Mossberg 835 patterning help

[Washing Lures]

New to turkey hunting. Trying to pattern my 835 3.5". I have tried the factory full and extra full which measure 0.70"and 0.69" with Winchester 3.5" 5 shot high velocity (1300 fps). Only having about 5 pellets in the vertabre and skull at 50 yards not much difference between the chokes. ( not planning on shooting past 50 yds). Went and bought another choke tube that is 0.68" and have same results. Going to try another brand of shells. Wondering if anyone here uses a 835 ulti-mag for turkey? Not sure if I need a 0.67" choke. Thanks in advance for the help. I should add that I am getting between 45-50 pellets in a 12" circle at 50 yds.

[Borch]

Fifty yards is really getting out there and is at the edge of the range most would consider a shot at due to pattern and pellet energy, (especially with lead shot). Check out the patterning thread pinned to the top here for some more info.

With the newer heavier loads, (Hevishot-Hevi13, Federal - Heavy Weight and Winchester Extended Range) you can stretch it out a little more depending on pattern. But stretching it out has a down side. It make closer shots much more difficult as the pattern is very tight inside 20 yards.

Patterning can be a pretty expensive endeavor with trying different choke/ammo combos. I try to find a good option out to 40+ plus and live with it. Most of my turkeys have been shot inside of 25 yards and I prefer a 20-35 yard shot when I can get it.

Good Luck!

[mwal]

I think Borsch advice is spot on. I have had an 835 since the year they came out with the NWTF model. with lead shot I don't think any choke tube would improve your pattern more than what your getting. I limit my shots to 30 yards not because the gun can't hit farther than that but at that range I know for sure the retained energy of the pellets will penetrate the vertebrae and skull for a lethal hit and may even damage the wing bones on a poor hit. You only have to help a friend try to track one hit at 40 yards and loose it and to see the remorse he felt after all the scouting and time he put in. I watched the shot thru bino's I saw the head whip back and the bird roll over then run then fly as he emptied the gun at it. His pattern was dense enough according to the target paper at 40 yards but paper is stationary and not covered in feather n flesh. plus there is a shot string. If I were you it sounds like the 835 is patterning well. Work on the skills to get the bird in for a sure kill don't worry about maximum what if scenario's as they are not always a wise shot and depend on some luck like a pellet entering thru the eye socket. My 835 has served me well as a rugged dependable turkey gun.

I shot my 1st turkey in 1988 when it was a new sport in MN and you had to attend classes at Fort Snelling as they were worried we would never see or call one as there was not very much info available about turkey hunting. Now turkey are common and we are finally able to start to get over the counter tags which was a pipe dream in 1988.

Mwal

[Hoyt4]

I use 835 with Winchester supreme 3.5 #4's and use a tru glo choke and have great luck with that combo. I pattern my gun in at 40yds and have good luck with that.

[Washing Lures]

Thanks for the info. Hoyt do you know what the diameter is of the tru glo choke? Like I said not looking at taking 50 yd shots just would like to see a tighter pattern. Does anyone see a pattern difference between high velocity rounds and standard rounds?

[mwal]

For patterning I have had the best patterns with lead shot using Federal copper plated buffered 4 or 6 shot. When you push the speed you have to be willing to find the right ammo and choke tube and each gun/choke is different. The only way to find out is to spend money on tubes and different loads unfortunately just like If you hand load for a rifle it may give great accuracy in your rifle but my exact same brand rifle does not pattern them at all. My 835 patterns the standard lead full with my shells My sons 835 uses the extra full and Winchester shells his did not pattern my Federal premiums as well as mine. 20years apart in manufacture dates but still the same model. I also have patterned my benelli M-2 20 ga with Remington #6 hevi shot loads and carry it if i have a long hike. It has a scary tight pattern almost rifle like I hope to not shoot less than 30 yards with it.

Mwal

[Archerysniper]

Try some federals with the flight control wad,I shoot the 3.5" 5's and they are good way out their. That wad design put another 10 yards onto my range.

[Hoyt4]

WL

I will have to check what my diameter my choke is. It's been so long since I have used this I forgot what that is. I will check.

3.5 # 4's work the best for me. Then 3inch #5's are the next that pattern best out of my gun.

[Wallydog]

I shoot a Kick's .675 thru my 835 with Win Supreme 1 3/4 oz #6 and it patterns like a champ.

WD