On walkabout it always seemed that I could follow flushed grouse for quite a distance when I did not have a gun. Slow learner that I am, it only recently occurred to me that I could make these shots if I simply exercised patience. I no longer bother emptying the gun on low-probability, rushed, mis-mounted shots. Often enough the bird reemerges at distance. I also get almost half of my woodcock on the descent (a reason to take teal targets on the way down in practice). I want an acceptable 2nd barrel pattern density out to 35 yds. Depending on ammo this usually means something like mod or imod.
Cylinder patterns with 12 ga 1 1/8 oz traploads are popular for obvious reasons. But I have repeatedly tested small payloads (less than 7/8 oz) through cylinder chokes (28s, .410s, 20s). I cannot understand how this can be considered a great combination. Even at 21 yds, and with #8s, there are way too many dixie cup (WC) and soda can lid (grouse) sized holes. Maybe the B&P 28 ga load works fine here - I have not tried it.
Sam
