The shells I usually shoot cost between $9 and $10 a copy. Naturally, I don't want to burn too many in the patterning process. I especially hate wasting them when sighting in my red-dot. In your experience how much, if any, variance do you find in the PATTERN CENTER when trying different loads.

I would definetly buy some 2 3/4 inch turkey loads(cheap ones) and start my sight in with them...

I just did this last week end. I had a bunch of win XX 2.75 turkey loads laying around. Set a target up at 10 yards and sighted my gun in on a 1" bulls eye until my pattern was centered... Then I moved out to 30, then 40... Once I get my pattern were I want it I put the expensive shells in and shoot a couple....

No matter how you do it your going to have to bite the bullet and shot at least 3 to 5 of those expensive shells

Did your pattern center move much when you switched?

I use 2 3/4 at a close range to find my center. Then when I have it centered go to the big boys. You could also use some regular turkey loads to make sure your center is stilll on before you use your high dollar shells. I don't know whether your center will change or not I have not tried it. I sure would liek to get some nitro shells myself.

You must have figured it out from the price. Amazing shells. Shooting a New England 10 ga., single shot with a rhino choke, I have gone 15 for 15 over the last 3 years. All at 50 yards or less except one at 65. I keep thinking one of the bigs will come up with a similar shell for half the price.....