Mossberg 930 patterning...

[bowhunter57]

Now that I have my long range rifle dialed in, it's time to get the close range weapon dialed in too. I took my new Mossberg 930, 3", 12 gauge with a 24" barrel and a Carlson extended non-ported choke tube in a .680" constriction, out for some testing. All shots were at 50 yards.

I shot some Federal 00 bk. in 2 3/4" and 000 bk., in 3" and it was very wide spread. I have yet to try any #4 bk., but want to try some Federal and Hornady brands.

What did pattern very well, was Dead Coyote Ts (3") and Remington HD in BBs...also in 3". If this ammo penetrates as good as they advertise, there's no way a coyote is getting past these loads. I'm curious as to the killing range of this ammo, as I was aiming at the dot on the paper and the patterns for both loads' P.O.I. were a good 10" higher than the P.O.A. This would give me more range, IF the load has the killing power and the pattern didn't disperse.

Dead Coyote Ts: (47 pellets)



Remington HD BBs: (50 pellets)



I can't wait to get a kill with either of these loads!
Bowhunter57

[bowhunter57]

Well, after all that patterning, I went shopping for some Dead Coyote ammo. It's been 3 years since I'd purchase the last box at $33 per 10 rounds. Hmm...heck of an increase, as now it's $50. Plus, finding this type of ammo is another issue of driving and hour or more.

Looks like I'll be going back to the patterning board to see if I can get good results with #4, #00 and #000 buckshot. I have 3 choke tubes to work with: .680", .670 and .665" and if there's no good combination, I'll call Carlson Choke Tubes.

I spoke with Shane Carlson, in the past and have always received good information, due to his extensive experience.

Bowhunter57

[alhersch]

The Dead Coyote is good but expensive stuff anymore!!! Not sure what I'm going to do when I run out. I purchased a box of Rem HD last year but have not patterned yet. Your results look good!

I've had decent patterns w Winchester copper plated #4 buck using the same chokes as the DC. All patterning was at 45 yards however and the patterns didn't come close to comparing to the DC stuff.

Guess I just need to order supplies and start rolling my own.

Al

Sent from my SGH-I337(Phone) with the Proboards thingamajiggy(App)...

[willie]

rolling your own hevishot will not be like the factory hevishot (tried for 2 years to duplicate).the one thing you CAN'T get to match the pattern is the powder.i contacted the manufacturing and was told i could get the special blend of powder if i order 10,000 dollars worth.just in case anyone is interested the best pattern i have seen in 3 different types of shotguns are LIGHT FULL kicks chokes and dead coyote 00 buckshot (hevi-shot). the average pattern is 11 of the twelve 00 buck in a pie plate at 40 yards,the smallest i have seen was 11 of 12 00 buckshot in a 6"x9" pattern (size of your hand) at 40 yards (good 75-80 yard shotgun).