My reloads for sporting clays are inconsistent - patterns seem to change from shell to shell
I've been reloading for about 2 years on a MEC 600 Jr. using once-fired Remington STS hulls, Claybuster wads, and Alliant Extra-Lite powder. My setup is a Browning Citori with an Improved Cylinder choke. At 30 yards, some shells pattern great, but others seem to have holes or blow patterns. I'm weighing powder and shot on a digital scale, but maybe I'm missing something?
1 Answer
That's a classic reloading issue I've seen before. First thing I'd check is your wad seating pressure - inconsistent wad seating can cause exactly what you're describing. Make sure you're getting consistent crimps too; a loose crimp can let the shot column shift. Also, are you using the same primer batch? Switching between different 209 primers (like CCI vs. Winchester) mid-load can change pressures enough to affect patterns. What wad specifically are you using, and are you getting good, tight crimps on every shell?
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