Mossberg 500A 12 ga. patterns, #5 (and #7-1/2?)

HighCotton
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Mossberg 500A 12 ga. patterns, #5 (and #7-1/2?) Mar 12, 2010 19:04:49 GMT -5

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Post by HighCotton on Mar 12, 2010 19:04:49 GMT -5

Since the Stoeger M2000 is in the shop for warranty work, I decided to pull the ole Mossberg 500A (camo) out of the cabinet and sight her in for turkey if I need it. Basically, the gun has sat for years and I've just never used her much. With the Mossberg 670 XX Turkey choke and using Winchester Supreme 3" #5 shot we sighted her in and I'm really happy with the outcome - consistently 10-12 pellets to the vital area at 35 yards.
Then I decided to pop a few 2-3/4" #7-1/2 shells and see how they would pattern just for the heck of it. Still had the turkey choke in and I consistently saw 8-10 pellets to the vital area at 35 yards. Obviously, proper choke and constriction matter more than shot size. However, I was a bit surprised to see how well the #7-1/2's did - not that I'd recommend it. It did get me wondering though - Anyone out there ever take a gobbler with #7-1/2 shot or lighter loads?

Winchester Supreme, 3" #5 shot at 35 yards (10 pellets to vital area)

Federal, 2-3/4" #7-1/2 shot at 35 yards (9 pellets to vital area)

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danf
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Mossberg 500A 12 ga. patterns, #5 (and #7-1/2?) Mar 12, 2010 20:26:03 GMT -5

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Post by danf on Mar 12, 2010 20:26:03 GMT -5

Isn't #6 shot the smallest legally allowed?

I'm using a Hastings extra full choke in my 500, and I'd probably take a shot out to 40 yards with mine if the situation was right. I think I'm using Win Supreme #5's, but it may be #4's.

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HighCotton
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Mossberg 500A 12 ga. patterns, #5 (and #7-1/2?) Mar 12, 2010 21:09:19 GMT -5

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Post by HighCotton on Mar 12, 2010 21:09:19 GMT -5

Mar 12, 2010 20:26:03 GMT -5 danf said:

Isn't #6 shot the smallest legally allowed?

I'm using a Hastings extra full choke in my 500, and I'd probably take a shot out to 40 yards with mine if the situation was right. I think I'm using Win Supreme #5's, but it may be #4's.

Good point danf! I had to check the regs and Indiana's lightest legal turkey load is 7-1/2's. I never seriously considered using a load lighter than #5's so I guess I never paid attention to the fact that Indiana had a limit. Thanks for the information.

"The pleasures and companionship of roving the fields and woodlots with a well-trained dog is an experience no man should miss nor boy be deprived" Robert G. Wehle (Founder and Breeder of the Elhew English Pointer)

oldhoyt
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Mossberg 500A 12 ga. patterns, #5 (and #7-1/2?) Mar 14, 2010 15:30:59 GMT -5

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Post by oldhoyt on Mar 14, 2010 15:30:59 GMT -5

It is not at all surprising to see a "good" pattern with #7 shot, there are quite a few more pellets to the ounce than larger sizes. For example a Winchester #6 turkey load has more than 100 more pellets than a #5 turkey load of equal weight. I may try #6s when I run out of #5. The important thing is how far you try to shoot them.

I shoot a 500 as well, and I'd be surprised if you don't do as well or better with regular lead shot loads and the standard full choke that comes with the gun.

Until recently, and before the "long range" fad, it was not at all uncommon for turkeys to be shot with loads like #7. Most of the turkeys I've shot I could have easily killed with #7, because they were within 20 yds.

antiwheeze
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Mossberg 500A 12 ga. patterns, #5 (and #7-1/2?) Mar 14, 2010 18:50:32 GMT -5

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Post by antiwheeze on Mar 14, 2010 18:50:32 GMT -5

I intend to use all 7's or a blend that is very high in 7's for turkeys this year. Hevi #7"s have similar penetration to lead 5's. My first and only Rem 11-87 super full choke (.670) pattern with magnum blend 3", 2oz, 5,6,7 was 182 pellets in a 10" circle at 40 yds or about 40 hits to the head and neck. Only draw back are the hits to the shoulder and the wallet!