20 gauge 3" Buckshot

[grendelbane]

I am testing 20 gauge 3" buckshot loads. Not much choice out there.

I have tried the 24 pellet #3 buck loads from a couple of manufacturers. I am not having any luck getting tight patterns.

I am going to try Federal's 18 pellet #2 buck load next.

Does anyone have any experience or comments on 20 gauge buckshot? My Benelli may have spoiled me, but I am used to much tighter patterns from a 12 gauge.

 

[sm]

Welcome to THR !

I don't have any chambers in 3" ...except in the .410. I use 2 3/4" shells for everything, never felt under-gunned...ever!

I have had too much sucess with the old rule of 2 3/4" shells and modified for 20 ga for buckshot. That said , the "old rule" stated full for buck I/C for slugs.

Forcing cones, bore dia., steep angle or taper of choke...etc.

Gets complicated so do a look at top of forum for links to "101" and " TFL" threads...good info.

Basically it is more of bore not choke. What something is marked ( bbl or choke) only tells you that is was "marked"...hopefully close...doesn not mean it will throw "that" marking. You are wise to pattern your gun,that is the only way to know.

MY Mom uses for HD a NEF youth model in 20 ga, plain jane gun. Full choke...that gun throws probably the best pattern of 2 3/4" buckshot I've ever seen. Truth is, it throws everything well !

Winchester XB203, 2 3/4" , 20 pellets of #3 buck. I don't worry about Mom and her gun with those loads.

 

[Sam]

Got a 20 ga. Ithaca 66 Supersingle slug gun that puts buck out in single file. It gots no choke? Never had any need for them but it does handle buck well 2 3/4" or 3". It has about a 25% pattern with 6's but buck an slugs come out dressed right and covered down. I think every one is a rule unto itself.

If it isn't a chrome lined super duper expensive deal, you might try polishing it a bit, or lengthening the forcing cone.

Sam