16ga.com ~ View topic

I had the opportunity to pattern the following load this weekend:

Win hull
Win 209 primer
17.4 grains PB
DR 16 wad
7/8oz #8 shot
This load according to Hodgdon is 1150 fps at 5900 psi

I separated the petals upon loading 3 shells and left them intact on 3 more.
All shots out of Mod choked barrel of Utica Fox Sterlingworth (2 3/4in chambers) at 40 yards.

Results:
56% in 30 in circle with petals left intact

57% in 30 in circle with petals cut

Checked core (inner 20in circle) density:(pellets in 20 in/pellets in 30in)
52% in 20in core with petals left intact
54% in 20 in core with petals cut

Conclusion:

Makes no significant difference in overall pattern or in core density if petals are cut or left intact.....at least for this load in this gun

As an aside, recovered the wads easily and found that one had all four petals still intact, one had one connection broken, and one had two broken.

Jeff

Guest

Jeff, thanks!

I was hoping someone would check that out.