So let's look at 50 yards...
The TSS #2 put 37 in the 10”, 71 on the backer. The TSS #4 put 32 in the 10” and 108 on the backer. Again, with the #2's putting more in the 10”, I think the #4's are wanting a different choke. But, still, pretty dang good!
Nothing else I've patterned at 50 yards has come anywhere close to that kind of hit density in the 10”.
That, is some seriously good 50 yard patterning! This TSS is looking awfully good, so far. So, let's look at 60 yards, why not, eh?
I only took one shot at 60 with the TSS, using the #2's. I also shot 3” Dead Coyote T and 3”, 1-3/4 oz of nickel plated F at 60. Here all all three patterns.
As you can see in the pictures, TSS #2 was the 60 yard pattern champ by a mile. Putting a whopping 25 pellets in the 10” circle, at 60 yards. And still, 72 hits on the two foot backer – that's as many pellets as are in my Hev-shot BB 1-1/2 oz load. But TSS #2 penetrates WAY better than HS BB.
So... 70 yards was never a goal for me here, just not even part of the plan. But, after looking at the 60 yard patter from TSS #2 for awhile, I couldn't help but wonder, could it actually hold a coyote killing pattern still at 70 yards? It sure looked like it might. So, a week later, I went back out and took one pattern shot at 70 yards, using TSS #2.
Here's the setup. 70 yards is a loooong way out there, for a shotgun.
And here is the pattern. At 70. Freaking. Yards.
That 70 yard pattern, is nothing short of astonishing to me. That would be a dang fine looking 40 yard pattern for most coyote loads in most guns. We'll get to penetration in just a moment, but suffice to say, all indications are that TSS #2 is going to penetrate better than anything else I've ever used for coyote. At this point, I believe it will have sufficient penetration at 70 for good coyote killing performance, though, only field experience will truly tell that tale. But that pattern right there, at 70 yards, sure looks to me like a facing or broadside coyote is going to hit the dirt and not get back up.
For myself, this is redefining what I think of as “possible” with a shotgun for coyote.
More to come...
- DAA
