2/34 vs 3dr pattern

Assuming identical shot weights in theory the slower moving load should pattern tighter. Having patterned a variety of shot shells the difference is only noticeable with extreme velocity differences and the 50fps difference between 2-3/4 dram and 3 dram loads is negligible.
 
I don't think the target will notice any difference ... LOL. 3 dram loads seem to hit the targets a little harder than 2 3/4, but that is just a casual unscientific observation. Try contacting Neil Winston through Trapshooters.com and ask him. I believe that I recall him doing some testing on that specific question. There may be some old threads there about that ...
 
Slower lead shells pattern better than faster shells. There are less deformed pellets. After nearly 30 years of patterning, this is a fact. Another thing to look at is how the wad covers some or all the pellets. If it does not cover all the pellets, there is a bunch that will be deformed due to barrel contact. One more thing to consider, fast shells have more recoil, loose velocity at twice the rate of slower shells and have no significant difference in energy at 40 plus yards!
Henry
 
Is their a reason you need to beat yourself up more by stepping up to a 3dr.eq. target load vs the lighter recoiling 2 3/4dr. eq.? My pet 1oz handload is 1200FPS, is more than adequate for shooting trap. Recoil is an enemy when shooting targets, you never want more than neccesary. The faster almost always will pattern worse due to more shot deformation. The pattern board will tell you how much worse.
 
I've found thru my guns with 7/8 oz loads that the step up in speed patterns tighter. I'm pushing 1350-1375 fps and they hit pattern boards tighter than at 1200 fps. This is my findings and no way the rule I'm sure as slower loads usually patterns better
 
Boy, you must like excessive recoil! Load 3/4 oz 12 ga and have some fun. I'll bet your scores go up with the reduced recoil!
 
Here is 2 cents ... Always 1 1/8 oz. because that is the maximum load you can have. 2 3/4 dram at 16 yards, handicap or 3 dram at mid yardage handicap and 3 1/4 dram Super Handicaps at long yardage handicap. My theory is that you don't change much through the process and generally, you shoot the targets the same way at all yardages.
 
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