Bad load?

[fishhawk]

If a wider pattern is what you’re after I would look at getting a more open choke like cylinder or improved cylinder. Otherwise aim accordingly.

[Ugo]

Deerhunter, I am not understanding? I see no reason to pattern a shotgun load at 5-10 yards, unless you're checking the action. The patterns you shared are perfectly normal at those ranges. I DO notice they are both left!?! That is an issue of no small magnitude but it has nothing to do with your shells. If you are hitting with a .410 and missing with a 20 gauge, logic says, "Something else is going on". While I have gone through similar situations, the end result has rarely been shell consistency. I'm not saying it CAN'T be. I'm saying, you might look at more likely contributors.
I'd start by having someone check the gun fit of your 20 gauge. I'm guessing it doesn't fit....at all. When you miss to the left as much as you displayed at just 5 yards (!?!?!?!), you going to be WAY off at a "normal" effective distance!
As others have suggested, I do recommend you use more open choke(s) for woodcock, if you have that option. Sounds like your Remington has a fixed choke though - and that too should work. (I prefer fixed chokes but I digress...) Realistically, woodcock are not hard to drop.
Depending on how far you live from me, I can check the fit - no charge.
I have found that whether hunting woodcock or a wide range of other wild bird species, the greatest contributor to misses are:
- poor gun fit,
- poor shooting form, *which often includes shooting too soon,
- improper shot-shells (ie. my early season grouse shells and my late season grouse shells are not the same).
- a new shotgun (diverse fit/psychological hurdle).
Let me know if I can be of service Deerhunter.

[Deer Hunter]

Deerhunter, I am not understanding? I see no reason to pattern a shotgun load at 5-10 yards, unless you're checking the action. The patterns you shared are perfectly normal at those ranges. I DO notice they are both left!?! That is an issue of no small magnitude but it has nothing to do with your shells. If you are hitting with a .410 and missing with a 20 gauge, logic says, "Something else is going on". While I have gone through similar situations, the end result has rarely been shell consistency. I'm not saying it CAN'T be. I'm saying, you might look at more likely contributors.
I'd start by having someone check the gun fit of your 20 gauge. I'm guessing it doesn't fit....at all. When you miss to the left as much as you displayed at just 5 yards (!?!?!?!), you going to be WAY off at a "normal" effective distance!
As others have suggested, I do recommend you use more open choke(s) for woodcock, if you have that option. Sounds like your Remington has a fixed choke though - and that too should work. (I prefer fixed chokes but I digress...) Realistically, woodcock are not hard to drop.
Depending on how far you live from me, I can check the fit - no charge.
I have found that whether hunting woodcock or a wide range of other wild bird species, the greatest contributor to misses are:
- poor gun fit,
- poor shooting form, *which often includes shooting too soon,
- improper shot-shells (ie. my early season grouse shells and my late season grouse shells are not the same).
- a new shotgun (diverse fit/psychological hurdle).
Let me know if I can be of service Deerhunter.

Forgot about this thread.
I was suppose to pattern the other shells but never got around to that.
Like I mentioned I had this shotgun for over 20 years and never had no problems before.
I bought different shot shells and finished the year with my O/U and had a great season. I have lots of other shotguns to use so didn’t lose no sleep over it. Just didn’t want to wound/ miss more birds for no reason. Will look into it next summer.
I appreciate the help Ugo and would take you up on your offer if you were closer.
Even after hunting Grouse for over 50 years I don’t have a problem meeting good people and learning new things.

[roffey]

I always blame the shells when I miss :wink:
All kidding aside my group won’t use certain duck and goose load
I do believe the shells and chokes make a difference


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