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Posted: 2/16/2008 2:31:15 PM EDT
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If you are using 00 buck in the new advanced shells like Federals Flight control shell, does barrel lenght really matter in determining tight patterns? If all the pellets stay in the cup until it exits the barrel, does the barrel length make a difference? |
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Barrel length has never made much difference in patterns...it is choke that does that, provided the barrel is long enough to burn most of the powder. (usually considered to be 14 inches or more) Even with the newer loads, choke will play a part, but open chokes such as Cylinder or Imporved Cylinder do shoot tighter groups with them. Shotguns are such 'individual' weapons you really have to test each load and see what you get with your gun / barrel. |
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From Remingtons site: Question Will a longer shotgun barrel shoot farther? Answer Modern smokeless powders burn in the first 13 to 16 inches of the barrel and maximum velocities are obtained in the first 20 inches. Shot will carry the same distance regardless of the barrel length. Shot pattern will be the same whether the barrel is 21 inches in length or 30 inches in length, if the barrel has the same choke constriction. Our experts state there would be a small variation in velocity when using a 21-inch barrel as compared with a 30-inch barrel; however, the variation would be immeasurable. The basic advantage of a shorter barrel is that it will swing faster. The longer barrel gives the hunter a longer sight radius to be more precise, particularly when pass shooting waterfowl. Also, the longer barrel can often help balance certain shotguns better. Extra barrels are listed in the Products - Shotguns section of our site. |
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From Remingtons site: Question I recently purchased a Remington 11-87 and got three chokes with it. What does each of them offer and what is the difference between the "full", "modified" and "improved cylinder" choke? Answer The narrowing found at the muzzle end of most shotgun barrels is a choke. The choke controls the shot pattern and determines at what distance the shotgun will be most effective. Just as the nozzle on a hose controls the spray of water, the choke of a shotgun barrel controls the spread of the shot. This shot spread is called the "pattern". From the tightest to the widest spread, chokes are described as "full", "modified" and "improved cylinder". A gun that has no choke is called a "cylinder bore". FULL CHOKE Tight constriction for dense pattern (approximately 70% of a shell's total pellets in a 30" circle at 40 yards). Best for trap shooting, pass shooting waterfowl, turkey hunting and shooting buckshot loads. MODIFIED CHOKE Less constriction than full choke (approximately 60% of a shell's total pellets in a 30" circle at 40 yards). Excellent for all-around hunting of waterfowl, long-range flushing upland birds (such as late-season pheasant and sharptail grouse) as well as other small game. Also used for trap shooting. IMPROVED CYLINDER CHOKE Even less constriction than modified (approximately 50% of a shell's total pellets in a 30" circle at 40 yards). Ideal for close-in small game shooting, upland bird hunting (such as quail, grouse and pheasant) as well as hunting waterfowl close over decoys. Rifled slugs also perform very well from this choke. |
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Barrel length is irrelevant with regard to patterning. Choke determines how tight or loose a pattern is, though there are a lot more factors. Shotgun barrels are individuals, just like rifle barrels. It may pattern better with #4 shot than with #7.5 for instance. |
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