choke and load suggestions for 870

[tha bugman]

I have an 870 Express Magnum 3" 12 gauge 23" barrel that I am trying to get a good 40 yard load out of....been struggling as I have found several loads that would be sufficient for 30 yard kills.  I have the standard Xtra Full Turkey choke and a Hasting .650 that I just got second hand.  I also supposedly have  regular full choke on the way as well.  Anyone got suggestions on what chokes and loads to try....

Here are the following loads (all 3") that I have shot in both chokes :

Remington Premium 2oz #5
Winchester 1 3/4oz #5
PMC 2oz #6
Winchester 2oz- #4, 5, 6

The best load for the Remington choke was the PMC 152 pellets in a 10" circle at 30 yards
The best load for the Hastings choke was the Winchester 2oz #6's 176 in a 10" circle at 30 yards
The best 40 yard pattern was the Remington Premium with the Hastings choke 74 pellets (which I know is not sufficient for a 40 yard kill) but still better than the other loads that I tried....30-40 pellets

[3" 870 Shell Shucker]

You should be able to get a 40 yd gun with a Rem Ventilator, an IC .665, an SSX .643 and many others to include Sumtoy (William will recommend a constriction to start with) and any WW lead 6 load.

In my 3" 870 with 28" barrel, the .655 Ventilator choke likes #6 and #7.5 Lead loads.  The Indian Creek .665 choke likes #6 and #5 Lead loads, as well as all HTL loads #5, #6, #7, and Magnum Blend.  It seems like .655 to .665 is the place to start in an 870.  Some folks have had good luck with .650 as well.

[tha bugman]

I have had some luck with a Hastings .650