Lloyd,
I am glad you are optimistic regarding your new gun and share your enthusiasm.
The subject of shot charges vs shot strings has fascinated me for many years. I have fired and examined literally thousands of patterns, counted a corresponding number of pellet holes and generally wasted years trying to optimize my results. I have also read all I can find on the subject.
The earliest mention of shot string I am aware of is from old Winchester advertising of the Super X ammo. Late 1920’s to early 1930’s. Prior to that I can find no mention. Oberfell and Thompson did extensive testing in the early 1960’s. (University of Oklahoma press) After that Ed Kotsky did some testing in the late 60’s or early 70’s, again for Winchester at NILO Farms. Then came Bob Brister who tested and published his comprehensive results in SHOTGUNNING, THE ART AND SCIENCE. (Winchester press)
I also went outside the box and had a physics professor examine all my data as well as published data mentioned above.
Long to short is that it’s the shot charge and to a much lesser extent velocity, not the bore diameter that provides killing patterns. On going away targets (which most grouse seem to be) shot string is completely irrelevant. On short to medium (under 30 yards) range it’s almost irrelevant on a fast 90 degree crossing bird. At 50 yards plus, on a fast crossing target it’s a small but present factor.
What does matter is ammo quality. Progressive powders, quality, cushioned shot cups and most of all hard, round shot pellets. In consideration of the above factors I maintain that a 20 gauge with a top end target load similar to Win AA or Remington’s quality target load will likely put a higher % of pellets into a given area than any 2” ammo loaded today.
I’m sure your gun is lovely and has many virtues. Hope you post photos. I don’t think out patterning a quality 20 gauge load is likely.
Last edited by Richard Hale; 07/21/26 09:44 AM.
