Hi All,

Has anyone found better performance - with more payload hitting the target downrange - with LARGER shot size?

I usually use #6 but inadvertently picked up a box of #5 shot this spring, which I blame on my aging eyes. Serendipity at work - after running a test between #5 and #6, I'll be damned but the #5 drastically outperforms the #6. I'm getting a better pattern with no holes larger than 2", more hits and much higher percentage (almost 55% in an 8x11 target) of the #5 payload at 40 yards.

It's also a bit bizarre, largely because I've always used Winchester ammo in this gun and the pattern has always been slightly better when the barrel is a little dirty. I can honestly say that the #5 really love a clean barrel and performance tanks quickly with a dirty barrel. So I've actually switched from using #6 Longbeard in a dirty barrel to #5 Longbeard in a clean barrel - and actually seeing MORE pellets downrange. I never thought I would see more hits with #5 than #6 at 40 yards...

Considering I've run almost every commercial turkey load made since 2000 through that barrel (including those Hornady loads that should be outlawed) - I'm hypothesizing this new resin technology by Winchester really has changed the game.

I am using #5 also and love them.

I'm using that load in #4's and finding excellent results as well. But my gun seems to prefer 4's in about any loading.

The Longbeard XR shells have produced BY FAR the best pattern ever given by my Mossberg 835. They have also dropped at least 3 gobblers at 42 yards (without even flopping on a couple). I've been using the 3 1/2" #5's but bought a box of 3" #6's to test. Haven't done that yet ...

For alot of years I used #6.
Then patterned #4s for just that reason. More whallop and hopefully extend my range.
For your answer, YES I did get a good pattern. It gave me 5 more yards if I need it.

I use the 1 7/8 oz load and use a Jebs headhunter .655 choke, it throws awesome patterns

Using #6 and it has been excellent for me.

JW - if you haven't already, you might want to test #5 shot, you may find an even better happy medium...

I do use Winchester #5s in my 20 ga. 35 yard range if needed.
But will stick with Winchester #4 in my 12.

Don't need to screw with what works!

Besides....
All I need is a round that patterns well less than 20 yards. My current yard average for all the birds I have harvested is 22!.

20 or less is the way I hunt. My preference only.

JW

Switched to #4's myself. Was always a #5 guy, but like the patterns these put out of my gun.