Got such info on chokes?

[Dark&Good]

I'd like to find out more about the use of the different choke types - like what is each best for, and/or which type can be used for which purposes? And how does the choke type affect the shot sizes (#0, #1, #4, etc) that can be used with it?

[Dark&Good]

Well, in the meantime, I've found something... please let me know if any of the data here seems incorrect:

http://kelvinchang.com/hunting.htm

[Tallship]

As far as hunting goes, that just about sums it up.

[Dark&Good]

Thanks.

I can see patterns associated with choke types (given in percentage)... Do these percentages apply to any shot size? If one used, say, #6 shot and Mod choke, would one get roughly the same percentage/pattern with #0 and Mod choke?

[MonsterMan]

I am still learning which is best for which also. But I got the polychoke so all I have to do is select my choke and I am good to go rather than having to actually swap it out.

[Dark&Good]

Looks like a nice invention.

[mike100]

Looks like a nice invention.

In theory, but a lot of people don't like them. Anyways, there are pretty solid general rules about choke selection (like using full-choke for the longest shots with heavier shot size), but then there is the black art to shotgunning that seems to prove that every barrel has a optimal combo that isn't always what you thought it would be. Some bbls spread IM choke great where others similar to it will work best at FULL. Some bbls shoot premium shells well with many chokes, but the cheap promo stuff with only the tighter chokes, for instance.

You might even find a guns preference for 1 oz loads vs. 1-1/8 oz loads. After you have shot a gun for about 6 months you'll know what is best. There is also wide variance in people as some get off faster shots and like wider chokes and others will wait longer and do well with tighter constrictions.

I prefer IM and FULL for most of the kinds of shooting I do. I wouldn't want to be overly general and just say put a MOD choke in as it works well enough for all types of shooting, but that is a good starting point, I guess.

[MonsterMan]

Well I like it. It is better for shorter barrels rather than the longer ones, but it does what it is supposed to do.

[Dark&Good]

For pattern estimation, a 30" circle at 40 yards is used. Is the 30" the radius or the diameter of the circle???

[Dark&Good]

Well... if the 30" is diameter, the attached picture shows a CYL choke's "worst" pattern expansion, based on 25% at 40 yards.. The drawing is proportional, except for the "Muzzle".
Again, I would like to know how much the estimated pattern (the percentage) depends on shot size... got any info?

[Dark&Good]

Oh well, here's the attachment:

[Dark&Good]

If I get, say, 40% with #6 shot, at distance x with an IC choke, will I get 40% with #1 shot (same distance, same choke)? Roughly? Or it's completely unpredictable, based on the first result?

[Dark&Good]

anybody?

[scr83jp]

I use 30" full choked barrels for Mtn Quail, Blue Grouse, Bandtailed Pigeons,Squirrels & Dove with lead shot #4's,#5's,#6's,#7 1/2's or #8's.If we have to change to steel I have a 28" Rem 870 field barrel & a Rem 11-87 with rem chokes. Try www.moneymakerguncraft.com for ribs & barrels

[bowfin]

but then there is the black art to shotgunning that seems to prove that every barrel has a optimal combo that isn't always what you thought it would be

Boy, you can carve that on stone and carry it down from the mountain!

I have been involved in another round of patterning turkey loads and guns again this spring. (I have use of a trap range two miles from my house, and usually have it to myself, so I can shoot until the shoulder gives out).

So far, I found that loads with Federal Flite Control wads pattern tighter out of the improved cylinder than the Extra Full choke, and a 2 3/4" load (no longer made Activ, 1 3/4 oz. #4) has beaten all of the 3" and 3 1/2" shells tried...so far.

And buckshot? I don't have much faith in any of it past 40 yards for people sized targets.