Choke question

[Heller]

I use a .665 jellyhead out of my 870 and it puts out pretty good patterns with 3" longbeards with #5 and #6. I bought a kicks gobblin thunder just to see if it patterned any better. I called up kicks and was recommended to get the .660. So that's what I bought. My jellyhead at 40 yards puts twice as many shot in the kill zone on turkey head targets with both the 5s and 6s.
Does the tighter choke restriction  on the kicks do something crazy? I expected at least as good a pattern or better. But half as many was very disappointing to say the least. Anyone have any input on this?

[hunter-b]

Interesting im sure somebody will have some input on this .

[hunter-b]

Can I suggest you post these in the turkey gun section you might get a faster responce . Just trying to be helpful .

[DirtNap647]

sometimes one gun just likes a choke better not every gun is the same

[taylorjones20]

Is it a 2011 or newer 870?  Those are real finicky on what choke/shell combo they like...

[Skeeterbait]

Does the tighter choke restriction  on the kicks do something crazy?

It may if it is over constricted for that gun and load.  Does the pattern still have a denser core than the outer edge of the pattern or does it have a thinner core surrounded by a somewhat denser ring of shot.  If the latter then it is definitely too tight for that load.  Even if your not seeing this thin center it may be too tight for optimal performance.  Last I heard Kick's would swap chokes for you if you didn't like the performance.  You might call them up and see if they will swap it for a .665 and try that.

[Heller]

Is it a 2011 or newer 870?  Those are real finicky on what choke/shell combo they like...

It a 2004 model

[taylorjones20]

I agree with above post.  I would try to swap it for a .665 - Although I hunt with two guys that have older (pre 2011) 870 3" guns and they are devastating with .660 Jelly Head.   But they are shooting Nitro Company shells...  Shooting #5's will likely pattern better with a more open choke...  Just my 

[darn2ten]

How long is your barrel?

[the Ward]

I use a .665 jellyhead out of my 870 and it puts out pretty good patterns with 3" longbeards with #5 and #6. I bought a kicks gobblin thunder just to see if it patterned any better. I called up kicks and was recommended to get the .660. So that's what I bought. My jellyhead at 40 yards puts twice as many shot in the kill zone on turkey head targets with both the 5s and 6s.
Does the tighter choke restriction  on the kicks do something crazy? I expected at least as good a pattern or better. But half as many was very disappointing to say the least. Anyone have any input on this?

Shooting at only a turkey head target is not going to tell you anything about the difference in patterns between the chokes. Your going to have to shoot at a big target to compare the pattern density between the chokes. Different chokes may have a different poi and you cant tell what it's doing on a small target.

[Heller]

 

How long is your barrel?

28"

[darn2ten]

How long is your barrel?

28"

I patterned guns back in March with a guy that had a older 28" 870 that did real well with a .665 Kick's. The 3" LB 5's where going around 180 in the 10 with this combo in his gun. I think if your barrel was say 24" or shorter that the .660 may be the trick, but with a longer 28" barrel I think the .665 will serve you better.