pattern tests with my shotguns

[ifit]

the deal is, im so new to shotguns and finally did some test on some patterns with some bird shot, will be shootin mostly clays and shootin stuff up would like opinions on the patterns from yesterdays range results
my remington 870 wingmaster magnum, on the barrel says 3" full, shot with winchester birdshot




then my budget tactical shotgun, lightning 12 (emeperor firearms)
bird shot, then shot with wolf/9 pellet, smallest choke at 50'
was hoping all 9 pellets will be in the circle



is it ok to shoot the wolf/9 pellet outa my 870?
thanks

 

[T Bran]

Not to bad I have had guns that patterned worse than that. You may want to try a few different brands of shotshell and compare them. Shotguns can be pretty pickey in regards to which ammo they like. Just a hint, more expensive doesnt always mean better you may get lucky and find the gun likes something economical.
I have shot lots of buckshot from a full choke barrel with no harm to anything but my shoulder. Modified or Improved modified seem to pattern the larger shot sizes better than Full choke does. Once again try several different brands to see what works best. I would expect something like #1 or #4 buck to do the best in a full choke but I've been wrong before.
Thanks for the pics.
T

 

[ifit]

thanks Tbran, i feel more confident now tryin the wolf 9 pellet. and will try different brands, and also will try out #1 and #4 buck.

thanks again

 

[btg3]

Some basic pattern and choke info is in this link (scroll down about half way):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shotgun

On my Remington shotguns (58s and 870s), I've shot skeet and doves with a fixed skeet choke. Hand-tossed clays with a Mod Rem-choke. Typically a full choke is considered a bit tight for most clay games.

With an 18" cylinder bore (made by Mossberg for an 870), I patterned 9-pellet 00 buckshot for 4 brands. One brand gave results similar to yours. The other 3 brands looked good and tight. The 4 brands were Fiocchi, Remington, Federal, Winchester. If I told you which one had the spread... actually, I don't remember... but Fiocchi and Remington were both good in my gun.

Running 9-pellet buck thru a fixed choke is contrary to the intended design. The likely results is shot deformation which affects pattern.

You have a very nice looking Wingmaster. Enjoy!

 

[Ohio Gun Guy]

I have had good results with no choke in an 18" mossberg, 15 pellet 00 Buck, most in a pie plate. Try again with no choke.

I like the looks of that Remmy too! Just has a nice classic / classy look.