Choke patterns

[cvrsix]

I spent some time at the range this afternoon checking the pattern of my shotgun using various choke tubes.

The shotgun used was a Benelli SBEII, 12 gauge, 28" barrel.

Chokes evaluated were a Light Modified, Modified, and a Straight Heat.

Ammunition was Winchester Supreme, 3 1/2", BB shot.

Average pellet count of 100 pellets per round.

Score equals number of pellets out of 100 within 30" circle.

30" circle drawn after shot from center of pattern.

Shot at distances of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 yards.

I will attach pictures at each distance to this posting.

[cvrsix]

I have attached the pictures of the targets at 10 yards.

[cvrsix]

I have attached the pictures of the targets at 20 yards.

[cvrsix]

I have attached the pictures of the targets at 30 yards.

[cvrsix]

I have attached the pictures of the targets at 40 yards.

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I have attached pictures of the targets at 50 yards.

[cvrsix]

I normally hunt with Winchester Xpert for the price savings, and have patterned it as well, but I purchased some Wichester Supreme so I could conduct the same test using a premium ammunition for optimal results.

That being said I have not been able to demonstrate ANY SIGNIFICANT differences in the three chokes I tested. After seeing the performance of the various chokes, I would simply use the Modified choke that came standard in my Benelli shotgun.

I am not being critical of the Straight Heat in any manner. It absolutely grouped a little tighter and kept a few more pellets within a 30" circle than the other chokes.

At this point I guess everybody has to attach a dollar value to the various degrees of improvement, and make their own decisions.

For what it's worth the Winchester Xpert ammunition only placed between 2-10 pellets less than the Supremes within the 30" circle at the various distances.