Shotgun Patterns - Which Shell Ranks the Best

 

 

 

Gun: Super Black Eagle I
Gauge: 12
Choke: Imporoved Cylinder
Shot Size: 8
Shot Weight: 1 1/8 oz.
Distance: 40 Yards
Shells Shot Per Target: 3

Remington Nitro 27 Shotgun Shell Box

 

  
Variables

8 different brands of shotgun shells

Method
1. Hang 48”x48” paper marked w/ 2” black dot.
2. Shoot at dot 3 times w/ each type of shell.
3. Draw a 30” dia. & a 4.5” dia. circle.
4. Count holes in each circle & divide by 3 for avg. density.

*30” Dia. circle is generally accepted as standard size for patterning
**4.5” Dia. circle is referred to here as a focused “kill zone”
  

 

Rank
4.5" Cir		 Rank
30" Cir.		 Shell Brand/
Type		 Avg. Shot
Density 30" Cir		 % +/- Avg. Shot
Density 4.5" Cir		 % +/- Dram Eq. Velocity Cost Cost/
Break
1 1 Remington Premier Nitro Sporting Clays 186 0.00 8 0.00 3.5 1300 $8.99 $1.12
2 2 Winchester AA Super Handicap Heavy Target Load 184 -0.91 6.3 -21 - 1250 $8.99 $1.43
3 3 Estate Supersport Competition Target Load 184 -1.29 5.6 -30 3 1200 $6.29 $1.12
4 4 Winchester AA Supersport Sporting Clays 183 -1.45 5.3 -34 - 1300 $8.99 $1.70
5 5 Federal Premium Gold Medal 183 -1.83 4.6 -43 "HDCP" 1235 $8.99 $1.95
6 6 Remington STS Light Handicap 182 -1.99 4.3 -46 3 1200 $8.99 $2.09
7 7 (Tie) Diana Clay Shooting 180 -3.06 2.3 -71 "MAX" - $4.25 $1.85
8 7 (Tie) Estate Heavy Game Loads 163 -10.0 2.3 -71 3 1/4 1255 $6.28 $2.69

Observations

  • The rank order of pattern density is identical using either a 4.5” diameter circle or a 30” diameter circle
  • Using 30” diameter circle does not provide distinctive separation between best and worst performers (Δ = 6 pellets)
  • Using 4.5” diameter circle (same dia. a clay pigeon) provides distinctive differences of pattern density in the kill zone
  • Remington Premier Nitro Sporting Clays consistently provide the best density overall with superior density in the 4.5” kill zone
  • Shot shells ranked 2-6 are somewhat middle-of-the-pack performers with respect to 4.5” density measurement
  • Cost Per Break
    • Consider that a “break” is having a pellet in the 4.5” circle
      Price of shells divided by number of pellets in the circle = amount you pay to put a shot in the kill zone
    • Remington Premier Nitros and the Estates are the best value; however, Estates are 100 fps slower
  • Diana shells are clearly the worst in terms of pattern density & also not a great value even though they are half the price.
 

 

Comments (3)

  • Rich

    I\'ve never really thought about which shell had the best pattern. To be honest, all of the terminology is pretty confusing. But I will definitely start using the Nitros or AA. I could use all the help that I can get.

    0 Like

  • Wayne d Morris

    1% loads how do they compare less recoil?
    In Your take?
    Do you give up anything?

    0 Like

  • Monroey

    I shot 5 stand a couple of weeks ago. I accidentally bought 2 boxes of 12 ga. Winchester AA Low Recoil loads. I could not hit a thing, on top of that, there was not enough power in the shell to cycle the action on my benelli super black eagle (early model). Once I used those up, I started hitting more targets. I would only recommend the low recoil loads to a new, small framed shooter who's learning how to shoot.

    0 Like

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