PATTERN

[woodshed]

I'm getting 8-12 pellets in the head and neck at 40 yards. I've read at times I should be shooting for 20.

do I need to make more changes or is this normal/acceptable?

On my paper target I have pellets hit down low where the neck would meet the body. Do these count too? What about in the body?

[snapper]

It only takes 1 to kill 'em! However, these 8-12 pellets...is there anywhere else on the paper that there seems to be a more concentrated area of pellets? Just wondering if maybe adding a scope and adjusting so that the majority of your shot is where you want it.

I personally would like a few more than 8-12 at 40...but that will work if you don't have the means to try different chokes/shells. How many do you get at 35 yards? 30 yards? May have to limit your shot to a certain distance...what are you shooting? 12, 20? 3" or 3 1/2"?

[Strut10]

The hits at the base of the neck count, too. But don't put too much faith in body hits. A gobbler can take a ton of lead to the body and run off. Sounds like you may want to try a different shell or choke tube or both. Either that or just limit your shots to 30 or 35 yards. I like to see 50 or more head & neck hits from my guns. Don't count the "line cutters" or beak and wattle hits either.

[woodshed]

wow, 50 or more would be a long way to go for me.

I'm using a Mossberg 835 I just got. It has the factory choke 12GA.

I tried the 3.5's but the pattern was high right. For some reason the 3" was more centered but still slightly right. It didn't seem that if I moved it over the density would change, but that's hard to tell without doing it.

so I've shot only at 40 yards at this point. With Winchester Supremes 5 shot 3" I got a better pattern than with remington nitros. I have some steel shot on hand but didn't try them because I didn't know if I can with this gun yet.

I'll try #4 and #6 load. Wally World was out of the true glow and HS strut choke tubes today. I'll get them a bass and try them as well.

I'd really like to nail this down with more pellets like yours.

[snapper]

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I tried the 3.5's but the pattern was high right.

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Have you thought of a red dot or 2X scope? The more lead you throw...the better chances you have.

I know I know...you don't need to use 3 1/2" to kill a turkey. I just had this discussion with a fellow from work...he asks (kinda sarcasticly) "why do you use 3 1/2" and take the recoil?" I replied...recoil isn't that bad shooting at a turkey...he says..."but you don't need 3 1/2" so why shoot it?" I ended the discussion by saying...because no one makes a 4" yet! LMAO!

[woodshed]

LOL,, I actually have a red dot on my 1300 and love it. It is all sighted in and ready to go. I'm just hoping to get the 835 going because it's camo with a shorter barrel. If I can get it right I'd like to use it.

the 1300 hundred doesn't get more than 20 in the head and neck either though. Strut10 gets 50! That seems like a lot. I want that. I have "pattern envy" I guess.

the 1300 has 28" barrel plus 2 for the choke and glossy barrel. I know these things are not a big deal, but I'm just trying something new.

[Strut10]

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I'm using a Mossberg 835 I just got. It has the factory choke 12GA.

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There's probably the root of your problem. The factory Mossberg tube has been a total disappointment very time I've shot one. Get yourself thebest aftermarket tube you can and try your 3 1/2" Winchester Supreme #6's again.

[woodshed]

O.K. Strut10,, I'll do that and hope for better.

[woodshed]

just confirm for me though. What is the minimum you feel comfortable with in the head and neck?

I know you get 50, but what would be acceptable?

[snapper]

I've always had my best luck shooting Remingtons? Which reminds me...Strut...next time we hook up for something, remind me to bring a box of Winchester 3 1/2" flight controls for you....they don't shoot worth a darn outta my gun...you can have 'em!

Don't remember exactly...pretty sure I was getting somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 shooting my 870 with a factory extended turkey tube...3 1/2" Remington hevi-shot. Once I can no longer find Rem. hevi....I'll go back to the M.A.D. max tube shooting Rem. #6's.

[snapper]

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What is the minimum you feel comfortable with in the head and neck?

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I personally would feel comfortable if I were to get 20 constantly!

[LifeNRA]

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I'm using a Mossberg 835 I just got. It has the factory choke 12GA.

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There's probably the root of your problem. The factory Mossberg tube has been a total disappointment very time I've shot one. Get yourself thebest aftermarket tube you can and try your 3 1/2" Winchester Supreme #6's again.

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Yep! Thats what I did with my 835! Comp-N-Choke XXX Full with Winchester Supreme's 3.5" #6's. 49 head and neck shots! But since every gun is different, you might not get the same results. Worth a try though. I tried four different chokes, C-N-C won hands down. Good luck!

[woodshed]

great, thanks everybody. I'll be out again Wednesday for some new results.

[Strut10]

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What is the minimum you feel comfortable with in the head and neck?

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I personally would feel comfortable if I were to get 20 constantly!

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Yep. 20 would work.....yep. But I'd be happier with twice that number and satisfied with 3 times.

[wtnhunt]

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I tried the 3.5's but the pattern was high right.

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Does your gun not have adjustable sights? My 1300 patterned just a little off until I adjusted my sights.