Hi-Velocity vs. Pattern Density

scout3006

scout3006

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
215   0   0
Location
Chatham, Ontario
I notice that steel waterfowl loads come in two basic configurations; a heavier payload at "normal" velocity vs. a lighter payload at higher velocity. Which one is better? I have always been of the opinion of denser shot patterns = quicker kills, but is high velocity the way to go when using steel for ducks and geese?:runaway:

gorilla_cleaning_one_another_md_wht.gif
 
You need both density (pattern) and penetration (velocity).

Enough pellets (density) penetrating (velocity) the birds vital.

At normal ranges (40 yards and less), a 1200 fps load has plenty of penetration on waterfowl.

The one that is better is the shell that patterns best in your gun. All guns pattern each shell differently. What works for you might not work for someone else.

I think density (pattern) is more important, because all modern waterfowl loads have enough velocity for the needed penetration. Having a super fast load is not worth squat if it has patterns full of holes.

And all my comments are based on a 40 yards or less range.
 
Pattern, Pattrn, Pattern, the holy words of shotguning. When speaking of lead, increase in velocity will decrease in pattern density! It is the law of ohysics due to pellet deformation! With steel, it is a whole different ball game. Steel loads loose velocity at nearly twice as lead of the same size. That is why every shotshell manufacturer recommends going up two sizes over lead sizes. It is also why they have gone to supersonic loads. But supersonic loads loose velocity at a greater rate than subsonic loads. Again, it is physics! Now, some cheap Canadian assembled loads (they also make mediocre target loads in blue hulls) have steel balls that are not quite round and used for concreet floor leveling! Please always take the time to open a shell and see what the components are made off! Some shells have very thin wads that wont protect the non chrome barrels of cheaper guns such as Remington and Mossberg! You might be surprised to see scouring marks or buldges in those type of guns!

As for the regular mass producers, there is no major difference in pattern density due to velocity with their steel loads. As the pellets the use are nearly perfectly round, there is a very slight loss in pattern between 1300 ( an average effective steel load) and 1550 the latest very effective loads. With steel, speed kills!

This past wekend, I used some old US Winchester 1990 duck loads of #2 at 1300. They were very effective at under 30 yards. I would NEVER use them for anything at longer distances. Been-there-done-that with many wounded birds!

A good rule of thumb: If you used 6s lead for in your face decoying ducks, use at least 4s in steel at 1400 fps or 2s at 1300. Pass shooting if using 4 lead, use 2s or 3s (less than 35 yards for the 3s) at over 1400 fps. I have shot Alberta monster Mallards succesfully over slews with Kent Faststeel 2s.

Best regards,
Henry;)
 
That is a good article in the Delta mag. But it was done with very specific criteria at ranges of over 35 yards.

It still is a great starting point though.
 
I don't really follow what you are saying here.

I'm not sure how velocity effects a pattern in a 2 dimensional way, unless the patterns are being blown apart. Higher velocity usually results in longer shot strings though.

The idea is to find a load that gives you the needed pattern density with enough energy to penetrate. What velocity that is, does not really matter as each and every load will shoot differently in each and every shotgun, for the most part. That is where chokes and patterning come into play.

At normal ranges, (40 yards or less) the pellets need enough velocity (energy) to penetrate the vitals. It doesn't matter what speed the pellets are going, as long as there is enough energy to give the required penetration.

A duck being hit with a good pattern at 35 yards is a dead duck, regardless if the velocity is 1200 fps or 1500 fps.

QUOTE=hnachaj]Pattern, Pattrn, Pattern, the holy words of shotguning. When speaking of lead, increase in velocity will decrease in pattern density! It is the law of ohysics due to pellet deformation! With steel, it is a whole different ball game. Steel loads loose velocity at nearly twice as lead of the same size. That is why every shotshell manufacturer recommends going up two sizes over lead sizes. It is also why they have gone to supersonic loads. But supersonic loads loose velocity at a greater rate than subsonic loads. Again, it is physics! Now, some cheap Canadian assembled loads (they also make mediocre target loads in blue hulls) have steel balls that are not quite round and used for concreet floor leveling! Please always take the time to open a shell and see what the components are made off! Some shells have very thin wads that wont protect the non chrome barrels of cheaper guns such as Remington and Mossberg! You might be surprised to see scouring marks or buldges in those type of guns!

As for the regular mass producers, there is no major difference in pattern density due to velocity with their steel loads. As the pellets the use are nearly perfectly round, there is a very slight loss in pattern between 1300 ( an average effective steel load) and 1550 the latest very effective loads. With steel, speed kills!

This past wekend, I used some old US Winchester 1990 duck loads of #2 at 1300. They were very effective at under 30 yards. I would NEVER use them for anything at longer distances. Been-there-done-that with many wounded birds!

A good rule of thumb: If you used 6s lead for in your face decoying ducks, use at least 4s in steel at 1400 fps or 2s at 1300. Pass shooting if using 4 lead, use 2s or 3s (less than 35 yards for the 3s) at over 1400 fps. I have shot Alberta monster Mallards succesfully over slews with Kent Faststeel 2s.

Best regards,
Henry;)[/QUOTE]
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom