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Turkey Guns & Shooting => 16, 28 , and .410 Turkey Gun Forum => Topic started by: zelmo1 on April 18, 2025, 05:59:36 AM

Title: 28 gauge Best loads and Patterns
Post by: zelmo1 on April 18, 2025, 05:59:36 AM
I fooled around a lot with the 28 gauge chokes and loads. All of the big name chokes were huntable, with me finally breaking down and counting holes. I never liked doing that but the patterns were pretty similar and even. Just wondering what loads you find the best results with. I found that 1200 fps give or take 20 has the best/most even  patterns for me. That leaves me with a pretty stout 1.375 oz load or a less recoil 1.25 oz load. I also found the 8.5 TSS has a noticeable edge in the pattern density and even patterns. I tested every size from #7-#9.5. Friends are getting good results with stacking loads. I may get adventurous and try it, but I am a creature of habit, lol. Good luck and God Bless. Z
Title: Re: 28 gauge Best loads and Patterns
Post by: BennieGobbler on April 18, 2025, 06:14:26 AM
For me, the best loads are 9 1/2 or stacking half an ounce of tens underneath an ounce of nine. Both of these loads are amazing out of an Indian creek choke tube.


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Title: Re: 28 gauge Best loads and Patterns
Post by: Ranman on April 18, 2025, 06:23:58 AM
What kind of numbers were you getting with the 8.5s, and what choke constriction?
Title: Re: 28 gauge Best loads and Patterns
Post by: zelmo1 on April 18, 2025, 09:18:52 AM
The 8.5's were the best consistent pattern at 40 yards with the IC .525. I didn't count the 8.5's, I just knew it was what I was going to hunt when I saw the pattern. I use a 15" circle to judge my loads. At 40 yards, there were less than 20 pellets outside the line. Too many to count. If I shoot again this spring I can send you the pics. I will probably just do my 555 for a 30 yard max( 22-25) yard set up as it is my backup. The SBE is my primary gun. Z
Title: Re: 28 gauge Best loads and Patterns
Post by: Ranman on April 18, 2025, 09:48:12 AM
Thanks, I also use the IC .525. May have to try loading up some number 8.5s
Title: Re: 28 gauge Best loads and Patterns
Post by: Greg Massey on April 19, 2025, 05:38:38 AM
8.5 is what I use with IC 525 it's an awesome choke setup for the 28 ga.

I just got Trulock 520 to try after the turkey season with the 8.5 and I was going to try a blend with it also..

Anyone using a 520 ? Setup ?
Title: Re: 28 gauge Best loads and Patterns
Post by: zelmo1 on April 21, 2025, 05:04:56 AM
I ran a .520 in my older SA-28 band It was a great combo. It was a little tight inside of 30 yards so I went to the .525. Both will kill at 40 yards so I am sticking with the .525. I am leaving the factory IMOD and Full in my new Stevens 555. Imod in the top and the full in the bottom. I set this gun up with no dot just the bead. Kicks like a mule with the TSS but it is nice with sporting loads. Z