Rem 870/ Winchester 3 2 5 Pattern

[houser52]

I shot the 870 a little today using some old Win 3-2-5 loads and a Remington Super Full Hevi/lead choke .675. I tried a RemChoke .665 lead only choke and it didn't like it at all.
The barrel is an 18" with a bead front sight. I'm considering using it turkey hunting out of a blind.



What do you think about the pattern?


1- Pattern centered ok?
2- Try a different choke?
3- Try some Winchester High Velocity Lead #5 or #6?
4- Go to a longer barrel with adjustable sights and a different choke?

Thanks

[FttFttVroom!]

With that short of a barrel, you are going to need much more constriction on the choke.  I have a 23 in barrel on my 870 and with lead 5's it likes .665 constriction and .660 for 6's. 

Will your gun shoot 3&1/2" shells?  If so, I would use them....and lead 6's have plenty killing power at 40 if
you are willing to move down in pellet size to get a more dense shot pattern at that range. 

A longer barrel helps, but it's all up to you and what you're comfy touting around in the woods.

If you're hunting from a blind, getting them close enough to kill with that load in the pic shouldn't be a problem, but i'd stay inside 30 yds max with that setup.

[Remturkey]

I would put the .665 choke back in and try the Win XX 3-2-6 lead load. Should be better and not too expensive.

[houser52]

Thanks for the information. The gun is 2 3/4" and 3" only.

I'd talked with Sumtoy last week about installing different sights but that's easier said than done on that particular barrel since it doesn't have a rib or ramped sights already. He's a good guy and willing to try anything to help me but it might be more trouble and expensive than it's worth.

I was hoping it would shoot turkey loads close to POA without having to have it drilled and tapped for optics. Shooting #8 field loads at 15 yards, the POA and POI are pretty darn close.

I don't have a problem with lead #6s and will gladly use them if they will pattern well and kill a tuykey.

What brand of choke is working best for you all?

[Tom Foolery]

The TruGlo SSX .643" threw good patterns from my short barreled 870 with 3" HV #6's.  I would think something tight, .643" - .660" would be best. 

[tyelper]

i have a remington shorty it has a factory 21'' barrel not factory on the gun, but any who,  i shoot  remington nitro 3'' number 5 through it with a tightwad choke and consistantly throw 140-150 hits in 10'' at 30 yards,,,,hope this helps,,,,,

[houser52]

Thanks for the suggestions.

Anyone else recommend a choke for my 18" 870?

[FttFttVroom!]

Kicks Gobblin Thunder in .665 or .660 or maybe a Primos Jellyhead

[houser52]

Kicks Gobblin Thunder in .665 or .660 or maybe a Primos Jellyhead

I have considered a Jelly Head so I can shoot lead or Hevi-13 loads.
If I am understanding correctly the .660 would be good for lead & Hevi-13 #7 and the .665 good for Hevi-13 #6
& lead.

[Remturkey]

The Kicks .655 is awesome for lead and the winchester XRHD #6's. Indian Creek or Jellyhead .660 would give you the option to shoot hevishot.

[Longshanks]

The TruGlo SSX .643" threw good patterns from my short barreled 870 with 3" HV #6's.  I would think something tight, .643" - .660" would be best.  

Ive had the best luck with Kicks .655/ 21" bbl Rem 870/  Win XX 3/2/6's.  My gun will actually pattern all the Win 6's really well.  (1 3/4, 1 7/8, 2)  All three loads 100+ @ 40.  
*220's in a 10 @ 40  Hevi 7's 3/2/7's.

[Thegobblergetter]

My 870 w/ 21" barrel w/  Carlson's .660 extended choke and Win HV 2-4 will put 100 in 10" circle and 95 in 20" circle.  With there being only 270 shot total in the load that is 72% in the 20" circle.  It has accounted for many a gobbler.  John

[Thegobblergetter]

Incidentally, my 870 was patterned at a lasered 40yds.  John

[houser52]

i have a remington shorty it has a factory 21'' barrel not factory on the gun, but any who,  i shoot  remington nitro 3'' number 5 through it with a tightwad choke and consistantly throw 140-150 hits in 10'' at 30 yards,,,,hope this helps,,,,,

Post yesterday said 40yds. Can you confirm range for us.


Houser52
Jelly Head 660 should work well in the short barrel with Hevi 7

John

Jelly Head 660 also pattern well with Winchester lead #6s?

[tyelper]

my mistake the 30 yard is with the shortie and ventilator choke ,,,i appoligize