How many hits in the vitals is enough?
I just put a scope (Simmons ProDiamond 2X) on my Mossberg 835 and patterned it this morning. I shot 3.5" 4s and 5s as well as 3" 5s at around 37 yards. I also shot those using 2 different size Hastings chokes.
The 3.5" shells did better than the 3"---but how many hits are enough? I have read the postings about what is considered a vital area. Counting and being very conservative about what constitutes a vital area---I averaged around 15 hits in the backbone and vital head areas. Using an HS Strut target I actually had up to 34 hits in the neck and head area---but I did not consider all of them vital hits (the beak for example). It would seem to me that 15 hits would be plenty lethal. Would you all agree or should I try some more types of shells? Right now I am pleased---both with the scope and with the hits and am biting the bit for the season to open in 3 weeks.