All good responses. I am using a cheap buckshot (S&B) as well and it actually patterns better than the Hornady. Also, I am using Carlson choke tubes and I have read a couple of negative posts about them. Not my opinion, just stating what I have read.
From an engineering standpoint, I can see where restricting large shot too much at the end of the tube could cause an unexplained spread at thirty or forty yards. But, that is theoretical and may not have a thing to do with what is actually happening in the field.
