Patterning a Shotgun

Patterning a Shotgun

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Patterning your Trapshooting or Shotgun, is very important.

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Patterning your Shotgun:

For starters, a full choke is a tube to start with. A improved modified tube is good to about the 20 yard line, after that a tighter tube is better (This is what I have found out myself but everyone is different). The idea is to maintain the most consistent pattern of shot at as far of a distance as possible. Most new shotguns come equipped to handle interchangeable chokes. A new choke is not necessary, but it might give you a slight advantage over factory issued chokes. Briley Mfg. sells some great titanium tube sets.

To pattern your shotgun, begin by purchasing different brands of shot shells in various shot sizes most trap ranges only allow 7 1/2, 8 or 9 shot size. Each brand of shell and shot size will pattern differently out of every individual gun. By testing an assortment of shells, the best combination of shot size, tube set , shell brand and shotgun can be determined.No, two guns of the same model and setup will pattern the same with identical shells.

Find a suitable range or remote area to perform the shotgun patterning test. The targets can be plain paper or silhouettes of turkey heads. Post the target on cardboard boxes or a homemade patterning board. Position them at distances from 15 to 35 yards at 5-yard intervals. It's best to shoot from a bench rest or other position that yields constant accuracy.

Start Patterning your shotgun by firing an identical shell at each target from 15 to 35 yards. Collect each target and clearly label it. The information should include the brand of shell, shot size and distance. Repeat the patterning process until you've fired a sample from each of the brands you've chosen.

With all of the targets collected and labeled, it's time to study them. Take each target and draw a 15-inch diameter circle around the densest area of shot in the pattern. With every paper target marked, you need to start counting holes within the circle. The targets with the highest number of holes at the farthest distance are superior choice using the same tube set.

The testing not only reveals the best-suited load for your shotgun, but it gives you an accurate count of yards for effective target dusting. As soon as the cluster of pellets leave the barrel they start to disperse. Shooting at 5-yard intervals displays the spread of the pattern downrange. There are some thing that can also help with the patterning of the shotgun, by having the forcing cone extended or sometimes a extended tube set with help the patterning of the shotgun.

Your shotgun is the most essential piece of gear on your person. The rest of your trap shooting gear won't do you a bit of good if you don't have a shotgun. You will find that Patterning your shotgun is a very enlightening experience, do this regularly this will also help with checking to see if you are shooting where you look.

Good Luck and BE SAFE! Use safety glasses and hearing protection always whenever shooting or patterning your shotgun