Help with pellet count in pattern

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Mollyontherun
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Help with pellet count in pattern

Post by Mollyontherun » Sat Jun 09, 2012 8:58 am

This year I'm switching from 20 gauge 3' 7/8 oz #2 kent to 20 gauge 3" 7/8oz #3... how many more pellets will I average in my pattern by using the #3 as opposed to the #2?

I'll be using this load on upland hunts on state regulated land and for ducks.

Thanks,

MOTR

Mountaineer
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Re: Help with pellet count in pattern

Post by Mountaineer » Sat Jun 09, 2012 10:30 am

Roughly proportional to the pellets in each load....but there is no guarantee how a barrel may take to a load, many variables exist that affect pattern apart from pellet count.
Pointed correctly, pellet count is irrelevant.
The takeaway is...don't fret.

BigShooter
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Re: Help with pellet count in pattern

Post by BigShooter » Sat Jun 09, 2012 12:02 pm

Let us know after you pattern in each load with your gun & choke selection.
Mark

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jarbo03
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Re: Help with pellet count in pattern

Post by jarbo03 » Tue Jun 12, 2012 6:41 am

You will gain about 25 pellets. I have found #3 to be plenty for anything smaller than geese out to 40 yards. When I have to use steel for upland I use a 7/8 oz #4 reload.

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Mollyontherun
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Re: Help with pellet count in pattern

Post by Mollyontherun » Thu Jun 14, 2012 6:43 pm

Let us know after you pattern in each load with your gun & choke selection.
Last year, I patterned the 3" #2 with my IC Mossberg choke and sprayed shot everywhere. Then patterned with my Brileys IC and got an excellent pattern at 30 and 40 yards. I expect the same with #3 Kent loads. I'm hoping for a bit more density in my pattern with the #3s
You will gain about 25 pellets. I have found #3 to be plenty for anything smaller than geese out to 40 yards. When I have to use steel for upland I use a 7/8 oz #4 reload.
Thanks- that's the info I was looking for. I don't shoot at anything over 40 yards (that's why I'm switching to #3s). Perhaps late season I might reach out to the 40 yard boundary on passing shots on blind shy ducks... I have some 3" #2 Kent, from last year, I will use them if I am hunting Duck in January.

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jarbo03
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Re: Help with pellet count in pattern

Post by jarbo03 » Sun Jun 17, 2012 8:14 pm

Should work good. Might try both loads with different chokes, results can vary, only thing to do is put them to paper. If you are not shooting beyond 40 yards, #3 will do everything you need, #2's are good to have around for windy days.

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Mollyontherun
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Re: Help with pellet count in pattern

Post by Mollyontherun » Sun Jun 17, 2012 9:48 pm

Might try both loads with different chokes
I hope to pattern the #3s in August.

BTW- what is your favorite lead load. I've been using the Remington 2/3" #5 Pheasant loads. I used to spend the extra money on 3" #5 Fiochi. But I can't tell the difference... if anything, I had better results with the Remmington

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Re: Help with pellet count in pattern

Post by BigShooter » Sun Jun 17, 2012 11:28 pm

For pheasants I prefer 20 ga. 2 3/4" 6's in early season,3" 5's or 4's in late season. Although I really like Fiochi #5's, I've never had a problem with any of the major manufacturers including inexpensive Estate Cartridge. Late in the year I may switch to a 12 ga., depending on the hunting conditions.
Mark

Willows Back In The Saddle
Tall Pines Hits The Spot
Tall Pines Queen Eleanor
Bo Dixie's Rocky
TALL PINES MOONBEAM

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Greg Jennings
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Re: Help with pellet count in pattern

Post by Greg Jennings » Tue Jun 19, 2012 11:29 am

I use 2-3/4", 1-3/8 oz of copper plated 5's with buffer. I push them hard. It's a good compromise load. I use it anywhere that non-toxic isn't required.

I keep looking for a good non-toxic shot to load that won't break the bank. If anyone has had a good experience, please let me know.

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