Buck shot spread or group size.

Super-Dave · February 2, 2008, 10:18 AM

I am new to the shotgun world and have a lot of questions.

I know every shotgun groups different ammo differently.

However is there any general rule for how much buckshot should spread?

I have a 20" mossberg 500. If I use buck shot I have heard two different rules.

1) 1" group spread for each yard.

2) 2" group spread for every 5 yards

Over all which general rule is the most accurate?

Thanks for your help and replies.

john1911 · February 2, 2008, 11:07 AM

There's really too many variables to suggest a hard and fast rule. Plated vs. unplated, choke, brand of shell, brand of gun, etc. Really need to buy several different brands and see for yourself.

I'm in the process of acquiring several different types of buckshot to test in my Saiga. When I do my test, I'll try to post results.

rantingredneck · February 2, 2008, 11:10 AM

The pattern board is your friend my friend. The only way to predict what a particular load will do from a particular gun is to pattern it at various ranges. As to what is an ideal spread, some knowledgeable folks have said that all pellets should be able to stay on an 8.5x11 paper at 25 yds. for HD purposes.

Charles S · February 2, 2008, 11:20 AM

The first rule you stated is not a rule but a rule of thumb for a cylinder bore barrel. Approximately one inch of spread for every linear yard of travel, however each gun is its own entity and there are too many variables to consider.

If you really want to know as rantingredneck wrote there is only one way.

You must use a pattern board.

I have shotguns that pattern 00 buck great and others that don't. I have a shotgun that I really prefer 0 in above all other choices because it patters in an even tight pattern.

February 2, 2008, 10:18 AM	#1
Super-Dave Senior Member Join Date: February 1, 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 795	Buck shot spread or group size. I am new to the shotgun world and have a lot of questions. I know every shotgun groups different ammo differently. However is there any general rule for how much buckshot should spread? I have a 20" mossberg 500. If I use buck shot I have heard two different rules. 1) 1" group spread for each yard. 2) 2" group spread for every 5 yards Over all which general rule is the most accurate? Thanks for your help and replies.

February 2, 2008, 11:07 AM	#2
john1911 Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2006 Location: The relatively sane part of IL Posts: 383	There's really too many variables to suggest a hard and fast rule. Plated vs. unplated, choke, brand of shell, brand of gun, etc. Really need to buy several different brands and see for yourself. I'm in the process of acquiring several different types of buckshot to test in my Saiga. When I do my test, I'll try to post results.

February 2, 2008, 11:10 AM	#3
rantingredneck Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 4,728	The pattern board is your friend my friend. The only way to predict what a particular load will do from a particular gun is to pattern it at various ranges. As to what is an ideal spread, some knowledgeable folks have said that all pellets should be able to stay on an 8.5x11 paper at 25 yds. for HD purposes.

February 2, 2008, 11:20 AM	#4
Charles S Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2002 Location: North East Texas Posts: 950	The first rule you stated is not a rule but a rule of thumb for a cylinder bore barrel. Approximately one inch of spread for every linear yard of travel, however each gun is its own entity and there are too many variables to consider. If you really want to know as rantingredneck wrote there is only one way. You must use a pattern board. I have shotguns that pattern 00 buck great and others that don't. I have a shotgun that I really prefer 0 in above all other choices because it patters in an even tight pattern.