Pattern Paper Doesn't Lie

[Bowhunter57]

I always pattern my shotgun and choke tube combination, before hunting with it and it has always proven to be well worth the time. Plus, it's a huge confidence builder in the weapon's ability.

Today, I was using some 12 gauge 3" Winchester Long Beard, 1 3/4 oz. of #6 shot at 1200 fps. The choke tube is a Carlson .665 Non-Ported. My Mossberg 940 with a 24" barrel was very impressive with the patterns at 30, 40 and 50 yards.

30 yards with #5s.

40 Yards with #6s.

50 Yards with #6s.

 

[Jackalope]

Heck yeah loks good man.

 

["J"]

Nice pattern. Are you using a red dot?

 

[Bowhunter57]

Nice pattern. Are you using a red dot?

I have a red dot on my Mossberg 500 Turkey Special and love it. However, this Mossberg 940 has a nice triangular fiber optic, in florescent green, that I really like and that's what I intend to use. I've shot a couple of sporting clay events with it and it points very well.

 

[Bowhunter57]

After taking a closer look at the number of hits and their placement, I may need to make my point of aim higher. I was aiming at the white circle on the pattern paper, but I'd say I need to aim for the head to bring the pattern higher.

I'm going to do some re-patterning, this afternoon with some more #6s and look for some TSS, if I can find it.

 

[Fletch]

IMO.... I would stick to number 5 shot.... Plenty of pellets and a little more umpf.... Winchester XR turkey loads are a great shell...TSS... If you wanna spend the extra money, go ahead... Id be very confident sticking with the Winchester...

 

[Bowhunter57]

@Fletch
I agree with you, on the extra umpf of the #5s.
I purchased some more Winchester Long Beard in #5s and patterned them again at 30 and 40 yards. Interestingly enough, both patterns were good and both had 28 vital hits in the head/neck area. This is going to be my ammo and choke combination for this year.
I also notice in the previous patterns that I need t hold on his head and not the neck area where the white dot is on the paper target.

30 Yards.

40 Yards.