Anyone else find their pattern gets a little 'blown out' with 1-1/8 oz loads in a tight choke?
Been shooting a Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I with a factory full choke (0.025" constriction) for sporting clays. My go-to load is Federal Top Gun 1-1/8 oz of #8 at 1200 fps. On longer crossers past 40 yards, I feel like I'm getting more 'dust' than solid breaks, like the pattern's opening up too much. I've cleaned the choke threads and barrel, so I know it's not fouling.
1 Answer
That's a classic issue with high-volume loads in a full choke. The 1-1/8 oz payload at 1200 fps creates a lot of pressure and shot-to-shot friction in that tight constriction, which can deform pellets and spread the pattern. Try dropping to a 1 oz load at the same velocity, or keep the 1-1/8 oz but step down to an Improved Modified (0.020") choke. You'll get a denser center with less deformation. I switched to Fiocchi Golden Pheasant 1 oz #8s in my IM choke and my long bird breaks got way more consistent. What's your typical station where you're seeing this?
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