Open up chokes or not to open up chokes....

[Rick Riddell]

That is the question!
So with that in mind what are some of the pros and cons using spreader loads as an alternative to opening up chokes? Aside from RST, who else offers spreaders in the safe realm of Damascus pressures?

[Jeff K.]

Polywad.

[B. Dudley]

Spreader loads are known to give erratic patterns at times. So i guess that can be a con.


If the gun is not in collector condition, or if there is no documentation of what the chokes originally were, then open them up. Just make sure the work is done correctly.

[Ed Blake]

Have you put the gun on the pattern board? How does it actually pattern?

[Double Lab]

Rick;
Could you tell us the configuration of the gun and what you plan on doing with it?

[Rick Riddell]

12ga GH 30 inch tubes for Woodcock and Grouse over a dog. I plan on patterning it this weekend. The right barrel is at .740 with a choke constriction .045 and the left barrel is at .736 with a choke constriction .035. Both barrels measured .695 at the muzzle (if that's the correct terminology for choke). I know these are just numbers and the patterning board will show more, just wanted to get an idea or opinion/experience on spreaders vs. choke alterations.

[Double Lab]

Thanks Rick. If your GH damascus is in nice condition I would'nt touch the chokes. I'd look for another gun for that purpose, one with shorter barrels and more open chokes. But then again I love tight chokes but not for woodcock and grouse, so I see your dilemma. Try the spreaders first.

[Gary Laudermilch]

I have pattern tested both Polywad and RST spreaders in 20 ga some years ago. The pattern work was done with several different guns and the results were fairly consistent. The polywads were passable but barely and the RST's were abysmal. I have no experience with 12 ga, however and the results could be entirely different. Changes to their loads may have also changed since I did the pattern work. The bottom line, if you go the spreader route then a trip to the pattern board is in order.

[StubTwist]

I would keep the barrels original. You have to reload. These dispersor wads from BPI are great. http://www.ballisticproducts.com/Dis...tinfo/072DX20/


Spreaders do work. Keep your chokes original for the long shots and use spreaders for upland game, close shots on the clays course, and skeet.

Below are patterns from a full choke Remington Model 17 with full choke from 21 yards which is the center post distance in skeet.

20 gauge load with Federal hull, primer, Long Shot Powder.

[StubTwist]

Originally Posted by Rick Riddell

12ga GH 30 inch tubes for Woodcock and Grouse over a dog. I plan on patterning it this weekend. The right barrel is at .740 with a choke constriction .045 and the left barrel is at .736 with a choke constriction .035. Both barrels measured .695 at the muzzle (if that's the correct terminology for choke). I know these are just numbers and the patterning board will show more, just wanted to get an idea or opinion/experience on spreaders vs. choke alterations.

Originally Posted by Daryl Corona

Thanks Rick. If your GH damascus is in nice condition I would'nt touch the chokes. I'd look for another gun for that purpose, one with shorter barrels and more open chokes. But then again I love tight chokes but not for woodcock and grouse, so I see your dilemma. Try the spreaders first.

I agree with Daryl's advice. I love tight chokes too and at the distance at 21 yards the pattern would be the size of a cantelope. Fun seeing the "smoke" on clay birds but not good for the real birds with feathers.

I've patterned spreaders from a 12 gauge with full chokes but can't seem to find the pictures of the patterns to show an example. What I've been able to find as well as the NH boys who've also patterned spreaders, it will open a full choke to approximately to IC.