Which of These Patterns Should I Hunt With?

[StruttinGobbler3]

Ok, these two patterns were shot at a lasered 40 yards, with temperature in the mid 60s and minimal wind. Gun was a 12 gauge Beretta A400 Extreme Plus with a .670 Indian Creek choke. Top pattern was shot with Federal TSS 3.5 inch #9s. 95% of payload within roughly a 19x19 inch pattern. Bottom target shot with Apex TSS 3.5 inch #9s. 95% of payload within a 15x15 inch area. Also, I placed my 10 inch circle about an inch lower than I should on the Apex pattern, if adjusted this pattern would break over 400 hits in the 10. So, I am having trouble deciding which to hunt with. Either shell would be bad medicine for any gobbler within 50 yards. The Federal has fewer hits in the 10, but appears to be more evenly spread and with a larger overall pattern, giving a little more forgiveness. The Apex definitely has a hotter core and a denser 10 inch pattern. Which one do you like better? Also, are these numbers typical for a good TSS pattern, or below average? Alright, fire away.

[StruttinGobbler3]

Sorry, not great at posting pictures here. Pdf is the only format I could get to work.

[Hobbes]

I didn't read all of your post, but there isnt enough difference between the two to be concerned.  They'll both kill him stone dead.  I noticed that one had a hole or two in the pattern, but I've seen those kind of variations from one shot to the next.

Went back and re-read.  I'd shoot the one with the larger 19x19 pattern.  I shoot a lot of my birds 30 and in and prefer to not shoot a missile at that range.  I also like them to have a head that's not hamburger.

[davisd9]

I see a Federal pattern and Apex. Out of the two I would hunt the federal as it looks like it is more even with less holes in it. Out side of 10" looks better as well.

[Ctrize]

The purpose of patterning is to see what shell puts the most pellets in a kill zone. I think the Apex has a better concentration on the center with more pellets overall in the circle,50 pellets is quite a difference and I would go with that. 

[davisd9]

The purpose of patterning is to see what shell puts the most pellets in a kill zone. I think the Apex has a better concentration on the center with more pellets overall in the circle,50 pellets is quite a difference and I would go with that.

Not exactly. You want the most pellets that has the most even pattern to it. Big numbers with big holes are not good patterns.

[wvmntnhick]

Both will kill but I'd swing for the bottom.


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[Spitten and drummen]

Either one. I like even patterns more than a hot core.

[Crghss]

I like a uniform pattern so top one for me. But they'll both do the job.

[Dr Juice]

I like a uniform pattern so top one for me. But they'll both do the job.

I concur

[camrontidwell]

I prefer even patter. Federal it is


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[randy6471]

Either one. I like even patterns more than a hot core.

X2

[StruttinGobbler3]

Ok I think I have the pictures up correctly now. Any more feedback on these patterns?



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[Big Jeremy]

I'd choose that federal pattern 10/10. It has a hot core, AND is more even with no holes in it.

[roberthyman14]

Just to try it.  Shoot the same load in a 3"  I can tell ya mine patterns best with 3"  doesnt have as hot of a core. But the patterns are very even. The 3.5" I tried were great at much longer distance. But inside 30 yards was like a missle as someone stated. 

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