Actually Miller, if you go back and reread, you'll find that "The moving target . . . " quote is one I lifted directly from Brister. His, not mine. That's why I put " " around it.
The difference in column length relative to bore diameter between the 12 and the 28 certainly looks pretty significant to me, even if the length of the two shot columns are quite close. And as I pointed out elsewhere (I think . . . this is getting pretty long!), the difference in bore diameter between the .410 and the 28ga is only about twice what it is between the 28 and the 20. If we go by those measurements . . . then yes, the 28 should indeed perform close to a 20 than to a .410--but not nearly as much closer as it does.
As for the 1 1/4 oz 12ga loads, I did some fairly recent pattern testing on 3 loads, all 1 1/4 oz: 3 1/4 DE, 3 3/4 DE, and I believe the last is max DE (it's a 1500 fps lead load). I'll dig a little and see if I can find my results, but I know how they finished in terms of pattern percentage: In the order I just listed them. The problem these days is finding that old "pigeon load" formula in anything larger than 7 1/2's. In 6's or 5's, it's a great pheasant load.
Found the pattern tests I ran, fall 2008. The 3 loads were Federal Flyer (3 1/4 DE, no longer exists in that format); Winchester Super-X High Brass (3 3/4 DE); and Federal Premium Wing Shok (the 1500 fps load). No cheap "game loads" in the bunch. I did a pellet count on each variety before testing. Test patterns shot at 35 yards (the practical limit of my old backyard testing range). Results: Fed Flyer--91%; Win Super X--86%; Fed 1500 fps--78%. I've achieved similar results in the past when patterning 12ga hunting loads. Too bad all the ammo makers keep pushing more speed on us, because that old pigeon formula has always produced great patterns for me, in several different guns.
Last edited by L. Brown; 01/21/11 07:35 PM.
