S |
M |
T |
W |
T |
F |
S |
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
28
|
29
|
30
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 members (12boreman, 1 invisible),
462
guests, and
4
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
Forums10
Topics38,934
Posts550,853
Members14,460
|
Most Online1,344 Apr 29th, 2024
|
|
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 190 Likes: 11
Sidelock
|
OP
Sidelock
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 190 Likes: 11 |
Question: How to effectively increase pattern density by using 2 different shells.
I have a Damascus hammer gun choked .004 and .004. Probably had some choke in one barrel reamed out at one time. However both barrels still have .733 bores. Both barrels remain in proof for 2 1/2 inch shells.
I'd like to tighten the pattern in one barrel by using a different shell in the second chamber. I've been using a variety of manufactured low pressure shells.
Does a larger shot size accomplish this to some degree, or is there another factor?
Thanks in advance.
The only constant in life is change.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,065
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,065 |
Things that tighten patterns:
Plastic wads Shot cups Larger shot Buffering (also increases pressure) Pie crimped shells shoot tighter than roll crimped shells Low velocity Longer forcing cones (when used with plastic wad/shotcup)
Things that open Patterns:
Fiber wads Plastic inserts in the shot charge High velocity
Bob Brister wrote an excellent book on patterns. Also Gough Thomas (GT Garwood) and Burrard have much on patterning although almost all of it was written before plastic wads and shot cups.
Last edited by AmarilloMike; 10/06/13 11:50 AM.
I am glad to be here.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,985 Likes: 894
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,985 Likes: 894 |
If I'm not mistaken, Zutz reported that simply changing powder to green dot tightened up his patterns. My copy of "Shotgun Stuff" is on loan at the moment, so I can't verify that, but, it is what I seem to recall.
Best, Ted
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 13,880 Likes: 16
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 13,880 Likes: 16 |
I've often wondered if using a steel shot cup (extremely stiff shotcup pedals) would noticeably tighten a pattern.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,032 Likes: 56
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,032 Likes: 56 |
good list AmarilloMike
I would add the following:
too tighten: -harder shot -unslit wad -fewer slit wad (two slits instead of four) -scotch tape around wad (two or so wraps) -line shot cup with a wrap
too open: -irregular shaped shot - flattened shot - (I don't like this on game as it creates ugly wounds that draw in fine feathers - disperser wads/scatter masters wads
changing powders can affect patterns because of a change in the pressure curve - however one must experiment to determine the actual effect as individual bores behave differently
Michael Dittamo Topeka, KS
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 190 Likes: 11
Sidelock
|
OP
Sidelock
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 190 Likes: 11 |
Okay, since I'm using commercially available modern shot shells, it appears that the easiest means of tightening a pattern would be to use a shell with larger shot size in the second chamber all else being equal.
The only constant in life is change.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,032 Likes: 56
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,032 Likes: 56 |
yes on larger shot, also consider harder shot if available without having to go to a faster load like the fiochi golden pheasant
I believe rst will provide you some good options
Last edited by old colonel; 10/06/13 02:15 PM.
Michael Dittamo Topeka, KS
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,065
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,065 |
1150 fps should be tighter than 1350 fps.
I am glad to be here.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,966 Likes: 96
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,966 Likes: 96 |
Okay, since I'm using commercially available modern shot shells, it appears that the easiest means of tightening a pattern would be to use a shell with larger shot size in the second chamber all else being equal. Yes on the larger shot but consider there will be less pattern density due to fewer pellets so probably wouldn't gain much, if any. Mark, you could gain a lot by having the left barrel jug choked. Five thousandths off the wall thickness would give ten thousandths additional choke, making fourteen total. That would be a solid modified. I have had great experiences with jug chokes. Two of my favorite "long range" guns are choked about what you have right now and they do reach out and touch 'em. Once I got over worrying about numbers and observing the kills I gained a lot of confidence in having little choke.
Last edited by Joe Wood; 10/06/13 06:10 PM.
John McCain is my war hero.
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 190 Likes: 11
Sidelock
|
OP
Sidelock
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 190 Likes: 11 |
You're probably right Joe. I should just pattern it and see what I really have. If I'm two feet behind and over a target, it doesn't really matter what choke I'm using, right? I'm reluctant to remove any metal on this particular gun.
The only constant in life is change.
|
|
|
|
|