How to pattern a turkey gun (Second Edition for 2009)
#43
Nontypical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Where the ducks don't come no more
Posts: 4,420
Very first post of the thread...
I shoot an 835 Grand Slam with a .670 Pure Gold using a 3.5" 1 3/4oz load of Hevi-13 #6s. That bottom picture that has the gun and all is its result at 40 yards.
Don't flinch... you'll miss.
#44
Add some advice here.
When patterning a gun for the first time or putting new sights/scope on start by backing up about 10 yards or so and shooting light field loads. I do this from a bench with my gun strapped to a lead sled. This is a cheap way to adjust your sight and get it pretty close before moving out. I will still shoot 4-5 more rounds of light field loads from further out to make sure I am on with my sights.
At this point you can follow what swamp has suggested with your turkey loads. If you have an ammo dealer nearby that is willing to do it you should ask them to to sell individual shells to pattern with. Buying a box of 5 at 25 bucks is tough for patterning purposes. The last one I messed with I went out and bought 2 Nitros, 2 Extended Range, 2 Magnum Blend, and 2 Hevi-shot #6. I take a shot at 30 and at 40. I prefer to go with one choke tube instead of going through 2-3. I will study on it a bit, see what others are saying about certain combos, check with choke/ammo/gun makers to see what they suggest.
Personally I think we as a group sometimes get too caught up in getting a perfect pattern and will spend WAY too much money and time when we have a very good pattern. I can make 40 yard shots but 85-90% of the shots I will make will be inside 30 yards.
When patterning a gun for the first time or putting new sights/scope on start by backing up about 10 yards or so and shooting light field loads. I do this from a bench with my gun strapped to a lead sled. This is a cheap way to adjust your sight and get it pretty close before moving out. I will still shoot 4-5 more rounds of light field loads from further out to make sure I am on with my sights.
At this point you can follow what swamp has suggested with your turkey loads. If you have an ammo dealer nearby that is willing to do it you should ask them to to sell individual shells to pattern with. Buying a box of 5 at 25 bucks is tough for patterning purposes. The last one I messed with I went out and bought 2 Nitros, 2 Extended Range, 2 Magnum Blend, and 2 Hevi-shot #6. I take a shot at 30 and at 40. I prefer to go with one choke tube instead of going through 2-3. I will study on it a bit, see what others are saying about certain combos, check with choke/ammo/gun makers to see what they suggest.
Personally I think we as a group sometimes get too caught up in getting a perfect pattern and will spend WAY too much money and time when we have a very good pattern. I can make 40 yard shots but 85-90% of the shots I will make will be inside 30 yards.
#45
Fork Horn
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 115
HeviShot. They are absolutely the best turkey shell
that I have ever used. It is amazing the penetration
these shells get at extended ranges.
#46
At 25yrds about 99% of my pattern is in the 10" circle.
At 35yrds about 70% huge fifference.
I will never get these 40-50 yard ranges because I cannot afford paying $3/ shell to pattern a gun.
I will hunt 30yards and under and spend $1 per shell.
In the woods I hunt, I can't see even getting a clear shot on a bird much over 20 yards anyways.
#48
Spike
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Virginia
Posts: 1
I recently rolled a Jake at 50 yards on the move. This was my first bird and I was using my Remington 870 w/ Nitro's. I did not pattern my shotgun but my best friend did when he bought the gun in 2004. Its funny because he actually recommended I use Fed. Prem.
Can anyone provide feedback on going to a shorter barrel and how it will effect my pattern?
Can anyone provide feedback on going to a shorter barrel and how it will effect my pattern?