ORIGINAL: it flies it dies
I tested my 12 gauge Remington 870 Express with 3" 1 7/8 oz, 5 shot and my patterning was great at 10 paces and more then adequate at 20 but was starting to lack at 30 but I still had over 10 bb's in the vitals on the head/neck but only had 3 at 40. Should I call this good and just not take anything over 30yds or should I look for a different choke or different shell?
I have similar results with my 870 and a Rem. Super Full Turkey choke. Best load I've tried is the 2 oz. #5's from Winchester Supreme XX. I tried the Hevi Shot and about every other load last year and came back to this load. The 5's even patterned better than the same load in #6's.
I'm looking to try the new Federal Flight Control loads and see how they do. Might get a new choke too just to see.