21" or 28" barrel

[dipitydo2003]

I have a 21" and a 28" barrel, also have a RSF and IC 555 choke for them. Which setup woud be better for 10" circle @ 40 yds. I will be shooting Hevi #6's when i get a chance.

[Mr16Gauge]

Conventional wisdom says a longer bbl will give you better patterns at 40 yds.

However, our experience has been that each barrel and load performs different.

Get a handful of what you intend to shoot, take both barrels and both chokes to the range.

Shoot 3 - 5 rounds per bbl with each choke.

Then you have a good idea of what your barrels like best.

Try to do the testing on a day that will be representative of when you will be hunting.  Yes, that is difficult,  however, try to get close.

Good Luck

[njdevilsb]

You will probably find that the IC .555 with pattern better in the 21", while the RSF may be better for the 28", being a .570.  As was stated above, your best bet is to just try all combinations of them and see what you like.  I carry a 28" 870 a few days each year and I love it.  It patterns well with the RSF and Hevi 13 #7's.  Some people find a 28" to be hard to carry sometimes through the woods, but it doesn't bother me much.