Help on expectations for more open patterns

[davidboyles]

I have a 30" Barrel 16 ga with R choke .30 and L .28. What experience has anyone had with RST Spreader 2 1/2" , 7/8 OZ load with #7 shot. What should I expect for pattern in these barrels as the are unaltered ---MOD???? Also have 20 ga with 30" bbls chokes are R-.19 L-.21 unaltered gun and was going to shoot same RST Spreader load but in 20 ga. 2 1/2' 7/8oz shot # 7. MOD????? Thx DAVID< been listening to all the posts about NOT ALTERING CHOKES OF THE GUN!!!!

[Chris T.]

I've used the RST spreaders in my 30" 20ga. with full chokes in both barrels, it'll open the pattern up to about mod but I've noticed there is consistently a noticeable hole in the center of the pattern.

[davidboyles]

I looked on the net for reviews of this load and found one hunter who said he would not use them on going away shots. I saw the pic of what they use in the shot column and understand better what's going on spreading the pattern out. Thx for your comments and I welcome more.

[Harry Collins]

I have a 1917 Winchester Model 12 in 20 gauge that is 2 1/2' chambered and full choke. I haven't killed a thing nor broken a target with spreader loads. ???

[charlie cleveland]

have you even shot the gun harry....charlie

[davidboyles]

I say there Charlie old chap but who is Harry?? I know a gent named David who upon receiving the 30" barreled 16 ga broke the land speed record going to his sporting clays course where he was more than humbled by the full chokes and RST 7/8oz loads. So I cooled my jets for 2 days and went out again thinking I had a bad day. Hmmmm Took along my 30" 20 ga and noticed with ever so slightly open chokes my percentage went up. I've ordered RST 16 and 20 ga spreader loads and intend to do some pattern board and clays testing. Like Dean said maybe it's in our heads!! We will see how much I trust the spreader loads. Since joining the Parker ranks I have learned to shoot may different Parkers with a number of different stock dimensions and have managed to compensate to make hits and mount properly. We'll see. Stay tuned. "I'm still learning" to quote Michelangelo. Thx for responses

[Gary Laudermilch]

David, don't go to the clays range. Go to the patterning board first. It will tell you what you need to know.

It has been my experience that pattern spread is roughly linear to chamber pressure. If you want a bit more open patterns, increase the chamber pressure. There is a limit to how much you can gain from chamber pressure alone and then it is on to the chokes.

[charlie cleveland]

heh david its harry collins i was referring toohe said he had never hit anything with spreader loads in his 20 ga....charlie

[Harry Collins]

Charlie, I have shot the Model 12 20 gauge with RST 2 1/2" shells and took dove out of the ozone. I just never had much luck shooting spreader loads.
Harry

[Double Lab]

I just have to chime in here. First off David, do you reload?
I've never relied on or liked the way spreader loads pattern, but that's just me. Keep in mind that patterns are measured in inches and misses are measured in feet.
If you do reload send me a PM and I will give you a recipe for a homemade "spreader' load if you think that's what you need.
Any spreader load will be more effective with shot smaller than #7, ie. 8.5 or 9.
I like tighter chokes, so depending on what you quarry/target is will have a bearing on your load/choke combo.

The bottom line David is to pattern your gun with standard vs. spreader loads on paper not only for pattern but more importantly for POI.