Looking for the Ideal Pattern for All Ranges

[Brwndg]

I have a new Mossberg 500 Turkey 20 gauge that I will be patterning in the next week or two.
In addition to the stock .584 Mossberg ported choke, I have a Carlson .575 non-ported to test w/ Federal HW 7s in 3" and 2 3/4".

I understand the obsession w pellet count in 10" @ 40, but is it at the expense of too tight a pattern at ~20 where most birds get shot at and w a super tight pattern might lead to a miss at a jumpy bird.

I'm hoping to find a shell/choke combo to have a solid pattern at 20 yds, but not too tight, and still kill effectively at 40.

What is the minimum "killing density" at 40 yds? 100, 75, 50, 25 pellets in a 10" w a good even patten?

[g8rvet]

Good question, you will have to decide.  100 at 40 with no holes in it is kinda the minimum most folks will accept.  Back in the days of lead only, I hunted with that pattern and was happy and confident.  I missed a couple of birds though over the years.  Then HTL changed the game.  Now I want 150 ish at 40 and a good pattern at 15. 

I am attaching what I wound up with and very happy with it. The first  is 40. I fixed the POA.

[g8rvet]

Since I knew close shots happen, I also checked it at 15 and feel like there is plenty of room for error. 

[Brwndg]

I could hunt that.  Both dead birds w a little wiggle room

[g8rvet]

It's 4 for 4 from 25-37 yards.  I agree though, you don't want to be shooting a slug gun at 20 yards.  The trulock is a 560, so you may not be as tight.  Your gun may love it though.  Good place to start.