Hey guys,
Just bought a new 20ga Mossberg 500 youth super bantam with a 22" barrel. Mounting a red dot and planning to use Federal TSS #9s for turkey but need some choke advice. I do realize every gun is going to have its own preference, but just looking to see if there is a popular choice from others (especially with the same gun). While I will hunt with it the most, I want a choke with a fairly forgiving pattern in the close ranges in case my wife or son decide to use it. Therefore I've kind of ruled out the .555 constrictions and thinking the .562 or .570 would be my best bet for a good pattern at 40 yards but not too tight at say 20. As far as a brand my number one option would be Indian Creek, but open to others like Sumtoy, etc.
So can anyone offer their experience in pattern density and evenness at various ranges with the more open chokes? Anyone seen much difference between the .562 and .570s?
Thanks in advance!
I had the same gun that I set up for my son and it really did well with the Primos Tightwad choke. I think it was either a .565 or .570, not too tight at 20yds but still held a nice killing pattern at 40 with the Federal's
Update- I ended up trying the .570 Indian Creek choke with the Federal TSS #9s and got a decent hunting pattern at 40 yards. Ill post a pic. I like the evenness of the pattern but think I'd like to see it tighten up a bit more so going to try the .562 model next. I also have some Apex Ninjas to try in both as well.
My Mossberg 500 with a 22" barrel preferred the IC .555 vs. the Sumtoy .562, the .562 was good, but the .555 bit tighter.
That was with three loads: 1 3/8oz. TSS 9s, then 1.5oz. 8.5s, then 1.5oz. TSS 8s all in a 2.75 shell.
I have been in the same boat chasing higher numbers in the past. It seems like you achieved exactly what you were after with the combo you posted. You have an excellent pattern from a 20 ga. at 40 yards that is more than sufficient for quick, humane kills and has enough margin for error for some wiggle room. Tightening the pattern will get you more hits in the 10" at 40 yards but you lose some of the wiggle room you were originally seeking. I say hunt it like it is and save your shells for turkeys and not the patterning board.
Quote from: Extremesolo on April 04, 2022, 12:33:44 PM
I have been in the same boat chasing higher numbers in the past. It seems like you achieved exactly what you were after with the combo you posted. You have an excellent pattern from a 20 ga. at 40 yards that is more than sufficient for quick, humane kills and has enough margin for error for some wiggle room. Tightening the pattern will get you more hits in the 10" at 40 yards but you lose some of the wiggle room you were originally seeking. I say hunt it like it is and save your shells for turkeys and not the patterning board.
I totally agree with you. I am going to try the .562 constriction just for fun of it. Regardless, I will probably hang onto the .570 for the forgiveness factor of not missing at closer ranges like you mentioned.
The choke I settled on for my wife's Mossberg bantam might surprise you....an $18 HS ported Undertaker .582
It throws unbelievably even forgiving patterns.
Consistently 260 in 10" at 40yds with another 240 in the 20".
Perfect for a twitchy bird up close but nothing is going to skirt her either..... It will still dump that 50yrd field bird if needed.
It's been an absolute killing machine.
I should mention though that those numbers are with 1 5/8oz #9 handloads....not the Federals.