I just started upgrading my turkey setup and have never patterned a gun myself and currently use a mossberg 835 with a red dot, and Indian creek .665 choke. I have always shot 3 1/2" #4's but am wondering if I should consider #5's or even #6's. I just did a comparison using 3 1/2" Winchester #4 xx magnums and 3 1/2" Winchester long beard XR #4's. Here are my results:
XX magnums at 35 yd. LONGBEARD XR at 35yd. XX magnum at 50 yd Longbeard XR 50 yd
22 hits in a 4" circle 31 hits in 4" circle. 2 hits in 4" circle. 13 hits in 4" circle
44 hits in a 6" circle. 58 hits in 6" circle. 6 hits in 6" circle. 21 hits in 6" circle
67 hits in 8" circle. 118 hits in 8" circle. 19 hits in 8" circle. 33 hits in 8" circle
105 hits in 10" circle. 172 hits in 10" circle. 24 hits in 10" circle. 52 hits in 10" circle
The XR is a no brainer. Can anyone offer suggestions whether this is really good or a typical pattern with #4 or if I should consider going to #5's or even #6's.? Pro's con's or comments? Also, I can't afford hevi shot.
First did you mean .675 choke? .675 is the standard Indian Creek choke for an 835. .665 would have to be special ordered and would be awfully tight for an 835.
If your going to shoot lead, I would recommend trying the #5 in Longbeards. You should get 170's and 180's in 10 inches as 40 yards (that's what I got with my 935 and the IC choke) and the #5 lead is plenty heavy to carry the day at 40 yards and a bit beyond. #4 is overkill and not worth the reduced pattern density.
Yes, i meant .675. Thanks
Post pics of the patterns. Your list is kind of confusing.
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/15/amu8eja4.jpg)
I threw them away but here's a drawing. (http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/15/e4asu9y8.jpg)
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175 at 40yds is pretty good. With LongBeards the biggest challenge will be shots under 25yds.
First don't let me steer you in the wrong direction.Those LongBeards are awesome shells! But they stay together a little longer than most shells. So close up shots will require a more precise aim. I can't exactly say for sure but dropping down shot sizes probably won't help them spread out. Usually that is achieved by a more open choke.
Just hope you don't have a problem with jerking the trigger. I have a bad problem with it myself, only when hunting. Steady as a rock when practicing, just in the woods I tend to yank the trigger like cranking a chainsaw!! lol
Quote175 at 40yds is pretty good.
He said 172 at 35yds. That's still smokin' hot with #4's.