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I have been loading some lighter target loads and have been using an over shot card to get a good crimp. Concern is how to get the best pattern.
Question: Would it be better to place the card under the shot charge inside the wad, or over the top of the shot charge?

Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 1059 Location: Minnesota

Interested to see the comments on this. My opinion is it makes no difference.

No one knows for sure until it’s patterned. And “best” can be subjective. It may not make a difference, but most folks will say under. I tend towards under but have no data for over to compare using just an overshot card. When I load SPRED-R wads, I go over with a little shot on top and it makes for a nice even spread. Give it a try for both and see which you prefer. YMMV

The effects on pattern is not from the card directly disrupting the shot string as it does not.

The magic happens when the standard deviation goes down on both velocity and pressure.

Always use an over the shot card once I figured out the consistency went up by magnitudes.

The magic happens when the variables are minimized .

I want to place the core , 10 " - 14" on the target and not worry about the rest .

I minimized my misses by building my loads with more consistent velocity and pressure , everything about shooting is timing and consistency, if ones timing is off how can one be consistent!

Regards Nick

Thanks for your responses.

Joined: 25 Mar 2013 Posts: 37 Location: Southern Michigan

I found it sometimes does, and sometimes doesn't. I don't believe there's a rule of thumb that cuts across all the variables of shot type, shot size, shot charge, wads, overshot cards dimensions and material, etc. The only way to know is to pattern both over and under and see.