maybe I didn't read it all the way but if no one mentioned it yet make sure and clean your barrel really well before you pattern...warm weather is helpful but a clean bore is huge. At a minimum if you're trying to max performance I'd say a solvent/oil applied, brushed, patched clean. You can even swab the barrel a couple times between shots to improve consistency at the range. Then give it another cleaning before you go hunt. You can do a good job yourself and make a difference but don't be afraid to have a professional polish it for you under 100 bucks. My thoughts, trying to help. Get over a 100 hits every time in 10" at 40 yards and should be in business no matter what shell you shoot but I would think 3.5" 2 oz #6 should do that every single time. Good luck getting it figured out and even better luck hunting!!
