Pattern a shotgun?
- Thread starter MD
- Start date
- Location
- Near Coldwater, Ont
You should set the target board at the distance you expect your hunting shots to occur.
I would shoot the gun the same way you will when hunting. 3 rounds (with each choke and load) should give you a good idea of how each particular load patterns. Don't just count the pellets, more important is how evenly they are distributed. This is in regards to waterfowl and small game, not really sure what you want in a pattern for turkey hunting.
I would shoot the gun the same way you will when hunting. 3 rounds (with each choke and load) should give you a good idea of how each particular load patterns. Don't just count the pellets, more important is how evenly they are distributed. This is in regards to waterfowl and small game, not really sure what you want in a pattern for turkey hunting.
Yeah, be sure to pattern at a number of distances - say 20, 30, & 40 yards. You may be surprised how the pattern can change at differing distances. You shouldn't need more than a couple or 3 shots of each brand at each distance. Try swinging past the patterning sheet and firing as you pass, too. You get a feel for the shot string that way.
SS
SS
straightshooter said:
IMHO I think that is wrong, worry about your gun being patternd(SP?) first, you're introducing more variables when you swing your gun, that would be like sighting in your rifle on a moving target......
i'd set it up on a rest( less variables)
and like someone said "choose your load depending on how well it shoots at different distances."
good luck
Adrian J Hare
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- NewLowell On. Can.
A little more insight on what your patterning it for would be good.
Patterning a shotgun really depends on the kind of hunting you plan on doing.
For Upland, Waterfowl your going to want to use a Target that is big enough to understand the spread on your shells. You will look at how well each shells spreads the shot and how even it applies to the target.
Turkey patterning is going to be a total different setup and you want to see how well the pattern is going to stay togeather. Each shells with a choke will produce different patterns and finding something that shoots a tight even pattern is what your after. Worry more about How many shot you appy to a 10in circle over a shot of how many shot hits the head and neck...BT
Patterning a shotgun really depends on the kind of hunting you plan on doing.
For Upland, Waterfowl your going to want to use a Target that is big enough to understand the spread on your shells. You will look at how well each shells spreads the shot and how even it applies to the target.
Turkey patterning is going to be a total different setup and you want to see how well the pattern is going to stay togeather. Each shells with a choke will produce different patterns and finding something that shoots a tight even pattern is what your after. Worry more about How many shot you appy to a 10in circle over a shot of how many shot hits the head and neck...BT
You need to stand and shoulder your gun like you would normally when shooting for patterning.
You should pattern at the ranges you expect to be shooting... usually 30 yards.
You should be prepared with lots of cardboard or paper targets of at least four feet in diameter. Make sure you have your circles drawn and a center aim point on all the targets for comparison and counting holes.
You should have all the chokes and different shot sizes you might use so that you can better understand what works well in your shotty.
Keep a log and write down all the information while you are patterning so you don't forget what you did.
And use a good pull through or range rod to keep the barrel clean and free of lead and plastic (plastic solvent is a must when shooting full wad cups). Dirty barrels and chokes can affect your patterns.
Use a past or similar recoil pad for your shoulder and hearing and eye protection is a must have to ensure consistency and save your body from abuse.
You should pattern at the ranges you expect to be shooting... usually 30 yards.
You should be prepared with lots of cardboard or paper targets of at least four feet in diameter. Make sure you have your circles drawn and a center aim point on all the targets for comparison and counting holes.
You should have all the chokes and different shot sizes you might use so that you can better understand what works well in your shotty.
Keep a log and write down all the information while you are patterning so you don't forget what you did.
And use a good pull through or range rod to keep the barrel clean and free of lead and plastic (plastic solvent is a must when shooting full wad cups). Dirty barrels and chokes can affect your patterns.
Use a past or similar recoil pad for your shoulder and hearing and eye protection is a must have to ensure consistency and save your body from abuse.
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