I have been watching this post with interest since it started.
I am going to give some answers based on actual observations of the top AMERICAN shooters in today's modern helice game.
Choke choices have evolved among the best shooters we field here and abroad. The shift in trap equipment to the Spanish manufactured "ELICIO" autoloading voice release traps, and the thicker rim, more robust target wings in @ 2015 made the event harder to score well on compared to the various previous systems.
The retired Kansas farmer who has enjoyed the greatest success of any American shooter at this game went to tighter choke constrictions. Another National championship shooter and perennial USHA National team member tightened his chokes in the first barrel from .025 to .030 and kept his .035 full on top. The Kansan I mentioned changed to a #4 Full on bottom and a #5 ExFull on top in his factory choked K80. I have a call in to him specifically to ask if he has changed.
Shot size? I never thought I would see much variation from 71/2 by any of the top shooters but I have seen that idea "shot down" as well. The Kansan I mention is a sponsored gun and shell guy.. A group of serious competitors had gathered in Houston for a USHA sanctioned "registered" shoot a few years back and of course the gentleman was amongst the contenders. When getting ready to begin our man mentioned that his shell sponsor had sent him his chosen 1 oz. Helice loads, but in number 8 shot size, instead of his normally preferred 71/2's. I offered him any of my chosen AA 71/2's but he replied "what the heck" and went forth to the first ring. I shot very well that day and managed to post a normally winning 29, only to be eclipsed by our friend's perfect 30.
This put a lot of shooters thinking about 8's..... and the discussion goes on.
I continue to shoot 7 1/2's in what few competitions I still enter, but have shot a good number of targets with 8's and had 29x30 scores twice with them My chokes are currently a factory choked set of barrels measuring .029 and .039 respectively.
Chokes and shell choice....... regardless of the game at hand the argument/discussion goes on forever.......
You are so right. Also, Rick is outstanding. Pretty sure I would not have matched him 30 years ago when my eyes and reflexes had not dwindled. Another great shooter, Kazim Muhammed out of DGC is another superstar. I think he is 16-17 and simply fast and smooth. Kazim shoots 30/35 out of unmodified K-80 (I think, may be Kolar). Already US Helice Champion.
Let me be clear, my scores are Not Registered, simply scores in club shoots at DGC and Texas Gun Ranch. Except for odd Flyer shoots I no longer compete. I have arrived at 8s for first with M (.020) and 7 1/2s top barrel with F (.035). I see the occasional crushed first shot with target kicked and pieces flying with target's heart still intact, but easier second shot in most cases and my life doesn't depend on the outcome.
You are dead on regarding my own suspicions re: Cold weather, but I have formed an opinion that you have to Break the ring, not punch the cap as I believe the ring constricts in cold weather. Someday I would like to break 29 or 30 but realistically I am still gonna average 23/24. At 76 with cataracts, heart disease, Pacemaker and diabetes I should be happy to be Covid free - and not give a damn about Helice scores.. Nice to chat.
Btw All of Briley standard chokes are 'off' standard American bore ID of 0.729 which is why their M for std thin wall is (.709./710) and occasionally marked 0.710 or 0.020. Long time ago I learned to specify the Choke ID, not the classification because they have made Thin Walls for me with barrels ranging from M32 early Krieghoff (0.722 bore) to 0.740 back bore so i have always specified by 'Thousands at Muzzle')
