Impressions and Results: Sight-In, 2014
#1
Impressions and Results: Sight-In, 2014
Well, folks, I hit the range today with my Browning Gold 10-gauge and its newly-mounted Leupold 1-4 scope and my Rhino choke tube.
I had variety of loads with me, ranging from 1 7/8 oz. Hevi-Shot No. 6's to 2 1/4 copper-plated No. 4's.
Velocities on the boxes ranged from 1050 fps to 1300 fps.
I also had a LOT of duct tape and paper plates.....
(I did the same thing with 12-gauge, 3 1/2-inch loads a few seasons ago).
I hate to break it to anyone in particular, but my conclusions are not earth-shattering, or even noteworthy - - except to the extent that they may reinforce conventional wisdom or common sense.
1. The ten-gauge patterns better and is capable of doing so at longer ranges than the 12-gauge; NOT night-and-day, but noticeable.
2. There are some differences between loads - - but a LOT less than the ammo manufacturers would suggest.
3. Almost any turkey load will do the job at any distance which a SANE hunter would dare to take a shot.
4. Closer is better. Much better. All loads spread out, then drop, as the distance to target increases.
5. A scope doesn't add a whole lot to a scatter gun's performance. There is some marginal utility in using one to accentuate one's focus on the target. A hunter is definitely NOT, however, under-equipped without one, and one with a scope is not necessarily at an advantage.
6. As homage to "Box O' Truth": it's fun to shoot stuff.
That's about it. I hope someone benefits. I guess if it works for you, keep doing it. It it doesn't, try something else.
I had variety of loads with me, ranging from 1 7/8 oz. Hevi-Shot No. 6's to 2 1/4 copper-plated No. 4's.
Velocities on the boxes ranged from 1050 fps to 1300 fps.
I also had a LOT of duct tape and paper plates.....
(I did the same thing with 12-gauge, 3 1/2-inch loads a few seasons ago).
I hate to break it to anyone in particular, but my conclusions are not earth-shattering, or even noteworthy - - except to the extent that they may reinforce conventional wisdom or common sense.
1. The ten-gauge patterns better and is capable of doing so at longer ranges than the 12-gauge; NOT night-and-day, but noticeable.
2. There are some differences between loads - - but a LOT less than the ammo manufacturers would suggest.
3. Almost any turkey load will do the job at any distance which a SANE hunter would dare to take a shot.
4. Closer is better. Much better. All loads spread out, then drop, as the distance to target increases.
5. A scope doesn't add a whole lot to a scatter gun's performance. There is some marginal utility in using one to accentuate one's focus on the target. A hunter is definitely NOT, however, under-equipped without one, and one with a scope is not necessarily at an advantage.
6. As homage to "Box O' Truth": it's fun to shoot stuff.
That's about it. I hope someone benefits. I guess if it works for you, keep doing it. It it doesn't, try something else.
Last edited by Grawlix; 03-11-2014 at 07:22 PM. Reason: spelling deficiencies...maybe brain damage...
#2
Quote!
5. A scope doesn't add a whole lot to a scatter gun's performance. There is some marginal utility in using one to accentuate one's focus on the target. A hunter is definitely NOT, however, under-equipped without one, and one with a scope is not necessarily at an advantage
5. A scope doesn't add a whole lot to a scatter gun's performance. There is some marginal utility in using one to accentuate one's focus on the target. A hunter is definitely NOT, however, under-equipped without one, and one with a scope is not necessarily at an advantage
So for this Ole Fart - a scope is a tremendous advantage and I won't leave home without it!
JW
#3
JW: My apologies. I didn't think about the older hunter/eyesight thing (probably because I wear pop-bottle glasses and have always been very badly nearsighted...in recent years, it has gotten worsei, and my other visions have started to deteriorate I now wear (no-line) trifocals).
Nothing says "sexy" like trifocals....
Nothing says "sexy" like trifocals....
#4
Hey No apology necessary at all!
Beauty of the forums......we get all sorts of opinions and if I can help ,I type if not or don't know I don't - sometimes.....
Note: Had cataract surgery both eyes - 1st eye at 46 - 2nd at 58. and it did give me 20/20 back in one eye. But I have grown very fond of my scope......
Ya, - I am vain too - blended trifocals......no lines.....but then the gray hair gives me away!
JW
Beauty of the forums......we get all sorts of opinions and if I can help ,I type if not or don't know I don't - sometimes.....
Note: Had cataract surgery both eyes - 1st eye at 46 - 2nd at 58. and it did give me 20/20 back in one eye. But I have grown very fond of my scope......
Ya, - I am vain too - blended trifocals......no lines.....but then the gray hair gives me away!
JW
#7
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Pine Hill Alabama USA
Posts: 1,280
also had a LOT of duct tape and paper plates.....
2. There are some differences between loads - - but a LOT less than the ammo manufacturers would suggest.
6. As homage to "Box O' Truth": it's fun to shoot stuff.