Interesting 28 Gauge /20 Gauge Test
- Thread starter 28 gauge 2
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Falconflyer
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Pattern trumps payload, that simple.
Well that's debatable.
If you have a concentrated pattern then payload isn't as important but if you have an open pattern then payload can help make up for it. The bottom line is that regardless of the gauge, the more payload on target the more effective the load will be.
Is your 20 gauge as you tested it, using 3 inch ?Comparing it to a 2 3/4 inch 28 gauge?
Both used 2.75"
I have tested it with 3" as well. Turkey loads and heavy shot do well in both. The 7/8oz pattern more evenly then heavier loads
Exception is steel waterfowl loads. The 3" pattern better for kent fast steel in the 20s
I have tested it with 3" as well. Turkey loads and heavy shot do well in both. The 7/8oz pattern more evenly then heavier loads
Exception is steel waterfowl loads. The 3" pattern better for kent fast steel in the 20s
I generally agree that more payload on target for hunting is the best ,but have found that my 2 3/4 20g loads seem to pattern better than my 3" in my browning 20 gold .The 3 " kent have definite pattern holes with steel # 2 .Both through a pattermaster choke.Will do some 28 g 3" this year now that I have them.
Looking forward to hearing a report on that.
Move down in shot size to #4 and the patterns should even out and the increased pellet count fills in the gaps
Not that I am aware of.Have not seen any Boss ammunition for sale in Canada.
I remember back in the old days of lead I mostly used 1 1/4 ounce or 1 3/16 ounce loads in my 12 gauge duck guns.The Boss 28 gauge 3 inch load has a 1 1/16 payload,so pretty close to the old lead loads that I used in the past.
Well…it’s a long story but my plans to drive down to CSMC this spring with my son to shop for a Win21 in 28g got changed. Found a Win23 2 barrel hunt set 20g and 28g 1/500 Custom at Dawsons Doubles in Texas.
I was shocked, built in the ‘90s and still unfired brand new in the box. Been shooting with the 28g barrels this week on birds and clays. Love it, may never put on the 20g barrels (I do have another Win23 in 20g) in the safe. Ive got my opinions on 20g vs 28g but I love all my 28g shotguns so my biased would show. Ive shot bismuth through one of my Win model 12’s in 28g but will never shoot steel out of my 20-28g gun. Its just me. Based on a few hundred thousand shells I know that a 28g pushes gently on my shoulder but hammers hard from the front end. Reloads 7/8oz #7-1/2
I was shocked, built in the ‘90s and still unfired brand new in the box. Been shooting with the 28g barrels this week on birds and clays. Love it, may never put on the 20g barrels (I do have another Win23 in 20g) in the safe. Ive got my opinions on 20g vs 28g but I love all my 28g shotguns so my biased would show. Ive shot bismuth through one of my Win model 12’s in 28g but will never shoot steel out of my 20-28g gun. Its just me. Based on a few hundred thousand shells I know that a 28g pushes gently on my shoulder but hammers hard from the front end. Reloads 7/8oz #7-1/2
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Licensed to kill
CGN Regular
- Location
- Peace Country Alberta
Trying to understand, if you have a 28ga and want it to hit like a 20ga, why not just get a 20?. When it come to bird hunting, it seems many (most?) strive to get the same performance from their gauge as the standard load in the next gauge up, 12ga shooters want it to hit like a 10, 20 gauge guys want to hit like a 12, the 28 guys want to hit like a 20. Trying to understand, why MAX load a sub gauge rather than just shoot the same load as a standard load in the next gauge up?? What am I missing?
Weight balance and swing the smaller they go the more electric they become. A true small frame guage specific gun with long fluid barrels are a wonder more so with a sxs double gun. Some of us don't like to dance with big heavy women !
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Licensed to kill
CGN Regular
- Location
- Peace Country Alberta
Hmmmm, something to think about. Of course, reducing the weight and keeping the payload increases felt recoil. Thanks for thought provoking reply.
I have a 28 gauge Winchester Model 23 Classic.Have used it some in the past,but no so much of late years.Usually if I take a SXS 28 gauge, it is my AYA Model 3A.Not a put down of the Model 23 28 gauge, which is a great gun.Just what I prefer that's all.
Enjoy the 28 gauge Model 23 and please keep us posted on farther adventures with the gun.
Thank you Mr 28g…the little AYAs are beautiful dainty little guns, an old friend has one, doesn’t shoot it but wont sell it.
Mr Warzaw’s comment WAS thought provoking….still trying to remember all the girls I danced with and what weight classes they were in. Amazing how easily we can get sidetracked by women blessed with 38-24-36 dimensions and blonde hair. And yes some if the bigger gals can step on your toes and push back….or so I have been told. Cheers.
Mr Warzaw’s comment WAS thought provoking….still trying to remember all the girls I danced with and what weight classes they were in. Amazing how easily we can get sidetracked by women blessed with 38-24-36 dimensions and blonde hair. And yes some if the bigger gals can step on your toes and push back….or so I have been told. Cheers.
sillymike
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
While I haven't hunted ducks in at least a decade (or maybe 2), and it's probably been longer since I pattern any duck loads...
- Is this supposed to be considered a good/acceptable pattern?
- Is this supposed to be considered a good/acceptable pattern?
Id say a good enough load for mallards that will go into the roasting pan. Its crushing clays vs not chewing on pellets on game for the table. 5 good sized pellets on a bird are lethal. If you need a tighter pattern then step up 10 yards closer to the target. If you need your ducks closer place your decoys and 4 gallon pail of cracked corn closer to your blind. Highly recommended practice by market hunters, not so much by game wardens. Stumbling around in a swamp in a pair of leaking chest-waders brings back decades old memories for me. Cheers.
