Turkey hunting forum for turkey hunting tips

Turkey Guns & Shooting => Turkey Guns => Topic started by: stick bow on March 11, 2011, 08:50:11 PM

Title: Need help with 870
Post by: stick bow on March 11, 2011, 08:50:11 PM
I have a 870 express 12ga shooting 3" copper plated lead and winchester extended loads with a .665 jellyhead no pattern at 40, .665 IC no pattern. I've cleaned the barrel and cleaned the barrel. What else is there to do. Help. Is there guns out there that just won't pattern? These two chokes seem to work for every other 870.
Title: Re: Need help with 870
Post by: VAHUNTER on March 11, 2011, 08:56:46 PM
are you seeing your entire pattern? you should be shooting at a piece of cardboard or pattern paper atleast 30"x30"
Title: Re: Need help with 870
Post by: VAHUNTER on March 11, 2011, 08:59:52 PM
what size loads are you using?
with the chokes and loads that are available there is no such thing as a gun that will not pattern. there has got to be a reason
Title: Re: Need help with 870
Post by: stick bow on March 11, 2011, 09:15:22 PM
Shooting #6's. No, I haven't really shot at pattern board. I've been shooting head and neck targets at 40 yards on a piece of cardboard that does catch some of the shoot. Just not tight enough for me to feel comfortable taking a 40 yrd shot and I want to be able to make a 40 yd shot.

I have a M2 20ga that I'll take a 45yd shot without thinking about it. Daughter will be using this gun.
Title: Re: Need help with 870
Post by: VAHUNTER on March 11, 2011, 09:37:17 PM
Quote from: stick bow on March 11, 2011, 09:15:22 PM
Shooting #6's. No, I haven't really shot at pattern board. I've been shooting head and neck targets at 40 yards on a piece of cardboard that does catch some of the shoot. Just not tight enough for me to feel comfortable taking a 40 yrd shot and I want to be able to make a 40 yd shot.

I have a M2 20ga that I'll take a 45yd shot without thinking about it. Daughter will be using this gun.
you need to find out where your POI is compared to your POA.
Try putting up a big target. this will tell you what you need to know
Title: Re: Need help with 870
Post by: SumToy on March 11, 2011, 10:47:17 PM
It should be shooting with that set up.   I know I would have set you up with a 660.   Now put your target into say 50 to 55 feet.  Get you some cheap shells and note book paper.  See what the POI is off.  You can put sights on it or bend the barrel to fix.  After that go to the 40 yard mark and the big boy shells. :anim_25:
Title: Re: Need help with 870
Post by: hunter177 on March 11, 2011, 11:00:46 PM
Double check to make sure your choke is tight. I learned that the hard way. I had my 870 all patterned  a couple years ago and when I checked it before the season the pattern was horrible. Turns out the tube was slightly loose. It patterned well again after I tightened it. I have a differrent 870 now and use Federal Mag-Shok FC 3", 2 oz., #6s with a Jelly Head .665.

7 pellets in the vitals
81 pellets in the head & neck
196 pellets on a 12"X12" target
Title: Re: Need help with 870
Post by: stick bow on March 12, 2011, 07:38:58 AM
Thanks for all the advice. Will put to use Monday.