Hevi-shot #7 numbers help

[jk6140]

I finally got a chance to try out the new 3.5" 2.25 oz, #7's (lot 300525).  Is this a good lot?  In a clean, not polished barrel at 40 yards I was getting on average of 200 pellets in a 9" circle (paper plate).  It was about 65 degrees with little to no wind.  This is def alot better than I was getting out of my Remingtons.  Anyway I have been doing some reading and turns out these numbers arent that impressive.  I have been reading about not shooting at a "bullseye" just shooting at a area.  Can you please explain this to me.   I am planning on buying more 7's but would like to improve these numbers as much as possible.  Thanks


Remington 870 12gauge
26" barrel
Jellyhead .665
Bushnell 1.75-4 scope with a B-square saddle mount

[nyhunter]

OK first you should shoot at something using a large 30x30 paper or cardboard target put a bulls eye in the center "a 2-3" orange sticker works great",  Then look for the densest  part of the pattern and draw a 10" circle around that. 200 will kill turkeys all day long. Yes with 7's you should get more than that but it will work.

[jk6140]

That is exactly what I did.  I shot at a 30" piece of carboard with a 2" orange bullseye.  After I did this I took a 9" paper plate and shot it.  This is where I got my #'s from (plate).  I may need to go check my #'s on just the cardboard.     

[nyhunter]

yep that's what I'd do. look for the densest part of the pattern.

[jk6140]

If I find that the densest part of the pattern isnt where the bullseye is should I adjust my scope?

[Tom Foolery]

If I find that the densest part of the pattern isnt where the bullseye is should I adjust my scope?

Yes, you want the densest part where you are aiming.

[jk6140]

Well, after further investigation in a 10" circle I am consistantly right around 270 pellets.  With the highest being 281 and lowest being 261.  I know it will kill a bird, but I think I can still get better numbers. 

[gophert]

a JH .660 will more than likely get you to the 300's, but those 30 extra holes to me is not really worth buying another choke unless you just want to get to 300. 

[jk6140]

If I run into a heck of a deal, I may pick one up.  For now I think I may stay where I am at. 

[Gold Spur]

The numbers you are getting are excellent! You might get a few more hits with a .660 and then again you may not.

[jk6140]

Thanks guys.  I guess I was just second guessing my set up.

[BigHooks]

Just don't let yourself get caught up in the number game, number's are fine but a good even pattern is better....

[Tom Foolery]

I would hunt with 270 #7's all day every day.  Be sure your 20" pattern is nice and even and then go forth and kill.

[jk6140]

Thanks for talking me off the ledge guys.  I orderd 5 more boxes this morning.  I found a heck of a deal plus a mail in rebate.