On a dead straightaway shot or a stationary target, the pattern board will tell you everything you need to know. Just like the writers who would show pictures of patterns with clay targets or bird outlines drawn in the empty spaces in the patterns.
A clay target or bird passing sideways through the shot swarm, is actually larger than its outline because it is in motion, so its occupying (?) more space in the shot swarm than a stationary target. Even if there are holes in the pattern, the target can't just fly through the holes. Tim
AFAIC the "holes" in patterns don't exist at all for the reason stated above. That applies to "straights" as well since the target is not likely to be on a true parallel path to the swarm on any plane - particularly the vertical. There is no "hole" for the target to fly in in 3 dimensions in a dynamic situation. But it is a traditional excuse that has some real use level so it cannot be discredited. Alternate facts have a long and illustrious history.
And I have personally observed a number of people smoking 100 consecutive targets. What tw says is a simple fact and I'd bet vital body parts that single pellet breaks could be auctioned for $millions based on rarity.
the book is available on Amazon if you feel like popping $55 to read it
