Patterning help...

[Gobblestik]

Got two new shotguns that I'm going to pattern w/in the next few weeks. They will be brand new shotguns and chokes. I've got the shells and chokes that I'm going to start with already. My thought process is to shoot one shell out of each gun to see the pattern and the POI vs. POA. If that's good, I'm good. But what if its off? Can I shoot a lesser load like a dove load to get all the bugs worked out then go back to my turkey shells, or do I need to do everything with my turkey shells? (that could get expensive). Second questions is are the chokes ok to shoot lead thru. I've got PG and a IC choke.

Any advice on getting this process started would be appreciated.

[JohnnieB]

Start with the dove loads and about 15 yards out to check if POA and POI are the same. Gradually work your way out cleaning the gun barrell and choke as you go.

[reynolds243]

yup as Johnnie said, i shoot mine at 15yds with bird shot to get it all dialed in then again with bird shot at 30 to make sure.

then put in my shells i plan to hunt with and get started.  Make sure to swab the barrel between real shells to get the most out of your testing. Deep clean the barrel before you go out to get it sighted in.

Both of those chokes are fine to shoot lead/dove loads through.

[nyhunter]

Thats good advice and will save your wallet and shoulder. That is exactly what i do with a new gun and choke.

[allaboutshooting]

Got two new shotguns that I'm going to pattern w/in the next few weeks. They will be brand new shotguns and chokes. I've got the shells and chokes that I'm going to start with already. My thought process is to shoot one shell out of each gun to see the pattern and the POI vs. POA. If that's good, I'm good. But what if its off? Can I shoot a lesser load like a dove load to get all the bugs worked out then go back to my turkey shells, or do I need to do everything with my turkey shells? (that could get expensive). Second questions is are the chokes ok to shoot lead thru. I've got PG and a IC choke.

Any advice on getting this process started would be appreciated.

Here's what I do and recommend http://allaboutshooting.com/article_info.php?articles_id=302

I hope you find it helpful.

Thanks,
Clark

[SumToy]

Best thing.  Go walmart get box of old cheap federal 8's.  They blow hole out to around 58 ft.  Get you pack of card stock from walmart.        Set up 50ft true gun in and shoot a few times to see if it repeat poa/poi.   Then go to 40 yards and shoot you Tk loads.  They may shoot a few inches low but you be ready.   

[goblr77]

Start with the dove loads and about 15 yards out to check if POA and POI are the same. Gradually work your way out cleaning the gun barrell and choke as you go.

Good advice.

[CASH]

If you start out with and do it all with turkey loads, 1. it gets expensive, and 2. it hurts.