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Remember …
The choke of a shotgun determines shot spread only. It has no bearing on shot speed (velocity) or distance (range).
choke:
The degree of narrowing at the muzzle end of the shotgun barrel
shot pattern:
The spread of shot pellets after they hit a non-moving target
load:
The amount of gunpowder in the cartridge or shotshell together with the weight of the bullet or shot charge
Steel Shot
Steel shot is slightly lighter than lead shot of the same size—reducing its velocity and distance (range). Also, steel shot is harder than lead, so the individual pellets stay round, keeping the pattern tighter.
Some hunters use steel shot one or two sizes larger to make up for the difference in weight from lead shot. Others use the same size steel shot or even smaller steel shot to get more shot into their patterns. You should pattern your shotgun with various loads of steel shot before hunting waterfowl with it.
Effective pattern density is the key. Maximum pellet counts spread evenly across a 30-inch circle are best. Full chokes generally produce poor patterns with steel shot.
Safety TIP
Hang fires happen when the firing pin has struck the primer and there is a delay before it fires. This can occur for several reasons, such as a faulty firing pin or spring, a defective primer, or other cartridge-related problems. A misfire is when the primer fails to ignite the powder.
Always treat a “misfire” or a “hang-fire” as if the firearm is going to discharge at any second. Leave the action closed and retain your shooting position. Most importantly, maintain muzzle control in a safe direction at all times. Failure to follow these safe handling practices could result in a tragedy.
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- The choke of a shotgun acts like the nozzle of a garden hose. As the nozzle is tightened, water shoots out in a long, narrow stream, similar to the full choke on a shotgun. As the nozzle is opened, similar to the cylinder choke on a shotgun, water shoots out in a wider spray.
- Your distance from the target determines the choke you need. The choke does not alter the shotgun’s power—it just controls how tight or spread out the shot pattern will be at a specific distance.
The spread effect of the most common chokes is illustrated below.
- The choke controls how much shot will hit in a certain are at different ranges.
Cylinder choke is an unconstricted barrel. The shot pattern spreads quickly.
Improved Cylinder choke has a slight constriction. It allows the shot pattern to spread fairly quickly. This is a good choice for quail, rabbits, and other upland game.
Modified choke has moderate constriction. The shot stays together longer, making the pattern denser and more useful at longer ranges. This choke is used often for dove hunting and is the preferred choke when using steel shot to hunt for ducks or geese. There is also an Improved Modified choke that is slightly tighter than Modified.
Full choke has tight constriction. The shot holds together even longer, so it’s good for squirrels, turkey, and other game shot at 35- to 40-yard ranges. Turkey hunters sometimes use Extra Full or Turkey choke for even denser patterns at long range.
MATCH FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION … CORRECTLY!
With so many kinds of firearms and types of ammunition, it’s not always easy to match the proper ammunition to your firearm correctly—but getting it right is critical. If you match the wrong ammunition to your gun, you can cause an explosion, injuring or possibly killing yourself and any bystanders.
To match the proper ammunition to your rifle, shotgun, or handgun correctly:
- Read the specific caliber or gauge designations on the side of the barrel. Match that designation exactly. For example, if it says “.270 Winchester,” you cannot use “.270 Weatherby.” Shotgun barrels will give the gauge and the length of the chamber (for example, “12 gauge for 2¾ -inch shells” or “20 gauge magnum for 3-inch shells”).
- Carefully read the information on the lid of the ammunition box. With shotgun ammunition, always check both the gauge and the shell length, and whether it’s a magnum load, to ensure it matches the data on the barrel.
- The final step is to match the information on the barrel to the information on the box before you shoot. If in doubt, ask a more experienced shooter or a qualified gunsmith. Some store clerks, although they sell ammunition, may not know the differences in sizes or the type of firearm you shoot.
Safety practices that will help you avoid using the wrong ammunition are:
- Purchase only the correct ammunition for your firearm. Buy the exact caliber or gauge and length of ammunition for which your rifle, handgun, or shotgun was designed. For example, shotshell must be the correct length for the shotgun. The data stamp on the barrel of the shotgun will identify what length shell can be used.
- Carry only the correct ammunition for the firearm you’re using. Never mix ammunition such as carrying a caliber or gauge your companion uses. A common mistake involves putting a 20-gauge shotshell into a 12-gauge shotgun. The smaller gauge shell will slide through the 12-gauge chamber and partly down the barrel, causing an obstruction. The shooter, especially when excited by the presence of game, then might insert a 12-gauge shotgun shell behind the 20-gauge shell.
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