Question: patterns of fine shot compared to larger shot....

[jmars]

If I use #4 or #5 shot instead of 7.5, 8, or 9 in light field/trap type reloads:

Will the pattern diameter with the larger shot tend to be either larger or smaller?

Will the pattern with the larger shot tend to be either more uniform or less?

Thanks for any comments!

 

[Roverguy]

No two patterns in two different guns are exactly the same. And patterns in the same gun with different shot sizes will be different. The only way to get a legit answer for your gun, is to pattern it with different shot sizes, and different chokes. This is especially true for uniformity of pattern.

Now, while that is true, there are some general guidelines that may hold true. With IC-M chokes, beyond 20 yards, shot at the larger diameter/heavier end will likely stay tighter longer than #7.5 or #8. But, other than that somewhat vague generality, the only way to know how your gun will pattern is to do the work.

 

[SixteenGauge]

I have never noticed a substantial difference in pattern size when switching between smaller diameter and larger diameter shot, but I have noticed with larger shot at longer distances you start to get holes in your pattern due to having less pellets. If you try to take shots that are starting to get out of range, or you are shooting at relatively small targets, you could miss the target entirely due to holes in your pattern.

 

[Armored farmer]

The bigger the shot size the thinner the pattern.
Bigger shot breaks bones and penetrates better.....
Smaller shot gets more hits on target....
What a dilemma!
Choose wisely.

 

[I6turbo]

No two patterns in two different guns are exactly the same. And patterns in the same gun with different shot sizes will be different. The only way to get a legit answer for your gun, is to pattern it with different shot sizes, and different chokes. This is especially true for uniformity of pattern.

... the only way to know how your gun will pattern is to do the work.

^^ I too have found this to be the case, and not just to a minor extent. And wad choice and muzzle velocity also plays an important role. Lower velocity loads usually pattern better and stay together longer in my guns. Also, if you look at the velocity of the shot charge at longer distances, say 40 yards, the high muzzle velocity loads lose velocity at a faster rate, so by the time the charge gets out to 40 yards, there isn't as much difference as there was at the muzzle.

 

[jmars]

^^ I too have found this to be the case, and not just to a minor extent. And wad choice and muzzle velocity also plays an important role. Lower velocity loads usually pattern better and stay together longer in my guns. Also, if you look at the velocity of the shot charge at longer distances, say 40 yards, the high muzzle velocity loads lose velocity at a faster rate, so by the time the charge gets out to 40 yards, there isn't as much difference as there was at the muzzle.

...at longer distances, say 40 yards, the high muzzle velocity loads lose velocity at a faster rate.

I have been a serious shooter of air rifles for many years. I'm very familiar with
that.

Lower velocity loads usually pattern better and stay together longer

I wage war against starlings every summer, and have used shot shell loads as slow as 850 fps. Low recoil, and actually more effective.

Your "name" is I6turbo. I assume this means Inline 6 cylinder, turbocharged?
Do you have a turbocharged inline 6 cylinder, if so, what kind of inline 6?
I have a Chrysler slant 6, 4 speed project car but it's been "in pieces" for many years....may bolt it back together next summer.

 

[I6turbo]

...at longer distances, say 40 yards, the high muzzle velocity loads lose velocity at a faster rate.

I have been a serious shooter of air rifles for many years. I'm very familiar with
that.

Lower velocity loads usually pattern better and stay together longer

I wage war against starlings every summer, and have used shot shell loads as slow as 850 fps. Low recoil, and actually more effective.

Your "name" is I6turbo. I assume this means Inline 6 cylinder, turbocharged?
Do you have a turbocharged inline 6 cylinder, if so, what kind of inline 6?
I have a Chrysler slant 6, 4 speed project car but it's been "in pieces" for many years....may bolt it back together next summer.

We used to have huge, HUGE influxes of blackbirds/starlings in the winter - I'm talking many hundreds of thousands of 'em. They were a nuisance and made for unlimited target practice. That, and the pattern board, is also where I learned a TON about shotgun loads and how much one can impact results with variations of shot size, shot payload, wads, and muzzle velocities. I pretty much see no use for high-velocity shotgun loads, mostly see them as a detriment to good performance.

My screen name is a carry-over from car and truck boards that I've participated in over the past couple of decades. I like the I-6 engine layout a lot, whether in farm tractors, heavy equipment, trucks, or cars. Here's one I've had for 22 years.

 

[PapaG]

My own opinion, you are giving your opponents the advantage if you are shooting 4s and 5s for trap. Patterns about half as dense as 8s.
That said, I shoot 6s ( maybe a hair over 1 1/8oz) for winter games (annies, buddy, porch shoots)but never for regulation trap.
If you like it, go for it. I'd welcome you to my club on meat shoot day.