Whats the conditions to pattern your gun(temp)

[Crappiepro]

I know there are some factor's that go into getting a good pattern out of your shotgun.
Im starting a 20ga and was wondering if they are as picky about air temp and weather condition's as a 12ga. This may sound stupid but......
What is the best air temp to try and pattern my 20ga?
Indiana's season is mostly 65 to 70 degrees, some cooler morning's.
Should I wait til closer to season or try with a 45 to 50 degree day?   

[g8rvet]

I shot mine at temps that are in the ranges that I shoot birds.  Some mornings are pretty chilly (40s-50s), some afternoons are pretty warm(65-80 even), so I shot all over the spectrum.

If you want a pretty pattern though, shoot warmer.

[reynolds243]

Same. I try and shoot at the low end of the temp for when season is in so in tn mornings can be in the 50s so I pattern at that temp.  If it's warmer so be it


Proverbs 3:5
"Trust in the lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding"

Sent from my phone because I'm that cool

[alloutdoors]

I would definitely take a couple shots in the cold to see what your gun will do in a worst case scenario. Last year when it didn't seem like it was ever going to warm up I think I ended up shooting a couple rounds at around 35°. My gun still put up around 130 so I figure I'm pretty well covered (I've hit 180 at around 75°). Although a few years ago we had a youth hunt where the day started in the low 20's...

[owlhoot]

I would definitely take a couple shots in the cold to see what your gun will do in a worst case scenario. Last year when it didn't seem like it was ever going to warm up I think I ended up shooting a couple rounds at around 35°. My gun still put up around 130 so I figure I'm pretty well covered (I've hit 180 at around 75°). Although a few years ago we had a youth hunt where the day started in the low 20's...

Thats good advise right there. Those temp ranges can occur anytime of the season here in the midwest.

[Dr Juice]

When patterning, I worry more about the wind than I do the temperature as long as the temperature range is not extreme. For example, I would NOT pattern in 90-degree weather and then hunt in the 45-degree weather.