What range to pattern shotgun?

[sje0123]

Since Elk Neck doesn't allow shot on any of their ranges does anyone have any other suggestions? Do H&M or Continental allow #4,#5, or #6 shot?

 

[FIREHAWK]

continental is 00 or 000 buck shot only and i believe h&m is slug only.

 

[sje0123]

well then that sucks.

 

[Kevp]

You need to be more specific about what you are patterning for. Is it lead or steel shot? The shot sizes you mention are in the middle sizes- on the small end for waterfowling which requires steel or other non-toxic (I use steel 4s for duck); too big for clays as 7 is the largest allowed; just about right for upland like pheasant, but you aren't exactly in season. I wouldn't use any you mention for home defense so you can see why your request needs more clarification. If you are not patterning steel, you should be able to do it on an indoor range like Continental. You still need to call them. Recommend you pattern at 25 yds for target and 40yds for hunting. Make yourself a pattern board divided into quarters. Look it up on the net for dimensions, etc. You also need to know your pellet count if you really want to understand your percentages and POA/POI for your loads.

 

[sje0123]

It's for Turkey hunting. Lead shot. I'm trying to figure out if 4, 5, or 6 patterns better from my gun.

 

[Devonian]

I need to pattern my shotgun as well. I'm trying out 5's and 6's. Looks like most magnum turkey loads are copper jacketed lead shot. If I find a place to test I'll let you know.

 

[K31]

A lot of private clubs offer open-to-the-public trap and skeet shoots. Find one of these and approach the operators and ask if they have a patterning board you can use.

 

[_JT_]

I really wish Elk Neck let you do patterning, i'd rather not spend so much on slugs.

 

[sje0123]

I need to pattern my shotgun as well. I'm trying out 5's and 6's. Looks like most magnum turkey loads are copper jacketed lead shot. If I find a place to test I'll let you know.

Yeah def let me know if you find somewhere. Thanks

 

[Jizzo]

5 patterned great on my 870 super mag. cant wait to harvest a turkey this year!!

 

[BenL]

Delaney valley skeet will let you pattern, but they do limit the size of shot.

 

[sje0123]

to what? do you know?

 

[Boondock Saint]

Looks like no larger than 7.5: http://www.lochravenskeettrap.com/saftey.htm (link is correct despite spelling error)

 

[El_flasko]

continental is 00 or 000 buck shot only and i believe h&m is slug only.

H&M allows 00Buck from what they told me....just an fyi

 

[Inigoes]

for hunting/whatever, get some old newspaper, spread it out on a hill side (note should be a couple of hunderd yards from anything), step back to the distance you think you'll shoot something, and let a few shells rip.

If you're performing competition, Find the distance, repeat first paragraph using the specified distance.

 

[sje0123]

for hunting/whatever, get some old newspaper, spread it out on a hill side (note should be a couple of hunderd yards from anything), step back to the distance you think you'll shoot something, and let a few shells rip.

If you're performing competition, Find the distance, repeat first paragraph using the specified distance.

I know how to pattern it, but I'm looking for somewhere to do it legally and within the ranges rules.

 

[Mossyoak]

The way i read the regs they just dont want people shooting shot shells on the rifle range so pattern your gun in the skeet area at Elk Neck.
Here is the line from the regs.
"No shot shells for patterning. Shot shells may only be used at the skeet area."

I have used big cardboard in the skeet area to pattern shotguns in the past.
I used the open area to the right of the rifle range.

I may have been doing something i shouldnt but didnt see any harm. I think for obvious reasons shooting shot shells on the rifle range would tear up the supports and baffles not to mention peppering everyones targets down range.

 

[sje0123]

Hm... that makes sense. I think I'll try and give them a call tomorrow to see if I can clarify a way to do it and remain within the rules or perhaps get special permission.

 

[wapiti692]

sje0123 , what manufactor gun are you going to pattern? Mossberg 835 w/ winchester high velocity turkey loads in #5 pattern very well and kill turkeys out to 50 yards +

 

[sje0123]

Mossberg 500 w/ a H.S. Strut Undertaker Super full Turkey Choke Tube. I'm sure it'll pattern well. I just want to see where I stand at a given yardage. It's gotten great reviews and for $19.99 it was a deal.