New guy. Is this ok? Supernova, IC black diamond, 665, HS13 Blend

[thacounty]

This is on 8.5x11 printer paper. 42 yards. I thought Indian Creek loved hevi13. Is this an acceptable pattern?

[Bowguy]

On that small piece of paper you have no idea where your pattern actually hit. Are you seeing the fringe or the pattern center? Get a large sheet than shoot it a couple times to determine consistency of your info, than ask for help

[Bowguy]

Bud shoot off a rest too. Walmart sells large packing paper use can use. Gift paper turned backwards, large cardboard sheets etc.
Idk how muck you know so also be sure n sight in really close to make sure you're on. All turkey loads don't shoot straight and I forgot to say welcome last night

[huntinsomd]

I'd say that out of 12ga that pattern is marginal. A switch to HW 7's or TSS 9's would make a huge difference in your pattern density. .410's are throwing much better patterns these days. Rogers has had HW 7's on sale for about $15 a box for a while now and those should throw a much better pattern.

[Bowguy]

I'd say that out of 12ga that pattern is marginal. A switch to HW 7's or TSS 9's would make a huge difference in your pattern density. .410's are throwing much better patterns these days. Rogers has had HW 7's on sale for about $15 a box for a while now and those should throw a much better pattern.

Is it marginal or is pattern not centered? Also depending where he hunt 9 may not be legal. Still need to center pattern though

[huntinsomd]

I'd say that out of 12ga that pattern is marginal. A switch to HW 7's or TSS 9's would make a huge difference in your pattern density. .410's are throwing much better patterns these days. Rogers has had HW 7's on sale for about $15 a box for a while now and those should throw a much better pattern.

Is it marginal or is pattern not centered? Also depending where he hunt 9 may not be legal. Still need to center pattern though

Pattern may not be centered, but the part that is visible doesn't look too dense for a 12ga with a decent choke. HW 7's should be legal most anywhere and would tighten up that pattern for sure. HW 7's from a Franchi 20ga with an open choke (.575) at 40yds.

[Bowguy]

If the pattern isn't centered you may be seeing an outer edge that's why it's important to rule this out

[huntinsomd]

If the pattern isn't centered you may be seeing an outer edge that's why it's important to rule this out

I agree with you...just saying there are much better options as far as ammo goes for a big gun.

[Bowguy]

Better is in the eye of the beholder. I respect your opinion on that though

[huntinsomd]

Better is in the eye of the beholder. I respect your opinion on that though

Most would agree that more pellets in the 10" and 20" circles is a better pattern. More pellets in the shell should also mean more pellets in those circles and the killzone.

[Bowguy]

We're prob saying the same thing but again the pattern must be centered. The number of pellets in the circle is subjective. Higher number is good for sure, but if the stuff is too light it's irrelevant. No energy. Now add TSS. Sounds good, good energy in small sizes. Perhaps shots are always close, or the person can't afford TSS. It's crazy expensive. Novices ain't buying it.  An awful lot of birds are dead without it. And have died for years. It's not necessary but to some it seems so.  It's not always so black n white or we'd all shoot the very tiniest heaviest loads the state allowed.

Anyhow op take the big sheet n check your pattern for center. You'll than see the whole story. If uncentered you need sights. If you choose smaller shot there's still no guarantee you'll be centered. It's part of the process. First find out exactly what you are working with, than you can get sights, switch loads, shot sizes or types but each time you must shoot the big paper to see your whole pattern, than work from there. Thinking a magazine sized slice of your pattern is telling you anything is a mistake. Turkey guns very often shoot dif poi and they even do so w dif loads. Start by getting good info

[TrackeySauresRex]

Anyhow op take the big sheet n check your pattern for center. You'll than see the whole story. If uncentered you need sights. If you choose smaller shot there's still no guarantee you'll be centered. It's part of the process. First find out exactly what you are working with, than you can get sights, switch loads, shot sizes or types but each time you must shoot the big paper to see your whole pattern, than work from there. Thinking a magazine sized slice of your pattern is telling you anything is a mistake. Turkey guns very often shoot dif poi and they even do so w dif loads. Start by getting good info

^ This OP  and remember lead does kill turkeys 

[Tom007]

Welcome aboard friend. This Forum will help you get dialed in.. best of luck....

[BINK McCARTY]

WELCOME TO OG!!!! Best advice starting off,shoot at ,at least a 2'x2' target. I personally use a 3'x3' target. Also, shoot from a solid rest whether it be bench with sandbags or lead sled or sitting with your elbows rested on your knees. Some may say "You won't have a bench in the woods" ....true, but you really need to be steady and consistent in the patterning and final sighting in of your gun to be at your best in the woods. Also, if you have a buddy or buddies that shoot the same gun as you,swap up choke tubes and shells....say you buy one type of shell and I'll buy another and try em' out. And do keep in mind you don't HAVE to have Hevi-shot  Heavyweight, or TSS to make clean and ethical skills. Folks killed turkeys for a LOOOONG time with just good ol' lead. If you can afford the more expensive stuff and that's what you want then do it to it. Main thing is don't get sucked into one way of thinking. Good luck and remember we're here to help you!!!

[BINK McCARTY]

Also to, remember (if you're recoil sensitive)  you don't HAVE to shoot 3.5 loads. In fact alot of situations you will see the 3" patterns better than the 3.5" ,but also keep in mind the ONLY way to know that is to pattern it in YOUR gun because what shots good or great in your buddy's gun may not shoot good in yours,even if it's the exact same setup. Each gun will shoot different. I might also add, a good recoil pad will help you even if you don't "think" you're recoil sensitive. Have fun bud!!!