Shotgun load suggestions

BabaOriley

BabaOriley

New member
Before I go out and spend a couple hundred dollars on the wrong loads to try, I want to see if some of you may give me some suggestions on what loads to try in my shotgun to get me 40-60yd groups like this:
IMG_1953.jpg


Please save suggestions on another shotgun to buy, because this is the only I have. It's a Baikal MP-153 Semi-Auto with 28" barrel. I know it's a little heavy and not ideal length for getting around on a coyote, but it's gotta work for me this year anyway. I only have the factory chokes it came with, which are Modified, Improved Cylinder, Full, and Super Steel Extra Full. These chokes stick out the barrel about 3/4" when installed, and are not as long as most extended ported tubes I see available. It will fire anything from 2 3/4" to 3 1/2".

Of course I would love to be able to spend less than $1/rd, but if you really think I can get groups like that pic above, I may be able to buy a a few high dollar cartridges to try. Would like to try the factory extra full choke first, but may buy another if absolutely needed.

I did read the whole sticky on shotgun patterns, but it seems every gun shoots different. Hope someone has some suggestions on a few I should try first in this one.

I'll post pics of my pattern testing! Thanks!
 
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Quote:I did read the whole sticky on shotgun patterns, but it seems every gun shoots different.

Exactly why nobody can give you a certain recipe for success. Especially so if you want a 40 - 60 yard pattern with standard factory chokes. If you find such a load, especially so on the first try, then run out and buy a lottory ticket - it is your lucky day. If you read through the sticky you can see there are a lot of good loads available and only patterning them through your gun and chokes will let you know how they will perform for you in that particular rig. The short answer is to buy Federal Premium 3" No. Four Buck, use your modified or full choke, and hopefully you might get a usable 35 - 40 yard pattern.
 
Originally Posted By: GC Quote:I did read the whole sticky on shotgun patterns, but it seems every gun shoots different.

Exactly why nobody can give you a certain recipe for success. Especially so if you want a 40 - 60 yard pattern with standard factory chokes. If you find such a load, especially so on the first try, then run out and buy a lottory ticket - it is your lucky day. If you read through the sticky you can see there are a lot of good loads available and only patterning them through your gun and chokes will let you know how they will perform for you in that particular rig. The short answer is to buy Federal Premium 3" No. Four Buck, use your modified or full choke, and hopefully you might get a usable 35 - 40 yard pattern.


+1

Your group with that load/shotgun are exceptional.

You will spend a lot of money trying to get loads like that. I would not worry about the shotgun, if it fits you, you handle it well, why switch.

I started off with my first yote shotgun being a 30" 870, then went to a 32" Ithaca 10ga auto, then to a 26" Rem 1100 in 3". If you really want a 60 yd shotgun, I would suggest that you buy a Browning Gold ten gauge auto with the screw in chokes.

One of the problems in having a shotgun that patterns well at 60 yards is that at 25 yards the pattern is the size of a coffee cup...I'm talking turkey chokes. The 10ga is the exception because you are slinging a dump truck full of shot at the yote.
 
I picked up a good supply of Estate 2 3/4" 4 Buck (27 .24 pellets @ MV 1325) at Cabela's the other day. There were a couple of boxes(25rds) hidden in with the 00. They had an old price on them. A very helpful youngster in the Gun Dept. found some more in the back and I was able to get them all at the old price.

I haven't had a chance to pattern them with the remchoke tubes in my 1100. I have no expectations of a shotgun pattern that will be something that I would take a shot at a coyote over 40 yards.

These seem like a good load to start with. We will see how they shoot out of various tubes and decide what range will be their limit.

SHOTGUN2.jpg
 
Originally Posted By: GCIf you find such a load, especially so on the first try, then run out and buy a lottory ticket - it is your lucky day. If you read through the sticky you can see there are a lot of good loads available and only patterning them through your gun and chokes will let you know how they will perform for you in that particular rig. The short answer is to buy Federal Premium 3" No. Four Buck, use your modified or full choke, and hopefully you might get a usable 35 - 40 yard pattern.

I figured someone might slap me for even thinking I might find a load that might have a chance over 40 yards. I understand the reasoning (physics) in the impossibility, but tell me how many guys wouldn't try it out to 60. That's why I said 40-60. Thanks for the starting point suggestion GC.

So how's this... Any in this list below to just not bother testing? I might say the most expensive ones, just because I wouldn't want to have to keep buying them. Any really good possibilities I should add to the list of what to try?
coyoteloads.jpg
 
I use a hastings turkey choke, patterns 15" at 40 yards with certain loads and 20" with many loads.

I do load buckshot, and let me tell you, that it takes some serious work and expense to duplicate factory loads. Workiing up buckshot loads becomes a hobby in and of itself.

One of the biggest obsticles in reloading are good quality hulls.

www.ballisticproducts.com is the place for you to inquire about serious buckshot loading components.


There are several shot sizes available to the reloader that are not available to the guy that shoots factory shells, a size smaller than #4 buck is "F" buck which I have had great success with for longer shots.

If you do intend to shoot longer distances, then Practice because I can guarantee you that your shotgun will shoot low and left or right. Buckshot does not have a very flat trajectory.

Ballistic Products also has Heavy Shot.

When patterning, be sure and shoot at least two of each type of load. It is not uncommon for one shot to pattern well, while the next shot will be terrible or vise a versa.

Good luck!
 
Forget all the above-mentioned Winchester loads.
Can't give any advice on the Hevishot Waterfowl loads, since I've never used them, & don't know how they compare to lead in sizings.
I see you've mentioned Remington's Nitro Heavy Magnum #2 Lead. Although it might work well from your Full or X-full choke...at 45 yards or less, for the price shown, I'd pass on it.
Something not on your list is copper-plated BB lead.

In years past, I've had good luck with the copper-plated #2's & the BB's...both were only 2.75" shels...out to 45 yds. or so. And I was shooting them out of a Carlson's [sp] .640 turkey choke. The gun was a Winchester 1300.

However, I just got an 870, & have yet to test any ammo/chokes to see what works for this gun. I've learned not to take things for granted when switching guns.
 
I use premium shells, usually the high cost 'HD' & 'heavy-shot' stuff. I don't think you have try every type available. Just pick a few & test them out. I don't see how the average, especially upper midwest guy is going to go broke shooting them. Shotgunning predators is usually a low round count event. When you do get that shot you want ALL odds in your favor. I like something in "T" but at times deviate some.
 
I have had great success with #4 buckshot in 3" shells out of my Benelli Nova 12 gauge with an x-full extended turkey choke. My longest kill so far has been 53 yards with that combination. It was a little longer than my liking but the coyote was getting nervous and about to ditch into the trees so I let it rip.
 
I forgot to mention, that Federal makes a Copper plated BB in three inch mags in twenty five round boxes, do the research and buy five boxes, they pattern fantastic in every shotgun that I have ever shot them in.

Last year, I saw these shells in a Sportsman's warehouse, twenty five round boxes were in the twenty six dollar range.
 


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