[Mike Bartlett]

I too have found the 28 ga Repro IC/M chokes extremely over-choked for typical 10-20 yard opportunities over my setters. And, spreader #8's from polywad-the smallest size available-was the only shell that performed at those ranges. RST's 5/8 oz, #10's loaded specifically with a "brush-wad"-- available on request--have proved very effective for the right barrel, first shot over the dogs.

As a strong advocated of the late, Michael MacIntosh's concept of "Less is more", I have implemented the these changes to my 28 ga IC/M Repro which have optimized effectiveness in thick cover. Master NH gunsmith, Ed Lander, opened the right barrel leaving .002-.003 constriction and opened the left leaving .006-.007 constriction. Further, in the right barrel I now use hand-loaded 5/8 oz #10's with a brush-wad topped with a polywad spreader insert.
Patterning the right barrel with this new choke and load combination produces an optimal, evenly distributed pattern of #10's at 15 yards. #9's or #8 loaded with a brush-wad or spreader is optimal in the left in the early season. Regular skeet loads in the left are fine when the leaves are down. In grouse covers, I substitute a 5/8 oz spreader #9 or #8 in the right barrel.

After over forty-five years of grouse and woodcock hunting over multiple generations of setters, I have found no better combination of choke and load in the 28ga or 20ga for bringing out the best in your cover dog. That is, doing your part by hitting the bird over the dog's point in thick cover, when the dog does it right!