So what is considered to be an effective pattern from a 20?

[VanHelden Game Calls]

http://oldgobbler.com/Forum/index.php/topic,43003.0.html

I attached a link to the 20ga pattern thread with photos and the info of the set-up.  This is for a 10yr old first turkey hunt.   I like the 20yd but ? the 30. 

Would moving up to 6's or 7's be worth it to fill in the pattern more for 30yrd shot?  I worry about nockdown as I will stick with the lead loads.

Thoughts?

[remmy1187]

The 20 yard is nice but the 30 is very open with a lot of holes.  I would definitely try 6's or even 7.5's.  You will increase the pellet count and hopefully fill the voids in the 30 yard pattern. There will be plenty of energy at 30 yards with either size.

[BandedSpur]

The 20 yard is nice but the 30 is very open with a lot of holes.  I would definitely try 6's or even 7.5's.  You will increase the pellet count and hopefully fill the voids in the 30 yard pattern. There will be plenty of energy at 30 yards with either size.

This^^^^Buy a box of high quality sporting clays loads with an ounce of 7.5s. They will fill in the holes like remmy said and have killing energy to 35 yds. Here's an example from my 12 ga 1187 at 30 yds. This pattern will be a killing pattern to 35 easily. Your 20 will only have 1/8 oz less shot and should pattern well to 30.

[VanHelden Game Calls]

Thanks guys, I agree the 30 was more open then I am used to. I was unsure what you guys consider effective 20ga patterns given the reduced payload. 

I originally planned to keep the boy to around 20 but his shooting proved to be better then anticipated and I feel out to 30yrds max is now available.  He must take after dad

Now talking LEAD only, what have been your real world experiences regarding "nockdown energy" using a given shot size and distance. Assuming solid patterns are achieved?

5shot - ? max range
6shot - ? max range
7shot - ? max range
etc......

I personally have been using 5 shot lead federal with my 12ga and have been very happy and very successful. But I wonder if I am balanced heavy on energy and not pattern density?  Maybe I should reevaluate my 12ga setup as well.

[R AJ]

See how many pellets are in a 10" circle at a specific yardage for a given shell. If you have 80 that is the absolute minimum with a count of 100 more desireable.

A well placed shot is more critical than shot size or density, etc. I suggest a #6 or #7.5 if necessary. They have 2 3/4" #6 magnum loads with 1 1/8 oz. of shot that would be ideal as far as recoil and hopefully fill your needs for relatively close shots. If it is questionable about distance that is a great time to teach that every trip doesn't guarantee a shot or even that you hear one. If I had to count how many times I had birds well within range but never got a shot I'd run out of fingers and toes.

Just watching a kid look at me when he hears that first gobble or sees one coming and then hearing ,"Thanks for taking me" is worth it all.

[VanHelden Game Calls]

I have no problem going to 7's as long as the energy is there.

I have no real world experience good or bad how lead 7's perform to 30yrds. I am just concerned about penetration of the 7's.

But if you guys that use LEAD 7's have found energy at 30 yrs more then enough I am leaning hard on trying them.

[BandedSpur]

Lead 7.5s will smoke them at 30 yds. I've killed several with them. In fact, I've never lost one. But I strictly limit shots to 30 yds, and it is easier to estimate yardage from 30 and in than it is beyond 30.

[VanHelden Game Calls]

Agree about the yardage.  I feel I am pretty darn good as I live and breath archery and yardage est. is ultra critical.

I think I will go shopping   I would like to see a nice dense 30yrd pattern and I will be more then satisfied.

[surehuntsalot]

a 2-3/4" 1oz load of #7-1/2's will smoke any bird out there at 30 yds

[mightyjoeyoung]

http://www.rogerssportinggoods.com/federal-ammunition-federal-lead-grand-slam-turkey-load-gauge-p-2465.html

I am almost positive these are NOT the Flight Control Grand Slam loads.  I know it shows the FC wab bax in the pic, but it did when I bought up almost 2 cases of the stuff 2 years ago and it was the GOOD STUFF!  $5.99/ box too!  I'll check my boxes but like I said, it should be the good stuff...  I have never had a lead 20 gauge load pattern better...period.

[surehuntsalot]

http://www.rogerssportinggoods.com/federal-ammunition-federal-lead-grand-slam-turkey-load-gauge-p-2465.html

I am almost positive these are NOT the Flight Control Grand Slam loads.  I know it shows the FC wab bax in the pic, but it did when I bought up almost 2 cases of the stuff 2 years ago and it was the GOOD STUFF!  $5.99/ box too!  I'll check my boxes but like I said, it should be the good stuff...  I have never had a lead 20 gauge load pattern better...period.

those shells you picked up from Roger's Sporting Goods are the real deal.
pre FC shells with the old triple wad,in other words,the good stuff.
I got 4 boxes of 6's and 8 boxes of 5's