I came across a 1983 browning auto 5 12ga with a 26" fixed modified choke barrel in good condition a few weeks ago while visiting a local pawn shop at a deal I couldn't pass up. So I took it to the house with all plans on using it this upcoming year for deer hunting with buckshot. Before everyone jumps on the (why don't you use slugs wagon), the area I have to hunt is roughly 100 acres of 15 year old cut-over, so it is dog hair thick. My max shots would be probably in the neck of 45-50yds max. I took it out this morning to try and see what type of patterns it would throw. All shells were
2 3/4" as that is all it is chambered for. The targets were 24x21" in size @ 35yds.
Remington 000 8 pellet
7 pellets on paper 1 off paper
4 pellets in a 10" circle
6 pellets in a 18" circle

Remington 00 9 pellet
All 9 pellets on paper
5 in a 10" circle
8 in a 18" circle

Winchester 00 9 pellet
6 pellets on paper 3 off paper
3 pellets in a 10" circle
All 6 fell into the 18" circle

Federal 00 9 pellet
5 pellets on paper 4 off paper
4 in a 10" circle
5 in a 18" circle

Winchester #1 buckshot 16 pel.
9 pellets on paper 7 off
4 in a 10"circle
8 in a 18" circle

I just wanted to see if anyone else has patterned something similar to this set up and if they were getting better, same or worst results with different buckshot loads. Thanks in advance for any help. And I plan on hunting with this shotgun and not having it as a safe queen.