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Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 41

As everyone has probably read, you are suppose to follow the load recipe verbatim. But, is there a problem with backing down on the powder charge? Load in question generates 11,000 psi but pattern seems a bit splotchy. Just want to improve the pattern a bit.

Many thanks, John.

Member Joined: 16 Nov 2006 Posts: 1338

Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 41

Thanks Mike. The safety factor is what I am concerned with but I don't plan to back down a whole lot. I do have an Oehler 35 that I shoot my rifles over but makes me a little squeamish to try a shotgun on it.

John

Member Joined: 16 Nov 2006 Posts: 1338

Member Joined: 08 Nov 2005 Posts: 3438 Location: Illinois

Most loads are figured at 1200 fps---you can safely reduce to 850 if needed--use your chrono and your ears to listen for a possible lighter than expected powder drop,especially w/a proggresive press

I've got a PACT, seems to work great. I use 3 yards, not 3 feet for distance. I think that's the US standard for "muzzle" velocity with shotshells -- correct me if I'm wrong. I think that's what E. D. Lowry uses in his shotshell exterior ballistics software, for instance.

For we regular users, there seems to be no way to calibrate chronographs. There really are no velocity standards as it is a computed parameter -- distance and time. Difficult for us regular folks to create an event of specific time for the screens of a chronograph. One can only compare one to another and see what seems reasonable. I use factory shotshell loads for comparison -- check the nominal velocity specs for dram-equivalents. Results seem reasonable, e.g. for 12 ga. 3 dr and 1.125 oz, the 3 yard velocity is supposed to be 1200 fps, and I get about 1205 to 1210 from Remington shells. Its just one data point, of course, and others can be checked. Anyway, off I go, whistling in the dark.

The distance is 3 foot muzzle velocity for shotguns. That is what Lowry used also. It is also the industry standard.

No offense to anyone and Mr. Campbell is right on the money!!!

Thanks Mark. I will switch to 3 feet and get right with the world. Smile

Joined: 21 May 2010 Posts: 603 Location: Victoria BC Canada

You did not post your reloading recipe, so the following might not be of much help to you. However, I'm offering it for anyone who might benefit.

Sometimes it is best to switch to a slightly slower burning powder to close up patterns. Doing so can lower average peak pressures and tighten up the pattern at the same time w/o necessarily reducing average velocities. As an example, both Red Dot and Green Dot are commonly used for 1-1/8 ounce 12 gauge trap loads of closely similar average velocities. Generally, Red Dot seems to open pattern cores while Green Dot tightens them up at the core. This is why GD has proven to be an excellent choice for H-Cap loads while RD is commonly used for Trap singles and doubles loads as well as for skeet loads.

Another option is to lighten up the shot charge. 24 gram 12 gauge trap loads tend to produce tighter pattern cores than most 28 and 32 gram loads right across the board (as well as producing much less recoil--another benefit). I've been using 24 gram (7/8 ounce) trap loads for singles and 1st doubles targets to devastating effect for quite a while now. My average trap singles and doubles scores went up very shortly after going to these lighter loads. In fact, I had to go to an IC choke to open these loads up a bit for trap singles targets to get the most out of them.

Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 41

Thank you all for the replies. Load is 29 gr. of Long shot with 1 1/8 oz. of shot. I have also tried 27 gr. with the same load. Thinking about dropping back to 24-25 gr. Would be very interested in seeing the core of the pattern tighten up.

John

Where did you find a load with 29 grains of longshot?

Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 41

Oldhunter, sorry for taking a while to get back to you but I got that load from the very link in your post.

John

Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 41

Got out today do some patterning with some 24 and 25 gr. loads. The 24 gr. load appears to be the ticket. Tight full choke patterns at 40 yards and very uniform. All patterns were 70%+ with # 5's and as I said, the most uniform patterns that i have shot so far. There are a couple of threads going right now on # 5 shot and this sure works in my gun and I would be glad to share.

Many thanks for the help here.

John