Help with pellet count in pattern
- Mollyontherun
- Rank: Senior Hunter
- Posts: 128
- Joined: Fri Sep 10, 2010 2:41 pm
- Location: Oregon
Help with pellet count in pattern
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
I'll be using this load on upland hunts on state regulated land and for ducks.
Thanks,
MOTR
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- GDF Junkie
- Posts: 1630
- Joined: Tue Feb 16, 2010 7:23 pm
- Location: State?...The one where ruffed grouse were.
Re: Help with pellet count in pattern
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.
Pointed correctly, pellet count is irrelevant.
The takeaway is...don't fret.
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- GDF Junkie
- Posts: 2514
- Joined: Thu Jan 24, 2008 6:20 pm
- Location: Minnesota
Re: Help with pellet count in pattern
Let us know after you pattern in each load with your gun & choke selection.
Mark
Willows Back In The Saddle
Tall Pines Hits The Spot
Tall Pines Queen Eleanor
Bo Dixie's Rocky
TALL PINES MOONBEAM
______________________________________________________
If it ain't broke - fix it
Willows Back In The Saddle
Tall Pines Hits The Spot
Tall Pines Queen Eleanor
Bo Dixie's Rocky
TALL PINES MOONBEAM
______________________________________________________
If it ain't broke - fix it
Re: Help with pellet count in pattern
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.
- Mollyontherun
- Rank: Senior Hunter
- Posts: 128
- Joined: Fri Sep 10, 2010 2:41 pm
- Location: Oregon
Re: Help with pellet count in pattern
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 #3sLet us know after you pattern in each load with your gun & choke selection.
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.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.
Re: Help with pellet count in pattern
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.
- Mollyontherun
- Rank: Senior Hunter
- Posts: 128
- Joined: Fri Sep 10, 2010 2:41 pm
- Location: Oregon
Re: Help with pellet count in pattern
I hope to pattern the #3s in August.Might try both loads with different chokes
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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- GDF Junkie
- Posts: 2514
- Joined: Thu Jan 24, 2008 6:20 pm
- Location: Minnesota
Re: Help with pellet count in pattern
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
______________________________________________________
If it ain't broke - fix it
Willows Back In The Saddle
Tall Pines Hits The Spot
Tall Pines Queen Eleanor
Bo Dixie's Rocky
TALL PINES MOONBEAM
______________________________________________________
If it ain't broke - fix it
- Greg Jennings
- GDF Junkie
- Posts: 5743
- Joined: Tue Apr 20, 2004 11:59 am
- Location: Springboro, OH
Re: Help with pellet count in pattern
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.
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.
FC Snips Spot-On Shooter SH
http://www.perfectpedigrees.com/4genview.php?id=3149
http://www.perfectpedigrees.com/4genview.php?id=3149