[Uncle Buck]

Was reading a predator hunting book this week...Shotgunning...Author highligted "Loads That Are Square!" "A shotgunners term for a payload of shot that is roughly the same length as it is around." "or close to square as possible will generally perform better than a longer shot charge."

When a not square load compresses it deforms pellets which often ends up as FLYERS well outside of the core pattern.

Many times you see these 2 Oz or 1 7/8 ounce loads in 3 inch shells...or even 2 3/4 inch shells... Should we be using something square like a load of 1 1/4 at most in our shotguns? Flyers are good if your hunting small game but not good for turkey or predator out past 40 to 45 yards.
Also the 3 1/2 shell...the length of shot surely can't be as long as round if you use 2 oz of shot in the cup?

Could it be that maybe the 2 3/4 could shoot better or equal to a 3 inch/ Suppose when it comes to shotgunning you need to take a day and pattern your shotguns..

Also when a shot charge travels.. You look at your target and see the pattern it developed..However not all shot gets to the target at the same time.. So the pattern you see might not develop all at once. Some pellets hit before the others...


By the way the author claimed that is one of the reason why a 10 gauge is better then a 3 1/2 12 gauge shell? The 10 gauge shot charge is SQUARE because of the larger thickness of the hull..

This might give you a reason why you should use the 10 gauge instead of the 3 1/2 shotgun sheel for turkey, geese, and predators...
Could it be it's good to be SQUARE?

[Hairtrigger]

I remember reading much on the benefits of a longer shot column when the 12ga 3 1/2 was introduced. Now that the hype is over reality sets in?
I guess I would rethink shot deformity when a wad is around the shot vs old school shells that did not use a shot cup.

[Hairtrigger]

I forgot to add.
To me patterning your shotgun is incredibly important... would you buy a rifle and take it hunting assuming the sights are set where the bullet hits from the factory?

[model99er]

I'm waiting, ever so paiently, for Brother Mongo to make a post.


99er

[Mongojoe]

model99er, on 27 December 2009 - 10:10 AM, said:

I'm waiting, ever so paiently, for Brother Mongo to make a post.


99er

Well, wait no longer................. To begin with, I know next to nothing about loading for shotguns... I load for several rifles and several handguns, but have never loaded for shotguns... Never figured I shot them enough to make it worth while to load for them.

Excuse my not "replying" to this sooner, but I have been down with the flu the last few days...and as soon as I finish catching up my emails and making sure 99er has things under control here, I am going to go take a healthy shot of NyQuil, and lay back down again..... Take care all.

[DEN]

Get Well soon Mongo

Den.

[model99er]

Yes, do get better soon Mongo !!


99er

[Mongojoe]

Thanks guys... I'm feeling a little better today...but didn't get out of bed until about 1 this afternoon... I'm just up to eat a bite, and thought I'd check things out while I was here....... Take care all...and Have a Happy New Years !