I used an unaltered M42, nominally "full", w/measured 0.016 constriction for testing 3" shells at distance.
There is alot of variation in MVs of factory 3" shells, the RP was far and away the fastest I have tested. They also threw the tightest patterns.
I first tested Winchester 3/4 oz #7.5 at 30 yds. They avg about 1110 fps. I was disappointed in this load through mod stamped M-42s at 25 yds, and wanted to see if there was some way to make use of the shells w/a full bbl. Patterns at 30 yds were very nice and uniform. I counted only within the small bird effective circle - 20" in diameter. 58% (152) pellets were within this circle - and density was such that woodcock sized birds would not have a chance.
I then ran the Remingtons through @ 40 yds. I chose 40 yds as these throw relatively tight patterns through modified. Not bad, but the #7.5s were starting to get thin insofar as small birds are concerned. Probably a 35 yd load, and about what I expected. I didn't bother to count holes
The 40 yd patterns with #6 bowled me over. I got an avg of 87 beautifully distributed #6 pellets within a 20" circle at 40 yds. This works out to 56% in 20" at 40 yds.
Rabbit load, methinks.
Last edited by Samuel_Hoggson; 02/23/15 02:54 PM.
