Burrard, Brister, Roster & many others have done a lot of work on chokes, patterns, shot string length, etc. It is generally held that the shorter the shot string, the better the chance you have hitting a target, provided you have the correct lead and adequate pattern density. A longer shot sting may be of some benefit at say Skeet or similar distance crossing targets, but becomes less so at distance. The so-called "straightaway" Trap target is a case in point. The length of the shot pattern will matter little, while the density of the pattern on the target is what matters. Pattern density is what will break the target consistently ... and at longer range, that usually means more choke and quality, high antimony, hard shot. Of course, you need to get the pattern "on the target" no matter what style of acquiring forward allowance is required.