5's vs 6's

[Hankyorke]

I get the pattern density part, but does anyone have data on "kill power" or energy carryover on 5's vs 6's?

[BrowningGuy88]

Maybe bandedspur will respond. He has a program that will spit those numbers out.

[3" 870 Shell Shucker]

I think past data said that 6's have per pellet killing energy to about 42 Yards, and 5's have that same energy per pellet to about 69 Yards.  Energy; not necessarily pattern density.  You can easily wound and kill, but not recover a bird shot too far away with 5's, if it's not a quick clean kill.

On the other hand, 5's have range-misjudgement insurance built into them; if you misjudge the distance by 5 or 10 Yards.  (Assuming that you still have the pattern density). 

6's for #'s, and 5's for Power.

I can't understand why people use 4's, when 5's are overkill already.

[WildSpur]

To add:  it seems that people here are getting as good of pattern density with 5s as they are with 6s.  So it is worth the gamble trying a box of 5s out.

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

[3" 870 Shell Shucker]

I think everyone should pattern some 5's and 6's.  See what you get.

[BrowningGuy88]

I think everyone should pattern some 5's and 6's.  See what you get.

Absolutely! Every gun has a preference in what it likes with the choke that is in it. Try it out and see what you get!

[Hankyorke]

I think past data said that 6's have per pellet killing energy to about 42 Yards, and 5's have that same energy per pellet to about 69 Yards.  Energy; not necessarily pattern density.

That's what I was after. Thanks

[surehuntsalot]

I really like #5's,all of my guns do and they have plenty of power to get the job done
I also like and shoot #4's a #4 will put down a gobbler in a minute

[Hhayes6]

Great post. What is the number count that you would pick one of the other or do you go by that? For example I got 117 with Thug 3-1 5/8- 5's with 11-87 20 inch barrel. If I shoot the 6's in future and get maybe 135 what would you do? Naturally 6's have more pellets so I guess what I'm asking is what's the deciding factor?

[R AJ]

Great post. What is the number count that you would pick one of the other or do you go by that? For example I got 117 with Thug 3-1 5/8- 5's with 11-87 20 inch barrel. If I shoot the 6's in future and get maybe 135 what would you do? Naturally 6's have more pellets so I guess what I'm asking is what's the deciding factor?

It would be the pattern coverage or consistency for me. 5s and 6s have what it takes to 40 yards.

[Gooserbat]

Both of my guns love 6's and get along with 5's and hates #4.  In fact the pattern density of # 5 will run out at about 40 yards out of either of my guns but holds up farther with #6.

[darn2ten]

Great post. What is the number count that you would pick one of the other or do you go by that? For example I got 117 with Thug 3-1 5/8- 5's with 11-87 20 inch barrel. If I shoot the 6's in future and get maybe 135 what would you do? Naturally 6's have more pellets so I guess what I'm asking is what's the deciding factor?

If your over 100 @ 40, especially 117 with #5's there would be no question which one I would hunt with. That said, keep it inside 40 and either will work just fine.

[BandedSpur]

At 1200 fps, lead 5s penetrate 1.92" of ballistic gel @ 40 yds; 6s penetrate 1.61". So both are more than adequate @ 40 yds. I consider 1.25" of penetration adequate. Mods disapprove of any comments beyond 40.

[alclark2]

You all ever see any video of turkey loads hitting balistics gel? I always thought it would be interesting to see the penetration.

[Longshanks]

Both of my guns love 6's and get along with 5's and hates #4.  In fact the pattern density of # 5 will run out at about 40 yards out of either of my guns but holds up farther with #6.

That is the same experience I have with my lead slingers, great patterns at 40 with 6's and questionable density with 5's at 40. Much more comfortable taking a 40 yd shot with 6's than 5's. My thinking is the extra punch of 5's isn't gonna help me much if there are very few pellets in the head and neck. Inside 40..6's will put em down.