Anyone else find their pattern gets a little 'blown out' with 1-1/8 oz loads in a full choke?
Been shooting a Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon for sporting clays for a few years now. I've always used a full choke for long crossers and true pairs. Lately I've been running Federal Top Gun 1-1/8 oz #8s at 1200 fps, and I swear I'm seeing more holes in the pattern at 40 yards than I used to. My scores are fine, but it just doesn't look as dense on the board. Wondering if it's the load or if I'm just overthinking it.
1 Answer
Yeah, I've noticed that too, especially with some of the faster 1-1/8 oz loads. The higher velocity can sometimes cause the shot column to 'string out' a bit more, especially through a tight full choke. You might try stepping down to an Improved Modified for those 40-yard targets, or switch to a 1 oz load at a slightly lower velocity, like 1180 fps. The 1 oz stuff from Winchester AA or Fiocchi often seems to hold a tighter, more uniform pattern for me in full chokes. What's your go-to station where you're noticing this the most?
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