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Choke Constriction vs. Shot Size - Normal Ratio

Started by jb177, April 06, 2012, 11:19:01 PM

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jb177

I've read a lot of posts on this forum and it got me to thinking.  I already have a hunting pattern using JellyHead .665 in 23" 870 using 3.5 XR #6s.  I'm trying to learn more about the ideal constrictions for certain shot sizes.  Do you "normally" use a tighter choke for smaller shot or bigger shot?

Same question on lead vs hevi shot types?

I really don't plan to change anything, just looking to learn from your guys' experience so that I might be able to help others that ask me questions.  I know my mileage may vary and they'd need to try combos to see what works, just trying

allaboutshooting

#1
We very often say that you should go to a tighter exit diameter when you shoot smaller shot sizes...all things being equal. The problem is that it's not often that "all things are equal" with turkey chokes.

The most important part of a turkey choke is the interior of the choke, specifically the parts (dimensions/geometry)  between the gas seal (breach end) and the muzzle end of the choke tube. It's really all about the angles and lengths of the conical section, the parallel section and any other specific treatments (lines, grooves, wad stoppers, etc.) of the choke, much more than about the specific exit diameter, which is only one part in the overall design of the choke.

We've learned so much in the last 12 years about how shot flows though a barrel and choke and in reality how little difference there is in that process for lead and tungsten-based shot. The buffering material or the wad will have more effect on how shot performs within the barrel and choke tube than the shot itself. There is of course a difference in the retained energy of shot types.

Good questions!

Thanks,
Clark
"If he's out of range, it just means he has another day and so do you."


yelpy


I have often wondered this also but it seems like it could go either way.

30_06

About all I can tell you is that I shoot a .670 out of my 12ga Ithaca Turkeyslayer whether using Hevi #6's or #7's. Can't say I have ever tried larger shot though.

hunter-b

Thanks Clark
             
Quote from: 30_06 on April 07, 2012, 11:44:39 AM
About all I can tell you is that I shoot a .670 out of my 12ga Ithaca Turkeyslayer whether using Hevi #6's or #7's. Can't say I have ever tried larger shot though.
What brand choke are you using ?

30_06