I am thinking of patterning my shotgun for something to do tomorrow. I would like to take something from the experience and I thinking to incorporate a variety of things in to the session.
First question I have is, will it make a significant difference on the results if my patterning target is at ground level, suspended off the ground or several feet in the air? I would like to have my patterning target at the same elevation as my barrel, which will be fired from shoulder level I do believe. I have an idea that using a level, a plumb bob and several 2"x4"x8' I could keep the shotgun level and in the same spot every shot but is that a good thing? Could an argument be made that firing off hand in a natural scenario like in trapshooting would give me some better data?
Next question, I am considering distance to my patterning target. All that I shoot now is 16 yard singles and 27 yard handicap. If I am patterning this shotgun for optimum pattern from the 27 yard line would I place my patterning target at that distance or add several yards to simulate distance to where a handicap target would be broken on average?
I shoot a small variety of ammuntion regularly, Win. AA super Handicap, Rem. Nitro 27, Rem STS and my favorite reload. Should I be prepared to pattern each individualy and compare? Or would I want to pick the one I use the most and test it?
Thank you for your input, I am looking forward to conducting this expirement soon.
J.F.
First question I have is, will it make a significant difference on the results if my patterning target is at ground level, suspended off the ground or several feet in the air? I would like to have my patterning target at the same elevation as my barrel, which will be fired from shoulder level I do believe. I have an idea that using a level, a plumb bob and several 2"x4"x8' I could keep the shotgun level and in the same spot every shot but is that a good thing? Could an argument be made that firing off hand in a natural scenario like in trapshooting would give me some better data?
Next question, I am considering distance to my patterning target. All that I shoot now is 16 yard singles and 27 yard handicap. If I am patterning this shotgun for optimum pattern from the 27 yard line would I place my patterning target at that distance or add several yards to simulate distance to where a handicap target would be broken on average?
I shoot a small variety of ammuntion regularly, Win. AA super Handicap, Rem. Nitro 27, Rem STS and my favorite reload. Should I be prepared to pattern each individualy and compare? Or would I want to pick the one I use the most and test it?
Thank you for your input, I am looking forward to conducting this expirement soon.
J.F.