Help with Patterning

Marylander

New member
Last season I tried Pheasant Hunting in January 2016 in PA public land and without a dog bagged one bird, and next day joined Pheasants Forever. The good news is that in my second season hunting Pheasants in PA (couple weeks ago) I got my second pheasant again in public lands without a dog. The bad news is that I missed (4) more than I hit (1). After discounting my bad aim, very high wind and other excuses, still seemed to many misses.
Therefore I patterned my Beretta Whitewing U/A (a no frills 626 I believe) with the ammo that I used: Prairie Storm 2 3/4" 1 1/4 oz shot #5 1500 fps shooting the paper at 40 yards (measured with rangefinder) shooting over a bench rest.
Attached are the 2 photos of patterning paper with 30 inches circles and the indicated pellet counts in the paper using the Beretta Mobil Choke MODIFIED or FULL.
Shaded are the areas void of pellets with seem to me as unacceptable (I wonder how even hit one bird with those patterns) . I would appreciate advice on my patterns below and how to improve my pellet density.
I really need help fast in solving this issue if I want to hunt next Christmas release with any hopes.
Thanks and Best regards, Marylander
View attachment 5166

View attachment 5167
 
A marked distance of 40 yards is a good long shot and full choke use is recommended, it's a little bit far for modified. Your problem with density lies in the use of No. 5 shot, less shot, it's a trade off we all have to make. You would see much better density with 7 1/2 and 6's . A lot of guys use 7 1/2 for the first shot and 6's for the second. I use high brass 6's most of the time through a modified barrel with good results. Good luck and be safe!
 
Both patterns are good for 40 yards. full choke is what you need at that yardage.

Get a dog and shots will be much closer.:)
 
Thank you Very Much friends. I will drop to #7.5 1-1/4 oz for the 1st and #6 for the second barrel, as recommended and will re-pattern. Also will get standard speed @1300 fps instead of the 1500 fps of Prairie Storm and see if the lower speed improves patterns and number birds bagged.
Marylander
 
Thank you Very Much friends. I will drop to #7.5 1-1/4 oz for the 1st and #6 for the second barrel, as recommended and will re-pattern. Also will get standard speed @1300 fps instead of the 1500 fps of Prairie Storm and see if the lower speed improves patterns and number birds bagged.
Marylander

This is my opinion so take it for what you paid for it. I too think the speed kills marketing is overblown...

7.5 shot is NOT in my opinion a shot size ideal for pheasants. Just doesn't have a lot of pellet energy needed to anchor a bird such as a Pheasant, especially past 30 yards. Meaning... lots of cripples. Yes you will hear people claim that's all they use and it works for them, but trust me larger shot is what is needed.

Secondly, there is nothing wrong with an 1 1/4 oz of #5 for Phez and it just might be most popular load/shot size used. 6's are ok, but 5's are better if long shots are going to be taken. I don't know how much Prairie Storm you have, but I wouldn't be afraid to try another brand (Remington, Winchester, Kent etc.) even a different load from Federal such as their Wing-Shok. Not all loads pattern the same out of any given shotgun/choke combo.

Lastly, how long a shots are you typically taking at Pheasants? Typical shots in the 20-30 yard range don't require a modified let alone a Full choke. An IC/Mod would be a good combination in a break open gun for just about all situations except for the longest of shots.
 
Last edited:
Thanks to all. I will pattern again when rain stops (and hope to use for the 1st shot) Remington Express XLR 12 Ga (SP1275) 2-3/4" 1-1/4 oz of 7.7 shot quoted at 1330 fps. I believe it should have a payload of about 437 pellets. I will use IMPROVED I will keep the 1st shoot to birds within 30 yards and so will pattern at this distance.

2nd shoot: Remington Nitro Pheasant Magnum Copper Plated (NP12M6). 12 Ga 2-2/3" 1-3/8 oz shot #6 rated at 1300 fps. I believe it should have a payload of 309 pellets. I will use MOD if looks good at 40 yards, also will pattern FULL to see what happens.
I only have IMP, MOD and FULL Beretta Mobil chokes
I will return to PA public lands with your recommendations. A dog is out of the question (and budget of a retired US Army man), but legs are still strong.
To all again thanks for your patience and for guiding me in my new passion of Pheasant Hunting. I hope someday crossing paths with some of you. Marylander
 
Back
Top