choke or Kick's Gobblin' Thunder is no better than my 3" gun at these distances. And I'm shooting the rowdiest rounds on the market, I figured for better patterns.