Gun Dog Forum

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.