Hi Cal- David and Mark are right- but I like to pattern test my 12 bores with whatever loads each one is best suited for (LC Smith FW I stay with 1 oz. max, the Smith Std. frame 1 & 1/8 oz.- the No. 2 frame Parkers- with proof barrels- possibly a 1 & 1/4 oz. load in the left hand barrel, usually 1 & 1/8th in both-- But I just pace off what seems a fair bird killing distance, and shoot at a large mass of rusty scrap metal- old tanks, etc- that are found in a farm junk pile- and I mount and shoot as I do when bird shooting- NOT the rifle shot move that Mark suggested-- but the final criteria for me is- if the birds drop dead (assuming I do my part correctly) that's what counts-
Mark's method is best for determing POA- where you pattern impacts over your sight picture- and why do I prefer the mount then shoot- because when you pre-mount the shotgun, then fire for pattern, you usually have your cheek tighter on the stock comb, and are staring at the front sight bead- this is fine for a rifle with open iron sights (Win M-94 30-30 for example) but you will get a more accurate reading on your pattern if you shoot as if you are leading a screaming dove ripping downwind at 30 paces-IMO I also tend to prefer smaller shot sizes, even 7 & 1/2 shot for pheasants-
No need to discuss steel loads here- those are for my M12 pumpguns--
