I’ve got an 1896 vintage Remington 1889 hammer gun I’m working up loads for dove hunting. I loaded up five different charges and just shot them through the right, more open choked barrel as it seems to be the more temperamental of the two. Components used were 2 1/2” Magtech brass shells, large pistol primers, .125” nitro over powder card, 1/2” lubricated fiber wad, and a .025” overshot card. Loads were as follows:

2 3/4 drams FFg and 1oz of 7 1/2 shot
2 3/4 drams FFg and 1 1/8 oz of 7 1/2 shot
3 drams FFg and 1 1/8 oz of 7 1/2 shot
3 drams FFg and 1 1/4 oz of 7 1/2 shot
3 1/4 drams FFg and 1 1/4 oz of 7 1/2 shot

Here are the resulting patterns.

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2 3/4 - 1 oz

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2 3/4 - 1 1/8 oz

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3 - 1 1/8 oz

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3 - 1 1/4 oz

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3 1/4 - 3 1/4 oz

I think the last pattern is the best, even though it doesn’t have the highest percentage of shot in the circles. But it does have the most even distribution of pellets.

Keep in mind that this barrel’s constriction shows to be an improved modified choke, but it’s shooting this load more along the lines of a cylinder choke. I’d be interested to hear any and all comments or advice from those smarter than me.