VolCrew
New member
Background
Before we get started, let me first give credit to GC for his “NEW shotgun Pattern Test Results” thread in which he tested two shotguns, three distances, two chokes and two shots each of four loads. For those of us who have never undertaken such comprehensive testing, it is easy to underestimate the investment of time and money that is required to make it successful.
There are significant differences in what GC accomplished and the more limited scope that I am going to show you. I only used one shotgun, two chokes and three loads. For you Six Sigma enthusiasts, I violated much of my training during this exercise. The variables were not randomized. I shot all the 25 yard targets, then moved to 40 yards and, finally, 50 yards. I only shot one shell per choke per distance so the confidence interval may be suspect due to the small sample size. Nevertheless, the results are what they are and for the time and money I spent, I learned a lot about these particular combinations.
I did, however, duplicate some of GC’s techniques so my results may be more easily compared. I shot the same three distances: 25, 40 and 50 yards. I also used a target of the same size. Starting with a standard A-25 small bore rifle target, I separated the bulls into three individual targets, each with an 8” black center and 12” scoring rings.
Obligatory Soapbox
Although I imitated GC’s methodology for patterning my shotgun, I would not attempt to leverage his results directly to the field. You should always understand what your gun will do with the particular choke and load combination you intend to use before you go hunting. You might find a good starting point from GC’s work, then go shoot it yourself. Likewise, you might see something you like here and save yourself a few bucks by starting with the same gun/choke/load combination. But the point is to shoot it; it is good practice and you will learn something, even though the learning may be to avoid a combination or to limit your shots to a certain range.
Shotgun
The test shotgun was my Benelli M4 in Desert Camo (11717). It has a 12 ga 3” chamber and an 18.5” barrel.
The Benelli’s sights are ghost ring, but for this test, the R-15 loaned its EoTech 555. This helped eliminate my old eyes as a source of error with the ghost rings. However, it was not possible to get the proper cheek weld due to the height of the EoTech on the Benelli rail and that made it more uncomfortable to shoot.
Chokes
I used a couple of chokes I picked up on sale in Cabela’s Bargain Cave in Buda. I was looking for something tighter than my stock Benelli modified (0.705” bore) so I could shoot predators.
In the photo below, the left choke is Carlson’s Extended Turkey choke. The bore measures 0.665”.
On the right is Carlson’s Dead Coyote! choke. The bore measures 0.663”.
Both chokes are externally identical. They are not ported and extend about .87” past the barrel.
Loads
Federal Premium 3” #4 Buckshot (P158 4B) is shown below. This load is copper-plated lead with 41 pellets. The factory velocity is 1100 fps.
Environ Metal 3” Hevi-Shot T was also used. This load is listed as 1.5 oz of shot with 1300 fps.
The quality problems with Hevi-Shot have been well documented on the forum. However, I had this box before I learned about the problems. I could not find a lot number on the box I have.
Finally, I shot Federal Power-Shok 2.75” 00 Buckshot (H132 00). This is a 9 pellet load leaving the muzzle at 1140 fps. This is defensive load that I use for shotgun practice.
I wanted to get some Remington HD BB loads, but could not find any in time for this testing. None of these loads are available in my area and I have to order everything I use.
