Thread: 12ga 3" Steel

What you are doing is taking a snapshot of a random shot pattern but it is a 2 dimensional solution to a 3 dimensional problem. A pattern does not arrive flat but is elongated with pellets arriving first then last (obviously). If you fired five shots (at separate sheets) you're unlikely to get the same pattern. (shooting four shots at one sheet doesn't tell you much other than you were consistent with your deliberate point of aim)

For my mind a point of impact test is far more critical to good shooting with a shotgun as it is mostly about gun fit and impulse (as well as self control and shooting within your ability). To do your pattern test you deliberately aim (rifle) at the pattern sheet. An action that will see mostly misses on moving game.....

When I look at your sheets I think you have got your choke selection spot on from 35 yards and closer with around 20 odd effective pellets, though you maybe shooting slightly left. That same choke looks ok at 40 yards but will let you down occasionally at this range and beyond with around 9 effective pellets. Something also worth considering is that at 40 yards your pellets are doing a great job at punching through paper but will be loosing energy and penetrative power for game. If you feel you are a good enough shot to shoot regularly at 40 yards you might like to test the next choke down?

You can read too much into patterns. I pretty much leave my quarter choke in and rely on my ability select a target I know I can kill by putting the shot and target on a collision coarse. That 35 gram load of 4's you've tested has proved very effective on everything up to Canada's when shot in such a way.

Originally Posted by Tim Allen

What you are doing is taking a snapshot of a random shot pattern but it is a 2 dimensional solution to a 3 dimensional problem. A pattern does not arrive flat but is elongated with pellets arriving first then last (obviously). If you fired five shots (at separate sheets) you're unlikely to get the same pattern. (shooting four shots at one sheet doesn't tell you much other than you were consistent with your deliberate point of aim)

For my mind a point of impact test is far more critical to good shooting with a shotgun as it is mostly about gun fit and impulse (as well as self control and shooting within your ability). To do your pattern test you deliberately aim (rifle) at the pattern sheet. An action that will see mostly misses on moving game.....

When I look at your sheets I think you have got your choke selection spot on from 35 yards and closer with around 20 odd effective pellets, though you maybe shooting slightly left. That same choke looks ok at 40 yards but will let you down occasionally at this range and beyond with around 9 effective pellets. Something also worth considering is that at 40 yards your pellets are doing a great job at punching through paper but will be loosing energy and penetrative power for game. If you feel you are a good enough shot to shoot regularly at 40 yards you might like to test the next choke down?

You can read too much into patterns. I pretty much leave my quarter choke in and rely on my ability select a target I know I can kill by putting the shot and target on a collision coarse. That 35 gram load of 4's you've tested has proved very effective on everything up to Canada's when shot in such a way.

Thanks very much for that Tim.

Those shots were all fired with a Mod choke. I have not shot at anything live with my shotgun yet, so I couldn't say what ranges i'll be comfortable with. That is the tightest choke that I got with my Benelli M2 that is rated for steel shot though. Full and IM say no steel on them.

I have seen a lot of the aftermarket chokes advertised and may eventually get one of them, but I hear the problem then is that for regular range shots it rips things apart. I suppose that doesn't matter if you aren't going to eat whatever you are shooting at though!

I guess what i'm asking is are those patterns acceptable enough to warrant getting a slab of either of them - or should I do more testing with other ammo? Are they average patterns, bad patterns or good patterns? I have no basis for comparison so need you guys to chip in on that.

Oh and I better add that I shot one of the slugs at 100yds . That was super fun. Was only a couple inches off what I aimed at too - pretty impressed with the accuracy. I love these shotgun things .

how did you find the recoil of both loads given shot wieght is relatively the same was there a big diff between the 3 inch and 2 3/4 ??
i know the light m2 is a kicker but the difference between the 35/36 gram loads and the 30 gram hi velocity2 3/4 gamebores is marked in the boot stakes without effecting bird taking ability.

You mean I am past my peak, young fella?
I have news for you ha ha

nah mate only that you,ve come to the dark [subgauge] side of the force well partialy