The Science Behind a Better Shot Pattern
Discover the science behind better shot patterns, from choke design and wad control to pellet distribution. Learn how Patternmaster helps hunters shoot with confidence.
The Target Doesn’t Lie
For most shooters and hunters, taking your firearm to the range is enjoyable and boosts confidence. Testing out a new shotgun shell is exciting. Similarly, testing out a new choke tube can be eye opening. When holding two different chokes tubes in your hand, they may look similar but perform worlds apart. Experienced shooters know how important it is to pattern their gun and not just assume what will happen. This patterning refers to the choke tube/shell combo and the pattern it produces. This pattern of choice is all dependent on what species and conditions you are hunting. There is also the question of what makes one shot pattern better than another.
When the Trigger is Pulled
When you pull that trigger, a lot happens in that shotgun in a very small amount of time. When the powder is ignited, the created pressure pushes that shot charge down the barrel. The shot is carried by a wad, which helps protect the pellets from the heat and friction inside the barrel, keeping the shot together as it travels forward. The wad starts to separate from the shot after they leave the muzzle. When this happens, the pellets begin to take a pattern, which is what you see in the target. What we want to see on the target is an evenly distributed pattern across the vital part of the target with no large gaps. The way the wad and pellets separate, along with how the pellets travel downrange can drastically change the pattern showing up on paper. This is where using the right choke makes a huge difference when it comes to consistency.
Why Choke Design Matters
When you ask hunters about the best patterns, most will say “the tighter the choke, the better the pattern.” What hunters have to remember is that the geometry of the choke tube determines wad separation after they leave the muzzle. This will influence the flight of the pellets and ultimately your pattern. Just because it is a full choke doesn't mean it will produce a better pattern. Patternmaster chokes use their patented stud ring which is designed to momentarily control and separate the wad from the shot charge, with the goal of producing a shorter, denser shot string. Tubes like the Code Black Series and Striker Series are top performing chokes tubes giving you the most effective pattern.
Matching the Choke to the Hunt
As mentioned before, with the Code Black Series of choke tubes you can take on a species specific approach. Patternmaster offers versions for applications such as waterfowl, turkey, timber, and upland hunting. The current lineup incorporates different internal designs depending on the intended use. All Patternmaster tubes are CNC-machined from 17-4 stainless steel, providing maximum durability for hunters who actually use their equipment hard. Another choke series from Patternmaster is the Anaconda series. The Anaconda’s Coil Zone is designed to influence shot/wad behavior and shorten the shot string. Patternmaster offers Mid Range, Long Range, and Striker configurations for this tube allowing you to specify for your hunt.
Patterning the Gun
Many hunters out there have been using the same shells/load and choke tube combo forever. Even if they shoot at a target, most just accept the pattern and never try to achieve something better. No choke/load combo should be assumed to work. Patterning the actual shotgun with the ammo you intend to hunt with is a must. This should also be done at realistic distances. Just because your local range only has a 50 yard range does not mean you should not be shooting closer. You want to know what that pattern looks like at 20, 30, 40, and 50 yards. You should know your pellet density in the kill area of the target at each of those distances. When patterning, also look for an even pellet distribution with no large gaps and point of impact vs point of aim. Taking multiple shots is crucial so you can look for consistency across multiple shots and positions.
Remember, you want to know what your setup is going to do, not assume or guess. Have confidence in your load/choke combo for every type of hunt. Patternmaster makes tubes for any type of hunt or shooting situation. Take the time to know your shotgun pattern and have confidence in your setup.
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